Sunday August 5th
ð Guided tour of the city of Niort and its dungeon
From the Gallo-roman times to the present times, you will discover the ‘ Novum Ritum’ ( the new stepping stones), the medieval city still bearing the imprint of the Plantagenêts era
( Aliénor d’Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart) and overlooked by its romanesque dungeon.
As you go along, you can admire the treasures of its architecture, the work of the famous architect Georges Lasseron, and you will discover the trading tradition of Niort, the headquarters of mutual insurance companies
ð Visit of the Tower, the last remnant of a large castle and the second most beautiful twin-towered Romanesque dungeon.
ð
Monday 6th, Tuesday 7th, and Wednesday 8th August 2012
The Great theme Park of the Puy du Fou
ð 8:45am to 10:15 am: Coach from Niort to Puy du Fou
A free day in the Park, with the map of the site
Get ready for a journey through time with the incredible chariot race in the Gallo-Roman stadium, the fearsome Viking raid on “the Fort of the Year One Thousand” and the majestic flight of the eagles in “the “Ghost-Birds’ Dance”
Thanks to amazing shows, superb reconstitutions and permanent attractions, you will relive 2000 years of history at the Great Park of the Puy du Fou. And, new this year: the imaginary world of La Fontaine.
ð 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm: Coach back to Niort
Monday 6th to Saturday 11th August 2012 ( except on Thursday )
La Rochelle – inter-island cruise: Fort Boyard will be approached and commented and the island of Aix
ð 8:45 am to 9:45am: coach from Niort to La Rochelle
ð 10:00am – 11:00am: guided visit of La Rochelle. The old fishing harbour, the arcade streets the wood-panelled houses, the town hall and the 18th century private mansions. You will relive the great moments of the city through famous people such as Aliénor d’Aquitaine, Henri IV, Jean Guiton or Richelieu
ð 11:00am – 12:15pm: departure from the old harbour for a cruise taking you to the island of Aix with a guided approach of the famous Fort Boyard.
ð 12:15pm- 4:00pm: picnic on the island of Aix. Free time on the island.
ð 4:00pm -5:15pm: trip back from Aix to La Rochelle
ð 5:15pm – 6:30pm: coach from La Rochelle to Niort
*The timetable may be altered depending on tides
Monday 6th August 2012
Naval shipyard and maritime fortification:
Rochefort – the citadel of Brouage
ð 9:00am -10:30am: coach from Niort to Brouage
ð 10:45am – 12:15pm: guided tour of the citadel of Brouage, listed ‘Grand site de France’. This exceptional site was the big salt harbour of the Atlantic coast in the Middle Ages and became a fortified place in the 16th century, that was considered to be impregnable.
Samuel Champlain , the father of the New France and the founder of the city of Quebec, was born there. Brouage will also welcome within its fortifications other famous people: the cardinal of Richelieu, Marie Mancini or Louis XIV himself.
Today numerous buildings testify of these glorious times: blacksmiths’, covered markets, underground harbours, powder depots….
12:15 pm– 1:45pm: picnic in Brouage
2:00pm-2:30pm: coach from Brouage to Rochefort
2:30pm – 5:00pm: guided tour of the Royal rope factory and the reconstruction shipyards of the Hermione ship.
5:00pm – 6:00pm: coach from Rochefort to Niort
Tuesday 7 August 2012 :
Lunch-cruise in the Marais Poitevin .
9 am to 9:30 am : Coach from Niort to Arçais .
9 :45 am to 11 :15 am : Guided tour on a punt . A unique and unusual visit guided by the boatman to discover one of the largest humid areas in Europe .
11 :30 am to 11:45am : Coach from Arçais to Damvix .
12:00 : Boarding the Collibert .
12 :30 to 4 :15 pm : You are welcome on board the restaurant-boat the Collibert ,for a lunch-cruise along the Sèvre-Niortaise river starting from Damvix . A typical meal will be served on board, surrounded by the green and enchanting setting of what used to be the Picton gulf . During the cruise you will enjoy the captain’s comments about the history and the characteristics of the Marais Poitevin .
4 :30 pm to 5 :15pm : Coach from Damvix to Niort .
Monday 6th August 2012
Discovery day in the Marais Poitevin:
Its eco-museum – boat trip and food tasting
9:30am to 10:00am: coach from Niort to Coulon
10:00am to 11:30am: guided visit of the eco-museum “ Maison du Marais Poitevin”. As you visit this place – a visit that can’t be missed – and its new ‘Maraiscope’( an audio-visual show retracing the history of the Marais, you will discover the mysterious Marais Poitevin.
12:00 to 1:30pm: picnic in Coulon
1:30pm to 4:00pm: An unusual and unique tour, guided by the boatman who will make you discover one the largest humid areas in Europe. Then you will enjoy tasting local produce.
4:00pm to 4:30pm: coach from Coulon to Niort
MONDAY 6 AUGUST 2012
DISCOVERY OF THE KINGS OF ENGLAND’S MEDIEVAL CASTLES
9 :30am - Coach from Niort to Coudray-Salbart .
10 am to 12am - Guided tour of Coudray-Salbart , the unique and impressive military fortress attributed to the legendary fairy Mélusine . Built in the 13th century during the fights between the kings of France and England , it prevented the crossing of the Sèvre-Niortaise river which was the southern border for the Parthenay-Larchevêque lords’ domain .
12 to 1pm -Picnic at Coudray-Salbart fortress .
1 pm to 1 :30pm - Coach from Coudray-Salbart to Parthenay.
1 :30pm to 4 :30pm – Guided tour of Parthenay , a fortified town : its walls , its streets , its churches and medieval monuments .
After the tour, in la Vault St Jacques medieval street , you will be offered a light meal by your hosts , dressed up in medieval clothes .
4 :30pm to 5pm – Coach from Parthenay to Niort .
TUESDAY 7 AUGUST 2012
THE TREASURES OF THE MELLOIS COUNTRY …From the Frankish kings’ silver mines to the Royal Abbey .
9am to 9 :30am – Coach from Niort to Celles sur Belle .
9 :30am to 11 :30am – Guided tour of the royal abbey of Celles sur Belle, the church and the gardens , gems of the gothic art and the monastic harsh life .
12 to 1 :45pm – Picnic at the abbey .
1 :45pm to 2pm – Coach from Celles sur Belle to Melle .
2 :15pm to 3 :15pm – Guided tour of Melle .Walking along the alleys , discover the wooden panelled houses , the 15th and 19th centuries Hotel de Menoc , three Romanesque churches built in the 11th and 12th centuries : St Savinien ,St Pierre and St Hilaire , the last one being listed in the UNESCO World Heritage as a stopover on the route to Santiago de Compostela .
3 :30pm to 5pm : Guided tour of the Frankish kings’ silver mines in Melle .This argentiferous site was a major mining and monetary centre in Charlemagne’s Europe . You will visit the mine and the reconstructed medieval techniques that witness of an era which today is still very mysterious . You will end the tour discovering a Carolingian garden growing vegetables as well as medicinal and dyeing plants used from the Gallic era to the Middle Ages .
5 :15pm to 6pm – Coach from Melle to Niort .
Excursion Pineau-Cognac, and Romanesque Art – Tuesday, August 7th
ð 9:00am-10:30am: Coach from Niort to Cognac
ð 10:30am-12:00: Visit of the Otard cognac cellars, and tasting.
When the history of Cognac meets up with French history …
The visit includes two important moments:
- A historical part recounting life at the castle where François 1er was born on September 12th 1494;
- Then the secrets of the Baron Otard cognac will be revealed to you, including a tour of the cellars, a visit of the Baron Otard museum and Cognac tasting.
ð 12:00- 12:30pm Coach to the picnic area
ð 12:30pm- 2:00pm: Picnic in Cognac
ð 2:15pm- 4:15pm: Guided tour of Cognac in a ‘gabarre’ ( barge)
These flat-bottomed boats used to carry barrels filled with eau-de-vie, cannons and paper to the sea. On their way back, they were loaded with salt, fish, spices and coal.
Today the excursion will take you from Cognac to Saint Brice, looking out onto the most beautiful riverbanks of the Charente.
ð 4:15pm: Coach from Cognac to Niort
On the way back, a guided visit of the church of Aulnay de Saintonge, a masterpiece of Romanesque Art.
ð Arrival in Niort.
Wednesday August 8th
Niort and the Marais Poitevin: the imprint of the Sèvre Niortaise, its dungeon, its harbours and its lanes
ð 9:00am to 10:00am: Guided tour of the city of Niort
From the Gallo-roman times to the present times, you will discover the ‘ Novum Ritum’ ( the new stepping stones), the medieval city still bearing the imprint of the Plantagenêts era ( Aliénor d’Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart) and overlooked by its romanesque dungeon.
As you go along, you can admire the treasures of its architecture, the work of the famous architect Georges Lasseron, and you will discover the trading tradition of Niort, the headquarters of mutual insurance companies
ð 10:00am to 11:15am:Visit of the Tower, the last remnant of a large castle and the second most beautiful twin-towered Romanesque dungeon.
ð
ð 11:30am to 12:00:Coach from Niort to Coulon
ð 12:00 to 1:30pm:Picnic in Coulon
ð 1:30pm to 3:00pm:Guided tour by boat A unique and unusual visit with on a flat boat with a guide who will make you discover one of the largest marshlands in Europe
ð 3:30pm to 5:00pm:Guided visit of the house of the Marais Poitevin, an eco-museum retracing its history, its fauna and flora, its settling and human activity
ð 5:00pm to 5:30pm:Coach from Coulon to Niort
ð
WEDNESDAY 8 to SATURDAY 11 AUGUST 2012
Day at the Futuroscope (Poitiers)
9am to 10am – Coach from Niort to Futuroscope .
Day off in the park – You will be given a map to discover the Park as you please.
5pm to 6pm – Coach from Futuroscope to Niort .
FRIDAY 10 AUGUST 2012
Walking tour to discover the flora and fauna in the Marais Poitevin.
Eco-guide , boating ornithological park .
9am to 9 :30am – Coach from Niort to Le Vanneau .
10am to 12 – Ornithological park of the Marais Poitevin :visit of the 7 ha site of wild marshes where 70 different species of birds live near typical canals and water expanses .
12 to 1:30pm – picnic at the ornithological park .
1 :30pm to 2 :30pm – Guided tour in a boat .
2 :30pm to 4 :30pm – walking tour (2h) with an eco-guide to discover the fauna and the flora of the Marais Poitevin .
4 :45pm to 5 :30pm – Coach from St Hilaire la Palud to Niort .
Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 August 2012 :
Evening boat tour and food tasting in the Marais Poitevin!!!
7 :30 pm to 8 pm : Coach from Niort to Coulon .
8 :15 pm to 9 :45 pm : Evening guided tour on a punt winding along the canals of the Marais Poitevin recently labelled « grand site de France » (famous French site).Moreover you will taste regional produce on board .
10 pm to 10 :30 pm : Coach from Coulon to Niort .
Saturday 11 August 2012 :
Olden traditions…From secret villages to Poitevin folklore . Tasting .
9am to 10 am : Coach from Niort to Exoudun .
10am to 12am :The mayor will welcome you at the Town Hall ( coffee – ‘fouace’ = local bun ) . Visit of the traditional villages of Bagnault and Exoudun . You will discover one of the most picturesque villages in Poitou , it has a character ,it is located at the source of the Sèvre -Niortaise river and history is printed in its stones .The visit will start on the Celtic plateau overlooking the village and its Gallic camp which dominates the village, its monuments and its castles . You will enjoy the most pleasant tour enriched by true anecdotes .The visit of these charming sites today is a rare privilege for those who look for unusual and off the beaten track experiences.
12 to 1 :30pm : Picnic at Exoudun .
1 :30 pm to 1 :45 pm : Coach from Exoudun to Souvigné .
1 :45pm to 3 pm : Visit of the museum of country life and of various styles of headdress at Souvigné where « les Amis du Patrimoine » endeavour to keep alive the memory of the old days in Poitou. You will discover our country life past and remember the forgotten gestures, thanks to everyday life items , regional costumes , headdresses…You will have the opportunity to extend the discovery of our heritage deep in the Huguenot country on a guided tour on sunken paths .Along the 500m Priory walk , explicative signs will show you the temple , protestant churchyards in field corners, wash-houses and fountains .The afternoon will end with a regional produce tasting .
Friday 10th August 2012
Gala show
The Puy du Fou Grand Park Cinescenie
7 :30pm – 9:00pm : coach from Niort to Puy du Fou
Discover the greatest night show in the world! On a stage that covers over 70 acres, 1200 actors and a profusion of special effects will take you on a trip through time to make you live unforgettable moments. A legendary show that has already captivated over 10 million spectators.
00:00-01:30am: coach back to Niort
Friday 10th August 2012
The Puy du Fou Grand Park and Cinescenie
9:00am-10:30am : coach from Niort to Puy du Fou
Day programme:
10:30am-9:00pm: The Puy du Fou Grand Park
Live a unique experience in the heart of a hundred-year-old forest. With its spectacular shows and generous natural environment, the Puy du Fou propels you through centuries to live an unforgettable day. Get ready for a journey through time.
Evening programme:
10:00pm:-11:45pm: Cinescenie
Discover the greatest night show in the world! On a stage that covers 65 acres, 1200 actors and a profusion of special effects will take you on a trip through centuries to make you live unforgettable moments. A legendary show that has already captivated over 10 million spectators.
00:00-01:30am: coach back to Niort
Saturday 11 August 2012 :
The Marais Poitevin … Nieul sur l’ Autise abbey : its builder-monks and its traditional settlement
9 am to 9 :30am : coach from Niort to Nieul sur l’ Autise
10 :15am to 11 :45am : Guided tour of Nieul sur l’Autise abbey ,founded in 1068 by the monks who contributed to the shaping of the Marais Poitevin . This abbey enjoyed Alienor d’Aquitaine‘s favours as her mother was buried in the cloister .
11 :45am to 12 :15pm : Coach from Nieul sur l’Autise to La Garette .
12 :30pm to 2pm : Picnic at La Garette .
2pm to 3 :30 pm : Guided tour on a punt . A unique and unusual tour guided by the boatman to discover one of the largest marshlands in Europe .
3 :45pm to 4 :45pm : Guided tour of La Garette, a typical marshland street-village .
5pm to 5 :30 pm : Coach from La Garette to Niort .
