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Niort, nestled in the heart of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, occupies a unique geographical position within the Marais Poitevin, often called the ‘Green Venice’. The city sits on the Sèvre Niortaise river, a key waterway shaping its history and environment. The terrain is generally flat, characteristic of the former marshlands, with an elevation averaging around 20 meters. This low-lying landscape, while picturesque, influences air quality by limiting natural dispersion of pollutants. Surrounding Niort are extensive agricultural lands, primarily dedicated to cereal crops and livestock farming, contributing to potential ammonia emissions. To the west lies the Atlantic coast, approximately 80km distant, offering some maritime influence but not enough to consistently flush out stagnant air. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp; the city centre transitions quickly to open farmland. Historically, Niort was a centre for leather tanning and textile production, though these industries have diminished, their legacy remaining in localised soil contamination. Modern industrial activity is concentrated in peripheral zones, adding to localised emission sources. The city’s position within a river valley can exacerbate temperature inversions, trapping pollutants during calm weather conditions, impacting air quality particularly in winter.

Niort’s air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern. Winter (December-February) typically sees the poorest air quality, driven by increased residential heating using wood and fossil fuels, coupled with frequent temperature inversions trapping pollutants in the shallow river valley. Calm, cold conditions prevent dispersion, leading to higher concentrations of particulate matter. Spring (March-May) brings improvement as temperatures rise and wind activity increases, diluting emissions. However, agricultural activity intensifies, potentially increasing ammonia levels. Summer (June-August) generally offers the cleanest air, with strong winds and higher temperatures promoting dispersion. Occasional heatwaves can, however, lead to ozone formation. Autumn (September-November) sees a gradual decline in air quality as heating demand increases and agricultural practices like harvesting contribute to dust and emissions. Fog, common in autumn and winter, further reduces visibility and exacerbates pollution. Sensitive individuals – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during winter mornings and periods of fog. Monitoring pollen levels is also crucial in spring and summer. Avoiding peak traffic hours can also reduce exposure.