Discover Saint-Hilaire-La-Palud by boat, canoe and bike

There are different ways to discover Saint-Hilaire-La-Palud: you can explore the Venise Verte by traditional boat, canoe or kayak, on foot, and by bicycle. The area also provides access to more than 100 kilometres of navigable waterways; navigation conditions can vary seasonally. To help plan your visit, it is useful to choose a focus first: an outing on the water, a bike ride, an ornithological walk or an event date. These options differ in how you get around and what brings you there, giving your stay a range of themes.

Boat trips and waterways

A recurring event is the 24 Heures de la Barque, organised by the Conches & Rigoles association since 1985. It takes place on the last weekend of July; the exact dates can vary from year to year. Teams take turns day and night in traditional boats from the Marais, following a circuit of more than two kilometres. This is a different experience from a single boat trip: the focus here is on teams, a set circuit and the event’s long duration. If you would like to tie your trip in with this event, check the dates for the relevant year.

For your own water activities, the Base Nautique du Lidon provides free access to a practice basin and the Marais Sauvage for canoes and kayaks. Check the access conditions before your visit. The Port de Montfaucon offers guided or unguided boat trips through the Marais Poitevin, canoe trips and bicycle hire. Availability and booking conditions may change; check these before you travel. This makes it easy to choose between free access to the areas mentioned and a guided or unguided outing.

Ornithology on foot and by bike

At the Parc ornithologique, the programme includes an educational ornithological walk with discovery materials and learning games. This is a walking route where materials and games introduce visitors to birdlife. Check the park’s current opening arrangements before your visit.

If you want to get around by bicycle, you can follow the “St-Hilaire-la-Palud/Arçais – Le Marais poitevin à bicyclette” route. It starts at the town hall square in Saint-Hilaire-La-Palud. This specific starting point provides a clear basis for planning, without assuming a journey time or route length. Unlike the water-based activities, this option centres on a named cycling route with a set starting point; the Parc ornithologique, meanwhile, combines a walk with educational materials on ornithology.

For timing purposes, two questions should be considered separately: the 24 Heures de la Barque takes place on the last weekend of July, while boating, canoeing, walking and cycling are different activity options. If you are looking for a hotel, you can first plan your travel dates around a possible visit to the event, or make your preferred way of getting around the main focus. Check the access, opening and availability conditions stated for each activity before finalising your plans.

Discover more destinations: Les Groseillers, Sainte-Gemme, La Chapelle-Thireuil, Pamproux, Paizay-Le-Chapt, Le Tallud, Xaintray, Germond-Rouvre

For the broader travel overview: Deux-Sèvres.