Poitiers

The basics

Poitiers is a popular town for day trips or stopovers in western France. Most visitors focus on its trio of great ecclesiastical treasures, beginning with the Baptistère St-Jean, dating as far back as AD 360 and filled with medieval frescoes. The Romanesque Église Notre-Dame la Grande and Gothic Cathédrale St-Pierre are also worth a stop. While exploring the old town, pause to admire the Gothic-inspired Palais des Comtes de Poitou, now the city’s law courts but once the splendid palace of the influential counts of Poitiers.

Two of the best family-friendly theme parks in central France are within striking distance of Poitiers: Futuroscope, packed with 4D simulator adventures and interactive rides; and Puy du Fou, offering falconry demonstrations, chariot racing, mock sea battles, and medieval jousting.

Things to know before you go

• The city’s Parc de Blossac offers a shady break from sightseeing for the entire family, with plenty of space to run around, plus great views over the surrounding valley.
• The Église Notre-Dame la Grande and Cathédrale St-Pierre are free to enter; there is a small fee to enter the Baptistère St-Jean and admission is cash only, so be sure to bring a few euro coins when you visit.
• The steep, cobblestoned streets of Poitiers’ old town can be a challenge to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller. The squares surrounding Notre-Dame and Palais des Comtes de Poitou, however, are level and paved.

How to get there

Poitiers is located in western France between Nantes and Limoges. Both the TGV Atlantique and the LGV rail lines link the town with major cities like Paris and Bordeaux in about 1 hour. There is a train station in the city center and at the Parc du Futuroscope; a shuttle train connects the town and theme park in less than 10 minutes.

When to get there

With its impressive architecture, buzzy café scene, and beautiful views over the Clain River valley, Poitiers is a great town to visit on sunny, mild days when you can enjoy the sights and atmosphere from outdoors. This university town is particularly lively during the academic year from fall through spring, when students bring extra verve to the old town.

The best views in Poitiers

Poitiers offers spellbinding views over the River Clain and the surrounding Vienne countryside from its hilltop location. Two of the top scenic overviews are a short walk from the old town: the terraces of Parc de Blossac and the Belvédère des Dunes, accessed via the 217 steps of the Dunes Stairs (Escalier des dunes) from the Joubert Bridge.