Maillezais: Discover the Abbey and the Marais Poitevin

Maillezais lies at the edge of the Marais Poitevin; to the west, the marshland comes particularly close to the town centre. Several themes come together here to help you plan your trip: the long history of the Abbaye de Maillezais, paths through different types of landscape, and explorations on the water. When looking for a hotel, you can choose where to stay according to which of these themes you want to shape your trip. Cultural history, a village walk, or the marshland each offer a different reason to get to know Maillezais better.

The Abbey and Local History

The Abbaye de Maillezais has a history spanning more than 1,000 years. It was a Benedictine abbey, a diocese, and a Protestant stronghold. These three roles show that the abbey’s history cannot be reduced to its function as a monastery; the diocese and Protestant stronghold are equally part of its historical profile.

Another landmark in the town’s history is the Église Saint-Nicolas. It was classified as a historical monument on 31 December 1840. Thus, alongside the abbey’s long history, there is also the church and its precisely dated classification status.

During the summer season, the Abbaye de Maillezais offers guided tours, performances, and musical events. If you are planning your trip around one of these activities, check the dates in advance: the seasonal programme may change.

The Marais Poitevin and Exploring on the Water

The transition between the town and the marshland is especially distinctive in the west of Maillezais. The Embarcadère de l’Abbaye is located at the Grand Port de Maillezais, directly at the foot of the Abbaye de Maillezais and within the classified area of the Marais poitevin.

At the Embarcadère, visitors can explore the Marais Poitevin by boat or canoe, with a boatman or on their own. This offers a different perspective on the marshland from the paths that lead through the landscape on foot. When choosing an outing, you can therefore decide between exploring on the water and taking the walking routes described here.

Walking Routes Through the Village and Marshland

The Les Levées walking route starts at Maillezais church square. It passes through the Marais Poitevin’s two main landscape areas—the wet marsh and the drained marsh—goes past the Aqueduc de Maillé, and continues to just in front of the Abbaye Saint Pierre de Maillezais. The route is marked in yellow and runs clockwise. There is parking and a toilet at the starting point on the church square.

The Sentier de Pierre et d’Eau follows a different route: this cultural trail runs through the streets of Maillezais, is 2 km long, and is designed as an exploration lasting about an hour. Along the way, 11 information panels provide details about the trail; markings on the ground indicate the route. The trail is accessible to everyone.

The main difference when choosing a route is its focus: Les Levées takes you through the two marshland areas and past named landmarks, while the Sentier de Pierre et d’Eau offers an exploration of the village streets lasting about an hour. You can choose the landscape route or the cultural trail according to which one better suits your interests in Maillezais. Details of the Sentier de Pierre et d’Eau may be updated; check the latest information before setting out.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: L'île-D'elle, La Chaize-Giraud, Landeronde, L'aiguillon-Sur-Mer, Coëx, Chambretaud, Saint-Révérend, Saint-Georges-De-Montaigu

For the main travel overview: Vendée.