Green Venice

A property that sells itself without too much effort is one on the waterside reports Peter Elias, such as those along the 'Venise Verte' network of canals in Poitou-Charentes

Known by locals as the Marais Poitevin, and by tourists as Green Venice, this area comprises an extensive canal network between Niort and La Rochelle. It has been developed over a thousand years, covering about 80,000 hectares (197,000 acres), and is now a regional park. Venise Verte is a crisscross patchwork of canals, shaded by poplars and beech trees, supporting a rich variety of wildlife. Picturesque white-washed villages emerge along the riverside often with direct river access. The waterways offer various fishing and boating facilities.

Based in Coulon, the Marais museum is open daily throughout the summer months, providing a wealth of information about the history and traditions of these wetlands. A 'son et lumière' show reveals the lives of the marsh dwellers.

Property prices along the Marais Poitevin start at around £100,000. For someone searching for a luxurious holiday home, a renovated Marachine property with indoor swimming pool - the pool room overlooks the River Sèvre-Niortaise - is for sale at just under 500,000 €. The main house has four bedrooms, plus there is a two bedroom maison d'amis. With easily managed gardens this property will appeal to those seeking a low maintenance home with prospects of additional income, or a separate property for guests.

The house is situated close to Niort, once a medieval port, but now a prosperous town with a vibrant centre. It is conveniently placed between Poitiers and La Rochelle, both served by flights from the UK.

For those who like the idea of owning an original watermill, a part restored mill with the original mechanism, old dallage pierre (stone-flag flooring) and large outbuildings is for sale near Niort, again on the River Sèvre-Niortaise. The property comes with six hectares of land including several small islands in the river. Prospective buyers will need a decent budget in addition to the asking price of 400,00€ to fund the works required. You are virtually buying a small hamlet here, such is the extent of the buildings included in the sale.

A few miles outside Niort lies the popular town of Melle. Melle is renowned for its three romanesque churches, the finest of which is St. Hilaire, not forgetting its Roman silver mines. These were once the official mint for the Kings of France. Melle was also an important stopping point for pilgrims on their way to the shrine of St. James of Compostella in the Middle Ages.

Near Melle we have a renovated six-bedroom property, with scope for several more. The property has under floor heating, idyllic gardens and a riverside setting alongside the Boutonne. The local village is a gentle walk away. The property would suit a large family or somebody looking to run a B&B business. The price is just over 400,000€.

A good selection of cheaper properties are available along the canals of the Marais Poitevin - a typical house in Green Venice is known as a 'Marachine' (above) and prices start at around £100,000.