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What is the Vendée Marshland Museum ?

We are in the part of the Marais poitevin called the dry marshes. This place is very important for the History of the Marais poitevin, because it was the location for the very first Union of the marshes in 1646.

This Union was composed of owners of the lands, who had dried the marshes for farming.

The Vendée Marshland Museum is now a museum, a place to visit. But in the past, it was a farm, where the master of the marshland embankment lived, in exchange for work.

Marshland embankment supervisor is an ancient activity, from the 17h century to the 20th century. This person had to check the good working order of the marshes, maintain the canals and the marshland embankment, and control the water level in the canals.

In the past and still today, dykes are necessary to protect the dry marshes from flooding.

The visit

There are different buildings and six rooms, with videos, panels, photos and traditional objects. All the information is provided in English, either directly in the exhibition rooms, or on a document given to you at the reception.

You will understand the purpose of the marshland embankment, and the difference between wet marshes and dry marshes.

Then, you will jump into the past to discover the house, the job and the everyday life of the supervisor of the marshland embankment in the 19th century.

With children

For children from 7 to 12 years, we offer a free booklet with fun and educational activities.

Fees

Adult : 5 €

Adult reduced fee (visitor’passeport, student, disabled, group…) : 3,50 €

Under 18 years old : free

Opening time

July and August :
Every day from 10:00 am to 13:00 and from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm

April, May, June and September :
Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm

January, February, March, October, November and December :
Closed

Last entry 45 minutes before closing.

Practical details

The visit lasts about one hour.

Dogs are not allowed to visit the museum (except guide dogs).

There are 4 picnic tables : 2 on the car park and 2 inside the paid area.

If you want to buy sandwiches at the bakery, you can drive 2 minutes to the village of Chaillé-les-Marais. There is a restaurant too.

Services on site

The welcome desk of the museum is also a tourist office.

So, you can find there :

– Tourist leaflets (site visits, entertainment, events…)

– Advice for your holidays

– A ticketing service (Puy du Fou, cruises, fishing license, zoo, aquariums, walks…)

– Free wifi

– The possibility to do photocopies (paid service)

– A little store with post cards, books, local products and others souvenirs

Ticketing and leaflet

Map