[Sponsored article] Ideally located halfway between Paris and Bordeaux, near the Loire Valley castles, the Poitevin marshes, and the Atlantic beaches, the capital of Poitou has everything to charm visitors. Whether you’re curious about history, culture, architecture, heritage, or, of course, food and wine, discovering Poitiers is a journey through over 2000 years of art and history. Each step invites you to savor the French art of living, enhanced by the unique local touch of the Poitou region!
Poitiers Will Surprise You
Start your visit at the “Belvedere des Dunes” and take in the breathtaking view of the city and its monuments. From here, you can understand why Poitiers is called the “City of 100 Bell Towers!” Or perhaps you’d prefer to admire the morning light on Saint-Hilaire-le-Grand Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the St. James’ way pilgrimage route.
As you wander the cobblestone streets, Poitiers reveals its exceptional heritage linked to great historical figures. Eleanor of Aquitaine, queen of both France and England and mother of Richard the Lionheart, left a significant mark on the city. Visit Saint-Pierre Cathedral, a grand Gothic building that witnessed her marriage to Henry II Plantagenet.
You can also walk through the immense “Salle des Pas Perdus” at the Palace of the Counts of Poitou, where Joan of Arc was questioned about her divine mission, a scene immortalized by filmmaker Luc Besson in his famous movie about the French icon.
Marvel at the paintings inside the Saint-Jean Baptistery, one of the oldest Christian monuments in the West, before exploring the collections at the Sainte-Croix Museum. Among its masterpieces, which span from pre-history to the early 20th-century, you’ll find the third-largest collection of works by the French sculptor Camille Claudel. The museum also honors other female artists, showcasing 500 works from a remarkable recent donation.
Poitiers Will Seduce You
On Saturday mornings, don’t miss the market at the foot of Notre-Dame-la-Grande Church, a Romanesque masterpiece and emblem of the city, with its finely sculpted facade depicting Bible stories. After strolling through the colorful and fragrant stalls, both tourists and locals can gather at the market halls or nearby terraces to enjoy a drink and taste local specialties.
The star of the region is undoubtedly the famous Chabichou, a creamy cone-shaped goat cheese, though you’ll find many other varieties to try! Don’t miss the almond macarons from Rannou Métivier, whose secret recipe has been guarded for 150 years; the buttery “Broyé du Poitou,” a cake meant to be broken with a fist and shared; or the soft-centered “tourteau fromager” with its burnt crust.
The wines of Haut-Poitou pair perfectly with the region’s specialties. Grown on the southern slopes of the Loire Valley, they are elegant, fresh, light, and fruity. “Fié gris,” the local grape variety known for its crisp mineral notes, is particularly appreciated by connoisseurs!
Poitiers Will Entertain You
Throughout the year, and especially during the warmer months, nature lovers head to Blossac Park, the city’s green lung, or to the Îlot Tison along the Clain River. Here, you can relax on the lawns, enjoy a picnic, have a drink, take a pedalo ride on the river, or play darts at the Guinguette Pictave.
Poitiers is also one of France’s youngest cities, with students from all over the world making up a third of the population. If you’ve ever been out on a Thursday night, you know this city knows how to have fun!
One of France’s favorite theme parks, Futuroscope, offers over 40 attractions which are constantly updated, and has received several international awards. Its nightly fairytale show has been crowned the best creative multimedia show in the world. As of July 2024, the park has expanded with the addition of Aquascope, an indoor water park unlike any other in France, blending water, digital experiences, and special effects. A must-visit attraction!
How to Get There?
By train, via one of two stations: Poitiers and Futuroscope
- Direct TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Poitiers (1h15)
- Direct TGV from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Poitiers (2h)
- Direct TGV to Bordeaux (1h)
By car:
- 2h30 from Poitiers to Bordeaux (A10/250km)
- 3h30 from Poitiers to Paris (A10/340km)
For more information: you can visit their website or Instagram account, or contact the Poitiers tourism office by email.
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