Bouillé-Courdault: Trails and history in the Marais Poitevin

Bouillé-Courdault is in the Marais Poitevin in the Vendée. Two aspects of the town can help guide your choice of stay: the trails vary in length and route, while the landscape and history appeal to other interests. If you are looking for a hotel, you can factor in your preferred walking route and how important local history is to your trip planning. This will help you tailor your stay to whether you want to focus on a shorter loop, a longer trail or the area's historical development.

Marshland in the Marais Poitevin

The southern part of the municipality consists of wet marshland, known as the “marais mouillé”. This term refers to a specific landscape within Bouillé-Courdault; at the same time, the municipality as a whole is in the Marais Poitevin. These are two different geographical scales: the municipality's position in the wider landscape and the wet marshland in its southern part.

Comparing circular routes and walks

The “Le Grand Marais” route is an easy, seven-kilometre walking trail (PR) that starts and ends in Bouillé-Courdault. It can be divided into two loops: a 3.2-kilometre loop starting at the Bouillé recreation area and a 3.8-kilometre loop starting at Port de Courdault. Together, they cover seven kilometres. The distances and different starting points help you choose between the full route and the two shorter loops.

During high water in autumn and winter, “Le Grand Marais” may be flooded. If you plan to take this route, check current trail conditions before your visit, especially during these seasons. The stated distance can serve as a basis for planning, but it does not replace checking the conditions on site at the time.

Another option is the 13-kilometre “Sentier des Nattes”. It starts at Port de Courdault and follows the canal towpath into the marsh. At six kilometres longer than “Le Grand Marais” in its full length, it offers a straightforward comparison. You can therefore start by choosing between the routes based on distance and the described terrain: one is a circular route with two shorter loops, while the other leads from the port along the canal towpath into the marsh.

Port and priory: local history

Port de Courdault is located at the end of the Vieille Autise Canal and was built in 1841. Historically, it was an important place for exchange between the plain and the marshland. Its year of construction, location on the canal and former role offer different historical points of reference to consider when learning about local history. The area around the port is designated a “site classé”; this status applies to the area surrounding the port.

Another historical trace leads to the Priory of Courdault. Airaud and his wife founded it in 1063. The priory was given to the monks of Saint-Cyprien de Poitiers. This means that the documented history of the area goes back much further than the port's construction. The port and priory represent different chapters in Bouillé-Courdault's history; their dates help place them in context.

Breaks, events and getting there

Fontaine de Courdault is a picnic and rest area, providing a named place to take a break during your stay. Festi Bouillé-Courdault holds sports and cultural events every year. If a particular event matters for your travel dates, check the programme and dates for the relevant year.

Bouillé-Courdault is easily accessible via the A83 motorway and the Oulmes exit. When choosing your accommodation, you can combine this travel information with the interests shaping your stay: one of the walking routes described, the marshland, the history of the port or an annual event. The route distances provide a concrete basis for comparison, while the historic sites draw attention to other aspects of the municipality.

Discover more destinations: Les Essarts, Les Landes-Genusson, Saint-Laurent-Sur-Sèvre, Le Boupère, Bouin, Saint-Germain-l'Aiguiller, Le Tablier, Palluau

View the wider travel guide: Vendée.