If you’re looking for a French city rich in history, culture and innovation but without the crowds, Poitiers is an excellent choice. Located in Nouvelle-Aquitaine in western France, just two hours from Paris, it’s a hidden gem in one of the country’s most underrated regions. One of France’s oldest cities, Poitiers was founded in the first century. Today, its cobbled streets, Romanesque architecture and innovative Futuroscope theme park uniquely blend history and modernity for visitors. Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Poitiers.
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Quick overview of the top things to do in Poitiers
- Notre-Dame la Grande – Stunning Romanesque church
- Saint-Pierre Cathedral – Gothic masterpiece with Europe’s oldest stained-glass windows
- Place de la Liberté – Historic square with its own Statue of Liberty
- Parc de Blossac – Beautiful landscaped park with river views
- Palais de Justice – Stunning former seat of medieval nobility
- Authentic French bistros – To taste the local delicacies
- Futuroscope theme park – Just outside the city and well worth the trip
The best things to do in Poitiers
Poitiers is a city where every corner tells a story. Known for its rich Romanesque architecture, medieval landmarks and lively cultural scene, this historic hub is a delight to explore.
Its compact size makes it perfect for walking, allowing you to uncover its treasures at a relaxed pace. From the iconic Notre-Dame la Grande to the vibrant student district, Poitiers brims with sights that blend its storied past with its dynamic present.
Here are some of the best things to do in Poitiers:
Notre-Dame la Grande
This Romanesque masterpiece is free to enter and a must-see. The church’s façade is adorned with detailed sculptures that narrate biblical stories, and its interior features exquisite frescoes. During summer evenings, the façade transforms into a spectacular light show that brings its carvings to life. Please note, the Notre-Dame la Grande is temporarily closed for restoration.
Discover Poitiers’ fascinating history during the 18th-20th century in the Napoleon III Walking Tour.

Saint-Pierre Cathedral
Built in the 12th century, the cathedral is a marvel of Gothic architecture. Inside, you’ll find one of the oldest surviving stained-glass windows in Europe depicting scenes from the Bible.
Discover all the famous sites and rich heritage of Poitiers on this guided walking tour.

Place de la Liberté
Place de la Liberté is a historic square in the heart of Poitiers, which even has its own version of the Statue of Liberty. Around the square is the grand town hall and lively cafés, and it often hosts markets and events, making it the perfect spot to relax or people-watch.
Learn about the legendary Queen of France and England, Eleanor of Aquitaine, on this guided walking tour.

Palais de Justice
Formerly the seat of the Counts of Poitou and Dukes of Aquitaine, this historic building provides a glimpse into Poitiers’ medieval history. Its stunning architecture and historical significance make it a fascinating stop.
Parc de Blossac
For a relaxing break, visit Parc de Blossac, a beautifully landscaped park perfect for strolling, picnicking or enjoying the view over the Clain River. It’s a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike.
Discover the legendary women of Poitiers, from Joan of Arc to Radegundis, on this guided tour.

Where to stay in Poitiers
If you’re visiting Poitiers without a car, staying in the city centre is your best option. This historic area is compact and walkable, with easy access to Poitiers’ main attractions, restaurants and shops. It also means you’re close to the train station and other public transport options, making it simple to reach Futuroscope and other nearby sites.
The best hotels in Poitiers
The fabulous 3-star Logis Hôtel de l’Europe has comfortable rooms with modern amenities. Guests love the warm hospitality of the staff and the serene courtyard, a great spot to relax after a day of sightseeing. The Mercure Poitiers Centre is housed in a converted Jesuit chapel. This hotel blends historic charm with modern amenities.
The Ibis Styles Poitiers Centre is known for its stylish, air-conditioned rooms and complimentary breakfast. Alternatively, the Best Western Poitiers Centre le Grand Hôtel has spacious rooms with contemporary décor and convenient on-site parking.
Perfect for longer stays, the Adagio Access Poitiers aparthotel has relaxing, quiet and spacious studios and apartments complete with kitchenettes.
Explore the map below to check the latest accommodation deals and availability for your dates in Poitiers:
Where to eat in Poitiers
Great local restaurants serving French cuisine with a modern twist include Le CARRé d’ARTs, a popular bistro and the charming Le Trait d’Union restaurant by the river. Housed in a beautifully restored historical building, Les Archives also blends traditional French flavours with modern culinary techniques.
What food is Poitiers famous for?
Poitiers is known for its unique local dishes, including Farci Poitevin, a herbed pork and cabbage terrine, and Tourteau Fromagé, a sweet goat cheese tart with a blackened crust.
Why not indulge in the local flavours of Poitiers on this gourmet walking tour.
Day trips from Poitiers
While Poitiers has plenty to keep you busy, the surrounding region offers some incredible day trip opportunities. The most famous and unmissable is Futuroscope, but there are other worthwhile excursions in the beautiful Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
Futuroscope: Poitiers’ modern marvel
This top-rated French theme park is one of the best things to do in Poitiers for kids – but it isn’t just for kids. Futuroscope is a place where imagination comes to life. With thrilling rides, thought-provoking exhibitions and mesmerising architecture, it’s one of the best theme parks I’ve ever visited. With dancing robots and 4D-experiences, Futuroscope fuses 21st century technology with cinematic and multimedia innovations.
Futuroscope is located around 10km (6 miles) north of Poitiers, making it easily accessible. Regular affordable trains run from Poitiers to Futuroscope station, with a journey time of approximately 9 minutes. There’s also a public bus, which takes 30 minutes to get to Futuroscope. If you’re travelling by car, the drive takes about 14 minutes and parking is available on-site.
To make the most of your trip, plan to spend a whole day or even stay overnight to enjoy everything, including the spectacular evening Cirque du Soleil show.
Coming from Paris? Book a private day trip to Futuroscope and skip the queues – find out more here.
An Extraordinary Journey
One of the park’s standout attractions is the Extraordinary Journey, Europe’s first flying movie theatre. Inspired by Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days, this immersive experience takes you on a whirlwind adventure across deserts, skyscrapers and stormy mountain ranges. The tilting platform, enormous curved screen and special effects like wind and mist make it feel like you’re soaring through the skies. I was blown away by how intense and emotive it was—this is no ordinary simulator ride. It’s a must for anyone visiting Futuroscope.
Dances with Robots
If you’re in the mood for something daring, don’t miss Dances with Robots. This ride pairs you with a friend and seats you in the ‘hand’ of one of ten 7-metre high giant robotic arms. As electronic music from French DJ Martin Solveig pumps from the speakers, the robot spins and twists you in sync with the beats. You can choose from three intensity levels—we chose medium, which still felt exhilarating! If the thought of being flung around isn’t appealing, there’s a balcony where you can watch the action and enjoy the impressive lighting and video effects. The guidelines say it’s for adults and children over 4 feet tall, though I would say it’s not for the faint hearted!
Where to stay near Futuroscope
Here are affordable and mid-range hotels near Futuroscope, in the charming town of Chasseneuil-du-Poitou.
Ibis Budget Site du Futuroscope is a 10-minute walk to Futuroscope. This clean and modern hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi.
Also a short walk from Futuroscope is the B&B Hôtel Poitiers 3 Futuroscope. With spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi and secure parking, guests enjoy the comfy beds and tasty breakfast.
The eco-friendly The Originals City, Hôtel Alteora, Poitiers Futuroscope has been recently renovated. It has an outdoor pool, fitness centre and free Wi-Fi.
Explore the map below to find the best hotel deals near Futuroscope for your dates:
Is Poitiers worth visiting?
Absolutely. Poitiers in France is worth visiting if you enjoy historical cities without the crowds. Walk around the picturesque university city of Poitiers and you’ll see lively al fresco cafés and impressive ancient architecture. A short bus ride or car journey from this ancient city is the one-of-a-kind Futuroscope theme park, making it a unique destination.
What free things can you do in Poitiers?
Poitiers has plenty of free attractions including Notre-Dame la Grande church, Saint-Pierre Cathedral, and wandering the historic cobblestone streets. Place de la Liberté is perfect for people-watching, while Parc de Blossac offers beautiful river views and peaceful walks.
How many days do I need in Poitiers?
Two days is the perfect amount of time to experience Poitiers. The city is compact and easy to navigate on foot. Dedicate one day to exploring the historic city centre, its beautiful churches and quaint streets. Use the second day to visit Futuroscope and enjoy its innovative attractions and captivating evening show.
When is the best time to visit Poitiers?
The best time to visit Poitiers is from April to October when the weather is ideal for walking and outdoor activities. Summer brings the magical Notre-Dame la Grande light shows that illuminate the ancient façade.
What can you do in Poitiers during winter?
Winter in Poitiers means fewer crowds and cosy café culture. The historic churches and indoor attractions provide warmth, while local restaurants serve hearty regional dishes. The city’s compact centre keeps you close to indoor warmth, and the architecture is beautiful year-round.
How to get to Poitiers
Poitiers is well-connected and easy to reach from major cities in France.
While Poitiers has a small regional airport (Poitiers-Biard Airport), direct flights to Poitiers are limited. Most international travellers fly into Paris or Bordeaux, then take the train or drive to Poitiers.
Poitiers is on the high-speed TGV train line, making it a quick and convenient journey from several key cities. Direct trains from Montparnasse Station in Paris take just under 2 hours. You can reach Poitiers in around 1 hour 15 minutes by TGV from Bordeaux. Finally, from Nantes, a train journey to Poitiers takes approximately 2 hours. The train station is centrally located, so you can easily walk or take a short taxi ride to your accommodation.
If you’re on a France road trip, Poitiers is accessible via the A10 motorway, which connects Paris and Bordeaux. It’s about a 3-hour drive from Paris and less than 2 hours from Bordeaux. Ample parking is available in and around the city.
Frequently asked questions about Poitiers
What is Poitiers famous for?
As one of France’s oldest cities, founded in the first century, Poitiers has played a significant role in French history and culture. Poitiers is famous for its exceptional Romanesque and Gothic architecture. More recently, it’s known as being home to one of France’s best theme parks: Futuroscope.
What’s the best way to get around Poitiers?
Poitiers’ historic city centre is compact and perfectly suited for walking. Most attractions, restaurants, and shops are within easy walking distance of each other. For reaching Futuroscope, the convenient train connection is the best option, though buses and taxis are also available. If you’re staying in the city center, you won’t need any transport for exploring the main sights.
Is Poitiers expensive compared to other French cities?
Poitiers is generally more affordable than major French cities like Paris, Lyon or Nice. Accommodation prices are reasonable, many historic attractions are free to visit and local restaurants offer excellent value for authentic French cuisine.
How does Poitiers compare to other French destinations?
Poitiers is an off-the-beaten track destination with unique attractions that set it apart from other French cities. Here, you can escape the crowds and enjoy an authentic French experience with well-preserved medieval architecture and innovative modern attractions like Futuroscope.
Final thoughts on the best things to do in Poitiers
Poitiers is a city that surprises and delights at every turn. From its centuries-old landmarks to the modern wonders of Futuroscope, it combines history and innovation seamlessly.
Whether you’re wandering through its historic streets, marvelling at Romanesque churches or experiencing cutting-edge attractions, Poitiers is an experience like no other. Plan your visit and discover all the unforgettable things to do in Poitiers.
A big thank you to Futuroscope who hosted our trip.
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