I often write about the beautiful region of Green Venice to the south of the Vendée, so this week I thought I’d visit a region not well known to me, namely the Marais Breton. Testament to that area’s once all important salt farming industry, this delightful labyrinth of canals and rivers is now home to diverse wild life and enchanting, historical memories.

The Marais Breton is a vast area in the north east of the region and like the Marais Poitevin (its sister marsh in the south), it’s had its share or Romans, Benedictine monks, Vikings and Normans  shaping its contours over the centuries but now represents a brilliantly preserved ecology.

Mucking around in the Marshes, discover these two treats in Sallertaine...

1. Ile Aux Artisans

More or less in the heart of the region is the pretty town of Sallertaine and this is where I ended up. Once an island, in what was a silty bay, this town is home to white washed buildings and a vibrant community of artisans who come together under the umbrella of Ile Aux Artisans. If arts and crafts is your thing, then this represents paradise for you with this combination or artists, jewelry makers, woodworkers, textile production and more. And throughout the summer, they host 4 spectacular night time events which combine music, street theatre, shows and an opportunity to enjoy the artisans' work.
2018 Summer Schedule

2. La Route du Sel

Another compelling reason to visit this charming little town is an opportunity to explore the ancient salt marshes by way of canoe. There are lots of different canoe trips (or walks) available for exploring this area from family outings to BBQ events, but the two that really caught my eye were the sunrise canoe and the night canoe. It’s hard to resist the magical tranquility of slipping quietly through these waters as the sun slowly drives away the mist or canoeing in the dusk past the XIIth century remains of the L'abbaye Notre-Dame de l'Île-Chauvet and enjoying a candlelit dinner. You can find more info on misc. canoe tours (including evening tours) here.

There are lots of other reasons to visit this little corner of the Vendée, which include the 12th century Romanesque church at Sallertaine, Le Moulin de Rairé-the longest operating windmill in France, or a trip down to the beautiful Atlantic coast, where I’d always recommend a quayside lunch in St.Gilles.

We’d love to hear from anyone who has already enjoyed any of the above or perhaps you can recommend your own secret delight that you’ve discovered in the region. Do send us an email!

Blog post submitted June 16, 2014 by Lucy Pitts.
Updated by admin August 2018.

Thank you for the use of the following images:

Main image by Les Meloures credits
Moulin de de Rairé by Michael G. credits

Le Marais Breton by Gilles Guillamot credits
Bois-de-Cene by Selbymay credits