What to do around Poitiers?

Poitiers, a remarkable city of art and history

Located in the west of France, in the north of New Aquitaine, only 1h30 by TGV from Paris, the city of Poitiers is a town full of charm…
dubbed the city of 100 steeples, she is known for the richness of its cultural heritage. While strolling in the center of the Poitevine city, you will discover many architectural jewels:

• Saint Peter's Cathedral
• The Holy Cross Museum
• Saint-Hilaire church
• The Saint-Jean Baptistery
• Notre-Dame-la-Grande church
• The palace of the Counts of Poitou and Dukes of Aquitaine
• City Hall

And that's not counting the thousand and one other activities to do in Poitiers! Hiking in the heart of nature, canoeing in La Pictave Guiguette, lunch at restaurant, small drink on the terrace, hectic escape game, family walk in the park… the city is full of owls places to visit !

Activities to do around Poitiers

You now know what to do in Poitiers. Want a change of scenery for your next outing? Don’t hesitate to explore the surroundings of the Poitevin city! La Vienne is home to real gems just waiting to be revealed…

Visit of Saint-Benoît and its green surroundings

So, what to do around Poitiers? First of all, direction Saint-Benoît, a city which seduces by its splendid natural spaces.
Between valleys and rivers, the town of Saint-Benoît offers a wide choice of outdoor activities: horse riding, paddle, canoe-kayak rental, tree climbing, zip line... you will be spoiled for choice.

And how about a playful visit of Saint-Benoit ? With the free app Terra Adventure, go on an adventure in the heart of the city. Young and old alike will embark on a thrilling life-size treasure hunt; the opportunity to explore every corner of the town while having fun.

Passage to Chauvigny, a fabulous medieval city

Only 20 minutes from Poitiers, Chauvigny worth the detour. This city full of charm and authenticity is home to many medieval treasures. You can admire five castles or their remains : Bishops' castle, Harcourt castle, Flins castle, Gouzon keep or Montléon fortress... so many exceptional places to visit. The town is also home to the collegiate church of Saint-Pierre and the church of Saint-Pierre-les-Eglises; 2 jewels of Romanesque Art.
To discover Chauvigny and its thousand and one riches, nothing better than geocaching. Always thanks to free online application Terra Adventure, start a frenzied treasure hunt.

Get caught up in the game and flush out the Poï'z; a nice way to walk all the streets of Chauvigny.

Lusignan, the city between history and mythology

Among the medieval cities not far from Poitiers, there are also Lusignan. You might fall in love with its charming alleys, its sumptuous half-timbered houses and its breathtaking natural landscapes...
Did you know ? Lusignan is home to a fascinating legend; that of the Fairy Melusine, a female character from folk tales of the Middle Ages, at the origin of the construction of many medieval buildings in Poitou. And, great news, Terra Aventura offers a route that is specifically dedicated to it. Don't wait any longer to add a little touch of magic to your daily life!

Walk in the woods of Givray-Saint-Pierre

Notice to nature lovers: do not miss the beauty of the woods of Givray ! And for that, head to the Domaine de Givray, just a few km south of Poitiers, in the town of Ligugé. This extraordinary wooded park of nearly 210 hectares is the place ideal for a picnic or a family outing.
As you walk, you will have the opportunity to admire all kinds of plant species. But the woods of Givray are above all the landmark of the cedars. From the green cedars of Lebanon to the blue cedars of the Atlas, there is something for everyone. Some of these magnificent trees are over 250 years old and reach up to 35 m in height; don't forget to photograph this majestic natural spectacle!

Canoe-kayak rental in Chasseneuil du Poitou

The city of Futuroscope, Chasseneuil-du-Poitou, is a good place to live. Its town center is appreciated for its tranquility and friendliness. There are attractive places to stroll, between river, leisure areas and flower gardens. Ideally located on the edge of the Clain, Chasseneuil-du-Poitou is particularly popular with water sports enthusiasts. How about a charming trip on the banks of Clain by canoe-kayak ? To organize this attractive getaway, go to the Parc du Clos de la Ribaudiere . There you will find a professional canoe-kayak rental club; the opportunity to treat yourself to a pleasant day on the water during the summer season. The club also offers night outings for an atypical version!

Notice to fans of big cars: dare karting!

Have you always secretly dreamed of being a racing driver? For a moment, take the wheel and take up this ambitious challenge! Discover it New-Kart, a famous karting around Poitiers, located at Migné, near the Futuroscope. Accessible from 7 years old, New Kart invites you to get your adrenaline pumping throughout a thrilling car circuit. Different formulas are available to you for a duration of 10 or 20 minutes: F1 type timing, night driving with a lit track... Treat yourself to a moment rich in thrills! The little extra of New Kart: the bar, where you can quietly sip a drink on the terrace. On reservation, it is even possible to eat on site.

Moment of nostalgia with the Museum of Popular Art

Activities to do around Poitiers: to end this list on a high note, head to At Manuel's, an astonishing Folk Art museum open since 1977. Also located in the town of Migné-Auxances, a few kilometers from the center of Poitiers, this original establishment is worth your visit. There you will be able to contemplate all the disconcerting finds of Manuel Ribeiro, the founder of the place, who is none other than a passionate traveler and collector. It has brought together a large catalog of objects from the past which will only arouse your curiosity: from the Renault AX from 1912 to the Merlin steam engines via the Sikorsky helicopter or the Michaux velocipede, there are 2 m² of exhibition waiting for you!

Visit to Chauvigny Castle, canoe-kayak rental, detour to the Popular Art Museum, tour with Terra Aventura, hike in the town of Saint-Benoît… so, what activity around Poitiers will you start with? We wish you in advance a pleasant time in the Vienne !