In Magné, it only takes a few pedal strokes to feel the Marais Poitevin enveloping you: the scent of wild mint, the light trembling on the water, the heron soaring above the conches. Renting a bike in Magné means adopting the rhythm of the marsh: regular, gentle, curious.

From the drawbridge, take to the white paths along the Sèvre Niortaise. The routes are flat and well-marked, perfect for a family bike ride. If you follow the Vélo Francette, you'll reach Coulon or La Garette gently, with stops along the pontoons for a photo, a sketchbook or just a moment to listen to the dragonflies. You can pedal in the shade of the poplars, pass through small hamlets and sometimes come across a guide in a boat: here, cycling and water are in constant dialogue.

Fancy a full day out? Set off in the morning from Magné, take a picnic break near a lock, then loop back at sunset when the marshes turn golden and mirror each other. Simple advice: bring water, a windproof jacket and take the time to observe - the magic is often just two meters from the path.

For a nature getaway, renting a bike in Magné is the obvious choice: total freedom, unspoilt landscapes and the discreet pleasure of moving along silently, just you, the marsh and the steady breath of the pedals.