Coulée verte de Niort à Coulon, Riverside trail between Niort and Coulon, France
The Coulée verte de Niort à Coulon is a riverside path along the Sèvre Niortaise that connects two towns through alternating forests, meadows, and wetland areas. The terrain shifts between these different landscapes, offering varied scenery throughout the journey.
The path traces ancient towpaths where workers once pulled boats upstream to move goods between regional markets centuries ago. These historic trade routes still form the foundation of the trail today.
The route passes by traditional water mills and preserved farm buildings that show how people lived and worked in the Marais Poitevin region. Walking here, you see the daily rhythms of the countryside reflected in these old structures.
The surface alternates between smooth sections and compacted sand paths, so it works well for both walkers and cyclists. Spring through autumn offers the best conditions for visiting and enjoying the trail.
At Port Lateau, visitors can cross the river using a manual chain ferry, a traditional crossing method that has operated the same way for generations. This hands-on experience shows how people moved across the water long ago.
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