From La Rochelle to Green Venice Private Shore Excursion
Description Summary
Highlights
- ✓Visit the Green Venice National Park
- ✓Small Group Boat Ride in the wetlands
- ✓Local Food & Wine tasting in a charming village
- ✓Local Tour Guide, Expert of the Region
Description
Embark on a thrilling private shore excursion from La Rochelle to the enchanting Green Venice National Park, where you’ll discover spectacular wetlands and serene canals. Enjoy a scenic small-group boat ride, weave through lush landscapes, and immerse yourself in local culture, all while guided by an expert who knows the region inside out.
You’ll have the opportunity to taste exquisite local wines & delicacies. With a maximum of 8 people in your group, this personalized experience lets you explore at your leisure, creating unforgettable memories along the way. Get ready to delve into this hidden gem!
Private Shore Excursion to Green Venice from La Rochelle
Embark on a private shore excursion from La Rochelle to the enchanting Green Venice National Park, a peaceful maze of wetlands and canals tucked away in the French countryside. This full-day adventure is designed for cruise guests who want to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature, culture, and local flavors.
Small-Group Boat Ride Through Wetlands and Canals
Step into a world of spectacular wetlands and serene canals on a small-group boat ride, gliding quietly through lush greenery and mirror-like waterways. Your local expert guide reveals hidden corners, explains the unique flora and fauna, and helps you appreciate why Green Venice is such a special, protected landscape.
Intimate Experience with Personalized Attention
With a maximum of eight participants, this tour remains relaxed and intimate, giving you plenty of time to ask questions and enjoy the scenery at your own pace. The personalized attention from your guide ensures that you explore at leisure, take the photos you want, and create unforgettable memories in this calm, natural setting.
Tasting Local Specialties in Coulon
As part of your journey, you’ll pause in Coulon, the capital of Green Venice, for a tasting of local specialties in a dedicated regional products shop. Instead of a formal wine tasting, you sample artisan foods and delicacies that showcase the area’s terroir—such as cheeses, pâtés, sweets, and other traditional recipes—often accompanied by carefully chosen local drinks.
Comfortable Transport and Practical Information
Travel in air-conditioned transportation from your cruise ship to Green Venice and back, so your comfort is prioritized throughout the trip. Entrance fees to any monuments or optional sites are not included, and you’ll want to wear comfortable walking shoes to explore towpaths, village streets, and natural viewpoints around the marshland.
Ideal Shore Excursion for Nature and Culture Lovers
This shore excursion is perfect for nature and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a peaceful alternative to busy city tours. By combining immersive landscapes, local culture, and regional gastronomy, the experience reveals the rich diversity of Green Venice and offers a truly exceptional day out from La Rochelle.
Included / Excluded
- ✓Small group option – maximum 8 people per group
- ✓Transportation in A/C vehicle
- ✓Boat ride in the marshlands
- ✓Tasting of local specialties in Coulon
- ✗Meals, drinks unless mentioned in program
- ✗Personal travel insurance & expenses
- ✗Gratuities for the driver/guide
Itinerary
Green Venice Marshland Private Shore Excursion from La Rochelle
- 1
La Rochelle Cruise Terminal – Private Shore Excursion Departure
Meet your English-speaking driver-guide at the La Rochelle cruise terminal and travel by private vehicle toward the Marais Poitevin. The journey leads from the Atlantic coast into the tranquil waterways and rural landscapes of western France.
- 2
Marais Poitevin – Traditional Flat-Bottomed Boat Experience
Enjoy a boat experience along the peaceful canals of the Green Venice. Glide through a quiet maze of waterways beneath overhanging trees and beside lush vegetation, discovering the serene natural character of the Marais Poitevin from the water.
- 3
Coulon – Traditional Canal Village
Explore Coulon, a picturesque village at the heart of the Marais Poitevin. Traditional flat-bottomed boats rest beside canals bordered by flowers and village houses, offering a vivid glimpse of local life in this historic waterway landscape. Enjoy a food & wine tasting session.
- 4
La Rochelle Cruise Terminal – Return to Your Ship
Return by private vehicle to the La Rochelle cruise terminal after exploring Coulon and the Marais Poitevin.
Start / End Locations
Commentary
Audio • Language: en
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- This is a private shore excursion from La Rochelle.
- The excursion visits the Marais Poitevin, known as Green Venice.
- The itinerary includes a boat experience through the marshland.
- The tour combines countryside scenery, waterways and local heritage.
- The visit is designed around your cruise ship’s port call.
Know Before You Go
- Meet your driver-guide at the La Rochelle cruise ship terminal.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking around the marsh villages.
- Bring a light waterproof layer for changing weather conditions.
- Dress in layers for comfort during the drive and boat experience.
- Follow your guide’s instructions when boarding and leaving the boat.
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 48 hours
Cancellation Notes: Up to 48 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 48 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
Options and Pricing
| 2 participants minimum - Total price | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | €1,640.00 | €1,478.00 |
| 3 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | €555.00 | €503.00 |
| 4 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | €425.00 | €384.00 |
| 5 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | €345.00 | €314.00 |
| 6 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | €295.00 | €266.00 |
| 7 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | €255.00 | €233.00 |
| 8 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | €230.00 | €207.00 |
Terms and Conditions
Refund Policy: You must notify us at least 48 hours in advance if your ship cannot dock (due to weather or port changes) to qualify for a refund.
All our terms and conditions can be found here: https://www.ophorus.com/terms-sales
All private shore excursions must clearly specify the name of the ship and the local port of call. Ophorus will not be held responsible if the wrong port of call has been notified during reservation process. Each customer has to check that he or she has the appropriate documents for their journey; a passport (with visa if necessary) or a valid ID card.
No refund will be granted in case of lack or loss of ID documents. Eating, drinking and smoking on board the minivans is strictly forbidden (law of September, 17th, 1977). All passengers are insured during the excursions while in the vans. The responsibility of Ophorus is limited to our insurance contract clauses.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Additional Information
If you want to share your tour with others, you can put it on Cruise Critic. Most of the time this gives good results. You must do this yourself as we are not accepted on their site as a professional business. We accept split payment transactions by credit card.
This private La Rochelle shore excursion is ideal for cruise passengers, private groups, and travellers who enjoy scenic landscapes, quiet waterways, and authentic regional heritage. It is particularly well suited to guests seeking a relaxed way to discover the Marais Poitevin, known as Green Venice, through a combination of private vehicle travel and a boat experience in its peaceful marshland setting.
Voucher Information
Please note: This tour is timed to your ship’s schedule. Your guide will meet you just outside the cruise terminal after disembarkation holding a sign with your name. In case of any last‑minute changes by the cruise line, please check your ship’s daily program and contact us as soon as possible so we can adjust timings accordingly.
Group Information
We can handle any group size (from 8 people) ranging from small groups to larger groups. Transportation options include private vehicles, mini-vans, mini-buses and large buses.
Just get in touch to find out more! Contact us by email: groups@ophorus.com (groups from 8 people)
For groups of 2-8 people please fill out this form: https://ophorus.com/contact-us