Poitiers - Do & See
- Nearby guides:
- Tours
- Limoges
- Bergerac
- Bordeaux
- Nantes
- Paris - Disneyland - La Champagne
- Deauville
- Clermont - Ferrand
- Paris
- Rodez
- Other guides in France:
- Courchevel
- Le Cap d'Agde
- Limoges
- Marseille
- Nice Côte d'Azur
- Nîmes
- Pau
- Perpignan
- Reims
- Rodez
- More
Poitiers is called the city of art and history due to its rich heritage. The city offers many famous historical sites like the magnificent Romanesque church Notre-dame-la-Grande that has become the cities landmark and the impressive Cathédrale Saint-pierre. If you would like to visit a more modern attraction then head to Futuroscope, a technology theme park which is a fun place for every age.
Futuroscope
This popular technology theme park offers more than 20 attractions, shows and events in a 60 hectare park and was designed with "education in mind". Here visitors can experience images and sounds through the worlds most sophisticated film projection systems, including 360-degree movie theatres, giant film screens and 3D movies. The park offers new attractions every year and situated outside Poitiers.
Eglise Notre-dame-la-grande
This magnificent Romanesque church lies at the very heart of the old town centre of Poitiers, and has become the landmark of Poitiers. It features beautiful biblical carvings on the outside as well as statues from the 15th and 16th centuries. Come by in the evening too see the church illuminated.
Cathédrale Saint-pierre
Construction of this impressive Cathedral began in 1162 under Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Inside, visitors can see a 12th-century window depicting the crucifixion of Christ, his ascension and resurrection.
Baptistère St-jean
This baptistery is one of the oldest examples of Christian architecture in Europe and houses an interesting collection of stone coffins. Built on a Roman foundation in the early 4th century, the site was reconstructed in the Middle Ages.
Eglise Sainte-radegonde
A well-maintained 11th century church with a beautiful Roman tower. It is home to the tomb of Queen Radegonde, who died in 587 AD.
Le Jardin Des Plantes
An ideal place to take a break from the huzz and buzz of the city. The park, which was created in 1869, features around 100 kinds of trees and bushes. It also comprises a 4800 square-metre large botanical garden and a greenhouse containing 150 different plant species.
City Tour By Foot
Poitiers offers visitors three routes to explore the city by foot. Starting from the magnificent Notre-Dame-la-Grande church, you can follow three lines a blue, red and yellow one. The blue line takes you past the Saint-Pierre Cathedral and the Saint-Jean Baptistery to the towns Episcopal quarter. The yellow line leads to the Saint-Jean de Montierneuf church, passing beautiful half-timbered houses. And the red one leads to the Saint-Hilaire church and the Blossac Park. Guides can be obtained from the tourism office.
