Damvix Scarecrows Flea Market

The Damvix Scarecrows flea market, a Marais Poitevin tradition

Damvix, a 700-inhabitant village in the Vendée Marais Poitevin, is famous for its Scarecrows Festival. Every summer, locals create life-size scarecrows in gardens, quays and streets. The Scarecrows flea market, first Sunday of August, is organised by the Commission des Épouvantails de Damvix (CHAD).

The event combines a traditional flea market, an artisan market, old-crafts demonstrations, wooden games, live music and food. Warm, village-like atmosphere typical of the Marais Poitevin.

At the heart of the Venise Verte

Damvix is a gateway to the Venise Verte, the Marais Poitevin wetland nickname. Canals, the Sèvre Niortaise river, pollarded ash trees, traditional punts. The flea market takes place along the quays and streets in this Grand Site de France setting.

Highlights

• Private exhibitors and bargain-hunters
• Artisan market, local creators
• Old-craft demonstrations
• Wooden outdoor games
• Scarecrow contest across the village
• Live music all day
• Food and drink (grills, marsh produce)

Scarecrows, village stars

A scarecrow discovery trail runs throughout the village. Each year, a new theme. Visitor vote. Kids' workshops sometimes.

Damvix & Marais Poitevin

France's second-largest wetland after the Camargue. Regional Park and Grand Site de France. Rich biodiversity. Punt trips from the village quay.

Extending the visit

Traditional punt trip, Maillezais Abbey (15 min), Coulon (20 min). Try smoked eel, mogette-jambon, farci poitevin.