From its humble origins as a village nestled in a bend of the Sèvre-Niortaise river, Niort has grown to become the capital of the Deux-Sèvres départment.

Just six kilometres from the Marais Poitevin there are a number of things to see and do, including:

• The impressive medieval Donjon (Keep), which these days houses an archaeological museum.
• The excellent 19th-century covered market (Food and flowers). Opening times are Thursday and Saturday mornings from very early until 12.30. The market also opens occasionally on a Sunday.
• Pleasant riverside walks (below and downstream from the Donjon).

Just to the west of Niort lies the area known as the Marais Poitevin (also known as 'La Venise Vert' or the Green Venice), a maze of quiet waterways with many marsh villages with white cottages. One of these villages, Coulon, is listed as one of the beautiful villages in France.

Things to see and do in the Marais Poitevin include:

• Aquarium de la Venise Vert - An aquarium in Coulon showing the freshwater fauna of the Marais Potevin.
• Boat trips - Explore the very heart of the Marais Poitevin on a punt or in a rowing boat. There are both guided and unguided trips available lasting from 30 minutes up to 3 hours.
• Tourist 'train' - Known as the 'Pibalou', this on-road tourist train covers a distance of around 20km giving an insight into the geography and natural history of the Marais Poitevin. It runs daily from April to September, departing from Coulon.