Bouillé-Courdault is located in the Vendée, in the Marais Poitevin. Wet marshland, known as the “marais mouillé,” stretches across the southern part of the commune. If you are planning a stay, you will find different ways to explore the landscape here: short circular loops, a longer route along the canal and historic points of interest. This lets you plan your outing according to your preferred distance and interests.
Choose a walking trail by distance
The “Le Grand Marais” circular trail is an easy, 7 km PR walking route that starts and ends in Bouillé-Courdault. It can be divided into two loops. The 3.2 km loop starts at the Bouillé recreation area, while the 3.8 km loop starts at Port de Courdault. There is a 0.6 km difference between the two distances—a practical distinction if you prefer a shorter or slightly longer circular walk.
Another route option is the 13 km “Sentier des Nattes.” It starts at Port de Courdault and follows the canal towpath into the marsh. Alongside the two Grand Marais loops, this offers a considerably longer route with a different course. The Grand Marais has a seasonal restriction: during high water in autumn and winter, the trail may be flooded. Check current trail conditions before setting out.
Marshland and Port de Courdault
The southern part of Bouillé-Courdault consists of wet marshland. Port de Courdault lies at the end of the Vieille Autise Canal, making it one of the distinctive landmarks in the local landscape. The area around the port is designated a “site classé.” This designation applies to the area around the port, not to the entire commune.
The port was built in 1841 and was historically an important place for exchange between the plain and the marshland. The history of the area can therefore be understood not only through its trails, but also through the port’s former significance. If you use the port as a landmark, you can also start one of the two shorter Grand Marais loops there; the 13 km Sentier des Nattes also starts at the port, but follows the canal towpath into the marsh.
History and annual events
Another trace of the past is the Courdault Priory. It was founded in 1063 by Airaud and his wife, who entrusted it to the monks of Saint-Cyprien de Poitiers. This medieval history complements the later development of Port de Courdault: the two places represent different chapters in the area’s past, from the priory to the exchange between the plain and the marshland.
The events calendar is another useful consideration when planning a stay. Festi Bouillé-Courdault hosts sporting and cultural events every year. If you would like to plan your trip around Festi, check the dates for that year’s edition before scheduling your days.
Getting there and taking a break
Bouillé-Courdault is easily accessible via the A83 motorway and the Oulmes exit. For a break away from route planning, the Fontaine de Courdault is a picnic and rest area. Together with the range of trail lengths, the historic port and the annual events, this gives the area a character that embraces both landscape and culture. When choosing where to stay, you can weigh up whether the wet marshland, the walking trails, local history or the events programme is most important to you.
Discover more destinations: Soullans, Beauvoir-Sur-Mer, Maillé, L'île-D'elle, Le Poiré-Sur-Vie, Moreilles, Treize-Septiers, Curzon.
For the broader travel overview: Vendée.
