Coulon, located at the heart of the wet marshes of the Marais Poitevin and set so prettily beside the Sèvre Niortaise River, can offer cyclists on La Vélo Francette all the amenities they need. After crossing through the marshes, you rejoin the Sèvre Niortaise after Irleau. Approaching Damvix, the canalised river takes a straighter line, as though in a rush to join the ocean.
Gradients and elevation
Slope breakdown
Road types
- Cycle path
- Routes reserved for cyclists and pedestrians (greenways, cycle tracks, towpaths), separated from cars for maximum safety.
- Shared road
- Quiet minor roads with little traffic (unless otherwise stated in the stage details). Shared with cars (stay alert).
- Not specified
- Data unavailable or being assessed. Please refer to the detailed stage description.
- Provisional
- Section on a road or cycle path awaiting better-quality facilities (see stage details).
Surface
- Smooth
- Asphalt, tarmac or smooth concrete. Optimal comfort.
- Rough
- Fine gravel, compacted stabilised surface or worn tarmac. Less comfortable, vibrations possible.
- Natural
- Dirt, grass, roots or stones. Under 5%: short sections with little impact. Higher percentage: route suited to mountain or gravel bikes only.
- Not specified
- Data unavailable or being assessed. Please refer to the detailed stage description.
The route
Signposts indicate La Vélo Francette. Much of the stage is along towpaths, with some stretches on roads shared with motorised traffic. The last part between Le Vanneau and Damvix is all by road shared with motorised traffic. Alongside the waterways, you’ll find many little bridges by which to cross the canals.
Tourist Offices
- Niort Marais Poitevin-Vallée de la Sèvre Niortaise Tourist Office
- Niort Marais Poitevin-Vallée de la Sèvre Niortaise Tourist Office (Coulon branch)
Buses
Line T : Niort > Magné > Coulon
http://mobilite79.fr/
Don’t miss
Coulon: a village in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional du Marais Poitevin, designated a Grand Site de France thanks to its exceptional environment; the Maison du Marais Poitevin visitor centre, presenting the way the marshes were tamed by man and set in the last medieval manor still standing in the village; Holy Trinity Church; the port, offering all manner of outings on the waters.
Magné: the metal drawbridge; the church of Ste-Catherine; the chapel of Ste-Macrine; the Espace Culturel du Four Pontet (a cultural centre)
Damvix: landing stages from which you can get out on the waters by punt or in a canoe; Le Collibert, a boat offering cruises, including dining cruises; the church of Saint-Guy
Sansais-La Garette: the village of La Garette surrounded by waterways; the restaurant-cum-bar; the îlot du Chail campsite; boat and cycle hire
