What to do in Poitiers?

1. Notre-Dame-la-Grande Church

Category: Free/Cultural

Description: Every city has its flagship monument, the one that is part of its soul, its identity. Located in the heart of Poitiers, Notre-Dame-la-Grande church stands on Place Charles de Gaulle. Its history is quite mysterious, actually: of Romanesque art, many say that long before its construction, it was a pagan temple. Its facade, covered with sculptures, represents motifs related to Romanesque art. You can see animals from an overflowing imagination, as well as characters whose faces are deformed by grimaces. The interior of the place: it is a typical decor from the 1850s. Visitors like to come and meditate in this mythical place: while looking at the stalls and the great organ: peace and serenity reign in harmony. When you exit, don't forget to look up at the entrance portal, you can see the relief frieze. This one has the particularity of relating the story of the Bible, like an illustrated book. What can be seen there: first Christ presented standing, then apostles and bishops. This frieze restored between 1992 and 1995, is one of the city's jewels, while being the pride of its inhabitants. Open every day from 9am to 7pm, you will be welcome...

2. Parc Blossac

Category: Free/Sports/Cultural

Description: Know that Poitiers is indeed full of historical monuments and famous places, but it is nonetheless also a city with fantastic flora and fauna. The best we can advise you to make the most of this varied nature, is to go to the splendid Parc Blossac, open to the public every day from 7:15 am to 10:30 pm. Go to Rue Léopold-Thézard, to enjoy several gardens with different styles. Extending over nearly 9 hectares (which is to say there's plenty to walk around), the park is connected to the banks of the Clain up to the Cagouillère path. A superb walk in prospect! This typical French-style garden was influenced by the style of King Louis XIV's gardeners, thus, this perfect geometry allowed the creation of many impressive viewpoints. When it starts getting hot in mid-afternoon, come and take shelter under the many trees overlooking the foliage... Enjoy the various rivers, fountains and caves, while not forgetting to photograph the pretty flowers that open to the sunlight. You can picnic there, play games, and enjoy a family moment.

3. Futuroscope

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: What is Futuroscope? It's simply an amusement park, for young and old, whose theme revolves around technology and science. The attractions, as interesting as they are unusual, play on the sensory and sensational aspect, while projecting images. Futuroscope is a bit like entering a fourth dimension, another world, and traveling through time. The one in Poitiers is undoubtedly the most visited attraction each year. Located just 20 short minutes by car from the city, to the north, it offers you immersion in a world of discovery, sensations, and travel. Its most popular attractions: undoubtedly "Arthur's Adventure" in 4D, the "Magie Illusio" show, or "Dance with the Robots" (our favorite). When you arrive at the entrance, a magnetic force will attract you to these mysterious places full of scientific objects and gadgets. In addition to that, new features are coming in 2024: the children's world "Futuropolis", an immersive film "Antarctica", and a show featuring a giant robot.

4. Saint-Pierre Cathedral

Category: Free/Cultural

Description: If you ever stroll west of Poitiers, it's impossible for you to miss Saint-Pierre cathedral and its Gothic style. This building is made unique thanks to its dimensions, as well as its hall-church shape. A real gem! It's also one of the oldest monuments in the city of Poitiers, since it was begun around 1160, and officially completed at the end of the following century. What interests visitors most? It's undoubtedly the Crucifixion stained glass window, classified as one of the oldest in France. A bit like a museum, Saint-Pierre cathedral houses some works, originally belonging to churches in Poitiers, but which were moved following the Revolution. You can find there "the Grand Orgue Clicquot"; as well as the oldest "Gothic Stalls" in all of Europe. For history buffs, here is a place that will fascinate you as you begin your visit. The wall paintings, meanwhile, are a treasure of Gothic art, and every detail has been worked with care: very bright colors such as red and blue are highlighted.

5. Hiking

Category: Free/Sports

Description: Are you planning to go to Poitiers? Don't forget to bring a good pair of sneakers, as well as a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun. Especially if you're traveling in summer. The city is known for its walking, cycling, or mountain biking circuits. Between the forest and the watercourse, leave the car aside, just for a few hours, and venture into this soothing nature, guided by the rustling of trees, and the whistling of water. A little sport while enjoying magnificent landscapes... What more could you ask for? There are about twenty hikes to do in Poitiers, all as interesting as each other: easy, a little more complicated, there's something for everyone. The duration and distance can vary depending on your curiosity. Not to mention that it will give you some exercise, and that hiking provides many benefits to the body and mind: in addition to freeing breathing, it strengthens the skeleton and joints by limiting cardiovascular risks. While strengthening the immune system, it allows you to free your brain from daily worries.

6. Strolling downtown

Category: €€/Cultural/Gastronomic

Description: Aaahhh, the city of Poitiers... Nothing better after a long hike than to sit on a terrace, while sipping a delicious beer, or tasting a local specialty, right? Don't they say after effort, comfort? Wandering in the historic district will allow you to chat with locals, make beautiful encounters, and indulge in some well-deserved hours of shopping. The charm of this medieval city will make you succumb: the heritage is rich and precious. Head to the Cordeliers shopping center to stroll through the shops and buy a nice souvenir from Poitiers. It's a "chill" activity, which allows you to spend some time with family, having fun, while getting to know the city better. Between history and modernity, don't miss walking through the cobbled streets and paying attention to the different historical monuments you might encounter. Keep your camera ready!