Top 5 things to do in Poitiers, France
Capital of the historic province of Poitou and now part of France’s Nouvelle Aquitaine region, Poitiers is a compact, walkable city that combines heritage treasures with one of Europe’s top theme parks.
These are the top 5 things you must do the first time you visit Poitiers.
Enjoy Poitier’s beautiful buildings
Soak up the architectural heritage of a town built from mellow limestone and dubbed the ‘City of 100 spires’ for its many churches. Notre-Dame-la-Grande stands at the city’s highest point in the heart of the old town and is renowned for its carved façade and painted interior. Although closed until 2027 for major restoration, the sculpted figures are still easily visible and you can take a video tour inside this iconic building in the special exhibition at the Tourist Office opposite.
Notre-Dame-La-Grande, Poitiers
Download the free Visit Poitiers app on your smartphone to explore the town at your own pace with GPS. The imposing cathedral is another must-see, commissioned under Plantagenet king Henry II and his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine who married inside the previous church to stand on this spot. Then take a short walk to the octagonal Baptistery – one of the oldest surviving in the western world – to see biblical scenes played out in reds and ochre around the walls.
Saint-Jean Baptistery, Poitiers, France
Admire work by women artists
Between the cathedral and the Baptistery, the Sainte-Croix Museum is home to a fascinating mix of archaeological finds, Roman artefacts, medieval history, and fine art. I particularly enjoyed the collection of works by women artists, which includes sculptures by Camille Claudel, model and lover of Auguste Rodin.
Gladiator helmets, Sainte-Croix Museum, Poitiers, France
Little remains today above ground of Roman Limonum, despite the presence of an amphitheatre that seated more than 30,000 citizens of the Empire. But here in the basement gallery, Roman foundations exist alongside rare artefacts such as gladiator helmets and an exquisite marble statue of Athena.
Indulge yourself in the retail area
Despite the ancient stones, Poitiers has a youthful vibe, with half its 90,000 residents aged under 30 and one-third of the total being students. The extensive pedestrianised area makes this a relaxing place to shop, eat and sleep. Fashionistas will find both French high street brands and specialist boutiques, but heritage is never far away. International fashion retailer Zara in the Cordeliers shopping mall arranges its clothing rails beneath the arches of a former chapel!
Zara in Cordeliers Shopping Centre
Even if the sun is shining, don’t miss La Maison des Parapluies on Grand’Rue where five generations of Francois Frères have produced handmade umbrellas in a wide variety of patterns and styles, one of just five companies still producing craft umbrellas in France.
Umbrellas Francois Freres, Poitiers
Eat like a local
Amongst the emblematic dishes coming from the historic province of Poitou is the Farci Poitevin, a predominantly vegetarian paté of vegetables, herbs and small pieces of meat. Originally designed to use up leftovers, it now makes a delicious starter, and every deli has its own recipe!
Look out for Tourteau Fromagé cheesecake with a domed black crust and traditional Poitiers shortbread, the Broyé de Poitou. I found both at the Jérémie Chosson’s tempting cheese shop on Rue du Marché Notre-Dame, a short walk from the Romanesque church and covered market.
Rannou-Metivier – don’t even try to resist the macarons
If you have a sweet tooth, don’t even try to resist traditional macarons from the nearby town of Montmorillon on sale in Rannou-Metivier. Forget multi-coloured circles in assorted flavours. These are heaped-up little mounds of brown loveliness, crispy outside, gooey inside and utterly scrumptious!
Meat eaters are spoilt for choice too. Book a table at Chez Cocotte for steaks from a choice of prestigious regional breeds. If you like added atmosphere with your food, try Les Archives, a gastronomic restaurant in a 19th century Jesuit chapel next to the 4* Hôtel Mercure Poitiers Centre. I also enjoyed Les Bons Enfants for cosy, casual eating in a traditional atmosphere.
La Guinguette Pictave ©Sphérique.fr
Fancy an al fresco drink or snack? Head down to the banks of the Clain to Ilot Tison for assorted food trucks and the Guingette Pictave where you can enjoy a tasty snack at a trestle table or just an al fresco drink. There’s even an annual food truck festival in May each year!
Have fun with the family in Poitiers
Gen up on medieval heroine Eleanor of Aquitaine with an escape game in English, with Escape League on Place Alphone-Lepetit closed to the former palace of the Counts of Poitou and Dukes of Aquitaine. Bur leave time to head inside the medieval palace for a ‘wow’ moment in the vast royal hall where Eleanor of Aquitaine once held court and Joan of Arc was questioned.
The Palace interior, Poitiers
But the big family attraction in Poitiers is Futuroscope, one of France’s most popular theme parks, just ten minutes away by bus, train or car from the city centre.
Expect more than 40 attractions including 4D experiences, simulators, rollercoasters and live shows, as well as themed hotels. New last year, Aquascope water park has already scooped a clutch of international awards for its water slides, light effects, aquatic cinema and relaxation pools.
Aquascope-Les Abysses de Lumiere ©Moment FactoryFUTUROSCOPE
Fact File
FLY: Gillian flew to Poitiers from London-Stansted with www.ryanair.com
STAY: Hotel Europe Poitiers, a tranquil hotel with a spacious garden in the city centre. CHECK AVAILABILITY
More information:
- www.visitpoitiers.fr
- www.nouvelle-aquitaine-tourisme.com
- www.futuroscope.com
- www.lesarchives.fr
- www.parapluie-artisanal.com
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