Shore Excursion from La Rochelle to Green Venice FD private

Join our La Rochelle shore tour for an extraordinary day. Explore the mysterious Poitevin Marais by boat, then enjoy local wine tasting in a carefully selected winery, a perfect blend of adventure and indulgence, crafting unforgettable memories. 

• Visit the Green Venice National Park
• Small Group Boat Ride in the wetlands
• Take part in a Wine Tasting Session in a local Winery
• Local Tour Guide, Expert of the Region

Embark on a vibrant Shore Excursion from La Rochelle Port of Call and visit the mysterious Poitevin Marsh on board a flat bottomed boat! 

Departing from La Rochelle Cruise Port, this Atlantic Coast half day private shore excursion will take you to the fascinating Natural Park of the 'Marais Poitevin' located in the Charente Maritime district.

Pick up at your Cruise Ship in La Rochelle

First, we will come and pick you up at your ship in La Rochelle Cruise Port. Meet your English speaking driver guide who will go over the itinerary and program of the day with you. Then, board your air conditioned vehicle and depart for the Marais Poitevin located in the Charente region.

Reach the Marais Poitevin & embark on a relaxing boat trip

The second largest wet marsh zone of France is on your program today. The Poitou Charente Marsh land, also known as the Green Venice (Venise Verte), was born by the forces of nature and is the combination of land and water associated to the hard work of man. The Dutch were the ones who drained most of the area in the 17th century, constructing rigoles that are tiny canals banked with poplars. The marsh is irrigated thanks to the Sèvre Niortaise, Vendée as well as smaller rivers.

Arrive in Coulon, a small traditional village of the Pays de la Loire, where you will board a flat bottomed boat to visit this unique area of France. Listen to the tales & legends of the area distilled by your guide who uses a "pigouille" (punt) to maneuver the embarkation.

As you slowly ride through an endless maze of green pools and streams, admire the wild irises, ruined churches, hidden marshes and golden orioles. A highlight of the tour will certainly be when your captain sets the water on fire! After the boat ride, enjoy some free time in the village of Coulon for a bit of shopping or why not visit the 'maison du marais poitevin' to get more information on the area?

Take part in a Wine Tasting Session in a local Winery

The Romans where the first to cultivate vines in this area of France. From the winery, one has a fantastic view on the Poitou Marsh that used to be covered by the sea. The family has been wine makers since the 1890's and today it is the 4th generation that tends to the vineyard.

The vines are planted on clay and limestone soils and the typical temperate oceanic climate are perfect for making a high quality wine. The wines produced here include reds that are generous, elegant and fruity.

The whites resemble the Loire Valley wines with freshness and fruit. All the wines produced at the property are blended with different grape varieties. We will stay around 1 hour for a tasting session of the different wines produced.

After the wine tasting session, it will be time to return to your Cruise ship in La Rochelle and it will be the end of our services.

• Marais poitevin, Les Loges, Damvix, France
• Maison du Marais Poitevin, Place de la Coutume, Coulon, France
• Coulon, Place de l'Église, Coulon, France

Ophorus requires full payment to guarantee your booking. In case of registration one month or less before shore excursion date, payment is expected immediately. We accept payment by credit cards (Visa, Master card, American Express), There is no charge or service fee for processing credit card payments but booking process does incur a booking fee. For any cancellation, the following fees will be deducted from the refund: 

Up to 48 hours prior to departure (Paris Time Zone) > no cancellation fees except the booking fees 

48 hours prior to departure and less > no refund 

No refund will be made in case the boat is unable to dock in the port of Call.

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. All private shore excursions departing from Bordeaux must specify local port of call: “Bordeaux city port of call” or “Bassens port of call“ or “Le Verdon port of call”. No insurance for cancellation or assistance is included in the prices mentioned for private shore excursions. 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 are 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. 

 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.