Voir les disponibilités 
Originally from Charente, Sylvie and Didier, who have always loved their region, together took the plunge into a career change to take over Le Lidon campsite, in the heart of the Marais Poitevin, after a career in wine and spirits for Sylvie and quality control for Didier. Long-time connoisseurs of this vast region they cherish so much, they tell us about its secret spots and their favorites.
Tell us about your region? What do you particularly love about this place?
We are fortunate to be in the classified site of the Marais Poitevin, in the heart of the Green Venice, and to be able to travel from Deux-Sèvres to Vendée and Charente-Maritime in just a few moments. It’s wonderful. The Marais Poitevin is a destination in itself, almost a region that blurs boundaries. However, we find that it is still largely unknown to our visitors. Our wish is to highlight its lesser-known corners. It is the second largest wetland in France after the Camargue, a territory of great ecological richness that hosts significant biodiversity. People think the marsh is just about the wet marsh, but it has many facets. The Sèvre Niortaise estuary and its meanders are an absolutely fabulous place for ornithologists. The marsh is not just a house with red or blue shutters at the foot of which lies a canal covered with duckweed; it is a territory shaped by humans over time, rich in very diverse landscapes.
As ambassadors of the region and natives, what is the first thing you would recommend a visitor do when they arrive?
A boat trip in the marsh, of course! Our guests sometimes arrive by chance and ask us, “We’re looking for the Green Venice, which way is it?” “You’re in it!” we reply. We are lucky to have a landing stage right here at the campsite. You can embark with a professional boatman who will give you all the keys to understanding the marsh, its fauna and flora, its history, its construction… Because ultimately, contrary to what people think, everything here is artificial, everything is man-made, which is what makes it such a remarkable place. There are many lessons to be learned: we can discuss water management, forest management, fishing… Everything is an opportunity for education, and that’s what people are looking for.
During your walks in the marsh, are there one or two places you particularly enjoy?
There are several… Starting from the campsite, we have numerous hiking and cycling paths that lead you into the heart of the wet marsh… There are essential sites, such as the Maillezais Abbey and Nieul-sur-l’Autise Abbey, which were at the origin of the marsh’s development at the end of the 10th century. We also have more intimate places: The small village of Vanneau Irleau with its floating market at the end of July. At that time, you can do your shopping by boat as in the past; it’s unforgettable, or visit the typical small Maraichine town. The ornithological park ‘Les oiseaux du Marais Poitevin’ (Birds of the Marais Poitevin) is also very close by and a must-see in the area. ‘Du Coq à l’âne’ welcomes you in Saint-Georges-de-Rex. There you’ll meet the famous Poitou donkeys, pigs, and cows. They produce donkey milk soap and organize donkey rides. Visitors come to sleep here with their donkeys and then leave. Our guests are delighted to see the donkeys on the campsite; it’s a pleasant surprise for everyone!
We are very attached to our region, whose many riches we know very well…
Gastronomy, places, crafts… Do you have any favorites to share with us?
There are many local specialties. Goat cheese, of course! A favorite: Emma’s organic farm, right next to us. Visitors can watch the milking in the evening with their children and buy products directly on site. Their expertise and love for their craft produce incredible cheeses, and everyone is delighted. We also have angelica compote, a very well-known plant here that we love to pair with fromage blanc, for example. A real treat! Another specialty is ‘farci maraichin,’ a pâté made from green vegetables and smoked pork belly or bacon bits. Finally, the essential eel, the emblematic fish of the marsh. It is a protected species whose fishing is highly regulated. Fish is very present in our region and comes from the La Rochelle fish market. Since we are at the crossroads of departments, we are also at the crossroads of flavors. We can serve the famous ‘mojettes’ (white beans) and Vendée ham. It is truly the identity of the marsh that emerges on the plate and in the glass: Pineau des Charentes, Kiki Vendéen, Cognac, but also Charente beer and Vendée beer… Or even Cognac beer – so many combinations and flavors that we adore!
Are there other sites you enjoy outside the marsh?
A place we love, which is much less crowded than other coastal spots: the Port du Plomb and its seafront walk, between La Rochelle and the Baie de l’Aiguillon, in L’Houmeau. You’ll find informative panels there about the history of the place.
We also really appreciate Île d’Aix. We recommend it because it’s a small island that can be visited in a day. It’s easier for families. And then we have Rochefort with its museums, its arsenal, and the Hermione. A city rich in history, too, with Brouage and its ramparts not far away.
But above all, our favorite place remains the Moëze nature reserve, on the coast between Rochefort and Oléron. There you can see salt-marsh sheep and numerous migratory birds thanks to the observation points and developed trails. We used to do the ‘owl observation night’ with our children when they were 6-7 years old. That was back in the days of cassette recorders! There’s also the Zoodysée de Chizé, which features European species such as wolves, bison, lynx, otters, and many more.
