Are you looking for the best things to do in Poitiers?
Poitiers, in western France, is the regional capital of Poitou-Charentes. It’s a city that’s been around for more than two millennia, and it has a ton of cool historical sites and cultural landmarks to see. Poitiers joined the ranks of the World Heritage Sites in 2001.
The city is nestled between the Boivre and the Clain rivers and is surrounded by hiking and biking paths. These paths connect sightseers to lively plazas, tranquil parks, and small shopping districts.
Here’s our pick of the best things to do in Poitiers that should be on the itinerary of anyone planning to visit.
Things you'll find in this article
- 10 Best Things To Do In Poitiers
- 1. Visit Grande Salle-Palais de Poitiers
- 2. See the beautiful and historic churches of Poitiers
- 3. Take a tour of Palais De Justice
- 4. Visit Musee Sainte-Croix
- 5. Take in some of the finest French culture and education at Espace Mendes France
- 6. Learn about Hôtel Fumé
- 7. Go for a stroll in Parc de Blossac.
- 8. Relax in the Poitiers Botanical Garden.
- 9. Spend a day in Futuroscope
- 10. Participate in wine tastings held in taverns and wineries
- Where to stay in Poitiers
10 Best Things To Do In Poitiers
1. Visit Grande Salle-Palais de Poitiers
Originally built as the residence of the Dukes of Aquitaine and the Count of Poitiers between the 10th and 12th centuries, the Grande Salle-Palais de Poitiers is a superb example of medieval architecture. After a fire in the 14th century, the palace was converted into a courthouse.
The palace is a remarkable example of Gothic Angevin architecture. The official palace auditorium was formerly the assembly hall and the huge Gothic hall. The palace is especially known for its impressive Maubeigeon hall and tower.
The Grande Salle-Palais de Poitiers is still a stunning and endearing landmark today. An authentic piece of Anglo-French history, this is one of the highlights of a visit to Poitiers.
2. See the beautiful and historic churches of Poitiers
- Eglise Sainte Radegonde
The medieval Roman Catholic Church of Sainte-Radegonde was built in Poitiers, France, in the sixth century. Radegund, a Frankish queen and nun, was buried there, hence the name. Since she was canonized, believers in her divine intervention began flocking to the church.
The present church was erected between the 11th and 12th centuries in a style that combines Romanesque and Angevin Gothic.
- Church of Notre Dame la Grande
Beautiful Romanesque Byzantine architecture from the 11th and 12th centuries characterizes Notre Dame la Grande. Pinecone-shaped towers stand at either side of the narrow church, which is decorated with carvings of biblical scenes and saints.
The church has several distinct areas. Along its western facade, you’ll find turrets with pointed towers. The outside of this Notre Dame Church is among the best Romanesque architecture in all of France, and the inside, which is mural-lined and vaulted and dark, is just as impressive.
- Église Saint-Hilaire
Built in the 11th century on what is believed to be the tomb of Saint Hilaire, the first known Bishop of Poitiers, the church has been on the route to Santiago de Compostela and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.
The church was seriously damaged during the Wars of Religion and subsequently left in ruins after the French Revolution.
Extensive reconstruction began in 1875. The sight of all those columns and the overall majesty of the building is enough to make anyone pause and make sure they’re captured in photos.
3. Take a tour of Palais De Justice
The Poitiers courts are currently located in the Palace of Justice and are among the most beautiful structures in the city. The Counts of Poitou and the Dukes of Aquitaine once used this building as their headquarters hundreds of years ago.
The building’s dining hall is its crowning feature. It was built in the 12th century by Eleanor of Aquitaine. This dining area here is among the largest in all of Europe.
The exterior, meanwhile, features a lovely little garden and a plaque detailing its history. Joan of Arc may have been questioned here before being permitted to lead the army of King Charles VII.
4. Visit Musee Sainte-Croix
The Musee Sainte-Croix is a modest museum with some noteworthy exhibits, such as sculptures by Rodin and artifacts from the region’s prehistoric past. This glass and concrete structure stands on the site of the former Abbaye Sainte-Croix.
The museum has permanent displays of art from ancient times to the Middle Ages and even to the present day.
Visit the archaeological department while you’re here to see some fascinating Roman artifacts and evidence of recent excavations. You can explore the various displays spread out over three stories.
5. Take in some of the finest French culture and education at Espace Mendes France
Espace Mendes showcases innovative enterprise, research, outcomes, and processes.
The city’s concentration of educational institutions and research institutions inspired the establishment of this hub. It’s located near the cathedral and first opened in 1989. The building now serves as a science museum and cultural hub for the technical arts.
The Festival de France is one of many annual film festivals held in this space. Come here to observe a wide variety of displays, shows, and exhibitions. Educational topics are best presented through the arts here at this one-of-a-kind center.
6. Learn about Hôtel Fumé
The rue de la Chaîne is widely considered to be among Poitiers’ finest streets. Walking among the medieval half-timbered buildings, cobblestone streets, and wrought iron gas lamps is like entering a different time and place entirely.
The majestic Hôtel Fumé may be seen as you ascend the hill near the street René Descartes. It was constructed around 1480, making it a great specimen of Gothic architecture.
The initial structure was then enlarged by the architect’s son, François Fumée, in the 16th century. Up until the 18th century, when it was sold, the family lived there continuously.
After changing hands a few times, in 1919 it was purchased by the University of Poitiers.
7. Go for a stroll in Parc de Blossac.
The Parc de Blossac is one of the most stunning parks in all of France. This area of broad boulevards and open spaces was initiated by the Count of Blossac in the middle of the 18th century.
There is a walkway that leads down to the right bank of the Clain River from the park, which is bordered by remnants of the old city walls. French-style parterres dominate the park, with straight roads flanked by topiaries.
Explore the park and see the flower beds, manmade river, statues, grotto, and small menagerie housing guinea pigs, parakeets, and rabbits. If you want to rest a bit from walking, stop by the lovely English garden.
8. Relax in the Poitiers Botanical Garden.
Poitiers is home to the municipal park and botanical garden known as the Jardin des Plantes de Poitiers, located at 1 rue du Jardin des Plantes.
Le Coq Paschal, dean of the School of Medicine at Poitiers, founded the original Jardin des Plantes in 1621. It was moved eight times before finally settling in its current location on the historic grounds of the Hôtel Dieu.
The current garden design takes inspiration from formal English parks and features winding paths, a pond, a waterfall, and a grotto.
The garden is home to a wide variety of trees and shrubs, including but not limited to the following: Cedrus atlantica, Cedrus deodara, Diospyros kaki, Ginkgo biloba, Quercus ilex, Quercus robur pyramidalis, Sequoiadendron, Taxodium distichum, and Taxus baccata.
9. Spend a day in Futuroscope
The French amusement park Parc du Futuroscope is centered on audio-visual, multimedia, Futuroscope, and cinematic approaches.
This is not your typical amusement park, yet it will nonetheless be enjoyable for all visitors, whether they are seasoned tourists, first-time tourists, or families.
Bring your children with you because this place offers a wide variety of interactive activities that are designed specifically for children.
Since 1987, it has been synonymous with moving picture technology, and all of its various attractions are centered on one’s ability to see. In addition to that, it offers visitors of every age both educational and recreational opportunities.
A shuttle bus service is available for those who wish to arrive here. In addition to that, Futuroscope is very simple to go to from the airport in Poitiers.
10. Participate in wine tastings held in taverns and wineries
The French are well-known for their deep affection for cheese, haute cuisine, and excellent wine. Poitiers’ reputation as a center for wine and tapas culture shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone.
This city is home to several wine bars and cellars that provide patrons with one-of-a-kind experiences and assemblages. Try some of the best wines that France has to offer l, along with imported varieties from Spain to South America while in Poitiers.
Some of the delicious specialties that can be sampled along with wine include the Spanish tortilla, empanadas, handmade paté, cheeses, and charcuterie.
Where to stay in Poitiers
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Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.