A cheap holiday in France? Dare it Vienne !

La Vienne at a low price: cities between charm and authenticity

Take advantage of your cheap holidays in France to discover the most unmissable towns and villages of the Vienne. Full of charm and authenticity, each of them will reveal to you the fascinating vestiges of its history...

Poitiers, emblematic city of art and history

First stop of the trip, how about a lovely weekend at Poitiers ? Ideally located on the axis of Paris and Bordeaux, Poitiers is easily accessible by TGV. Nicely nicknamed “ The city of 100 bell towers » for the richness of its cultural heritage, the town is home to numerous monuments.

A trip to Poitiers will be an opportunity to contemplate:
   •   Notre-Dame la Grande church : a true gem of 12th century Romanesque architecture^rd century, classified as historical monuments
   •   Saint Peter's Cathedral : probably the most imposing monument in the city, in the Angevin Gothic style from the beginning of the 12th century^rd century
   •   The Saint-Jean Baptistery : one of the oldest European Christian monuments from the 4th century^rd century, holding an astonishing collection of sarcophagi
   • The Hypogeum of the Dunes: an eloquent funerary monument from the Middle Ages, taking the form of a semi-subterranean chapel unique in Europe
   •   The former palace of the Counts of Poitou and Dukes of Aquitaine : this exceptional architectural ensemble from the Middle Ages, after having been a ducal palace then a courthouse, is now a place open to all residents, where many cultural events are held
   •   Saint-Porchaire church : in the heart of the city's pedestrian streets, a church restored in the 15th century^rd century, known for its Gothic double-nave

During your stay in Poitiers, we also recommend that you stroll through the small medieval streets of the historic center. There you will come across superb half-timbered houses, but also some private hotels, like the Fumé hotel, and its flamboyant Gothic style.

Other ancestral treasures to discover…

Cheap holidays in France continue! Many other cities in the Vienne worth the detour.

Here are some examples:
   •   Chauvigny : about twenty km from Poitiers, a medieval city which seduces with its 5 fortified castles proudly erected on a mountain point
   •   Lusignan : another historic city 20 km from Poitiers, where history and mythology mingle, enveloping the remains of feudal castles
   •   Angles-sur-l'Anglin : classified as “Most Beautiful Villages of France”, a medieval town appreciated for its majestic Magdalenian structures and its imposing fortress
   •   Montmorillon : located about fifty km from Poitiers, a peaceful and flowery town which seduces and whose cultural heritage delights tourists
   •   Chateau-Larcher : south of Poitiers, a town between medieval eloquence and rural charm, which invites outdoor walks as well as cultural visits
   •   Charroux : village of character and ancient medieval capital, whose fascinating abbey complex is full of secrets

A journey in the Vienne and its thousand and one natural treasures

With its splendid views, verdant forests, mysterious caves, and peaceful rivers, La Vienne can only seduce nature lovers looking for a stay at a low price.

To enjoy this wild beauty, nothing better than a getaway to the heart of Pinail National Nature Reserve ! This exceptional site with free access all year round is home to more than 2 animal and plant species. It is possible to walk along a 600 km path, mixing meadows, moors and peat bogs. Throughout the walk, you will find information panels, mini-video reports and discovery areas; enough to know all the secrets of this natural space!

And to vary the pleasures during your stay in the Vienne, know that there are multiple other hiking routes, on foot, by bike or even on horseback! Here are some examples of walks that will amaze young and old:

   • The children's path: a 3,2 km footpath easy to walk, starting from Dangé-Saint-Romain, to be done in 1 hour, crossing the pretty wood of Cuismes. A great idea for a family trip
   • The Rivers and Mills trail: a 20 km route to be covered by bike for 1 to 2 hours, starting from the church of Voulon, during which 3 charming rivers will accompany you, punctuated by the mills of La Dive
   • The great Scévolles trail: a 22 km route to crisscross on horseback for 2 hours in the heart of the Scévolles massif, during which you can admire sumptuous wooded landscapes

Cheap relaxation stay: yes to the leisure bases!

When you say vacation, of course, you also want to recharge your batteries... And for that, the department offers several leisure bases accessible free of charge. One of the best known is the Domaine du Lac de Saint-Cyr, located between Poitiers and Chatellerault. This incredible area of ​​300 hectares, between lake and greenery, is worth the detour. Equipped with a beach, picnic areas, an ornithological reserve, hiking trails, a golf course, but also restaurants, this leisure base promises a pleasant weekend.

Another essential place to relax during these inexpensive holidays in France: The Islands of Payré, on the edge of the Dive, in the SouthVienne, about 30 km from Poitiers and Civray.
Open all year round, this grandiose 22-hectare setting offers a wide choice of free waterfront activities. Lunch in the open air, fishing, hiking, boat trips, games for children, fitness trail... The place is ideal for treating yourself to a real moment of relaxation!

the mini-port of Cenon-sur-Vienne should seduce you. You can rent an electric boat there and explore the valley of the Vienne. The boats can accommodate between 4 and 7 people and the getaway lasts between 30 minutes and 2 hours.

Live unforgettable experiences in France at a low price

You benefit from a long list free activities. But to complete the planning of these inexpensive holidays in France, also treat yourself to attractions at low prices. Need a good plan? It's this way !

The Futuroscope Park

Welcome to the Land of Futuroscope! This legendary park is internationally known for the quality of its attractions.
Inspired by the digital and cinematographic worlds, it offers tourists a multitude of experiences, each more memorable than the next. Through 40 attractions and shows unfold amazing sensory stratagems.

We are then carried away into parallel worlds, between laughter, shivers and curiosity...
Do you dream of taking a walk through the Futuroscope park during your cheap holidays in France? Thanks to these low budget special offers, it is possible!

Center Parcs, immersion in the woods

Another equally unmissable attraction in La Vienne : Center Parcs ! At the Domaine du Bois aux Daims located near Loudun, 70 km from Futuroscope, come and experience a wonderful immersion in the heart of nature. In this verdant and enchanting setting of 260 hectares, forest animals roam freely.

The Poitou farm is also accessible to the public; the opportunity to make great encounters with our furry friends! Without counting the many other activities offered in this space out of time: horseback riding, hiking, climbing course, workshops for children, Aqua Mundo aquatic area, tailor-made treatments at the Deep Nature SPA...
And throughout this adventure, spend unusual nights in a house at the top of the trees. Comfortable, this one-of-a-kind accommodation will definitely make you forget about the hotel!
But… is the magic of Center Parcs Bois aux Daims really compatible with holidays at a lower price? Do not panic, look on the side of the Promotional offers !

Ideas for an inexpensive family vacation

It is always easier for a single person to spend a cheap holiday in France. However, even as a family, it is possible to find activities at low prices. So, how to occupy the children during your stay in the Vienne ?

If your little ones are in a creative mood, stop by Sabline Prehistory Museum. They can only adore the “archaeologist of engraved stones” or “prehistoric engraving” workshops and they will be able to leave with their creation!

The planning of the stay in Vienne already looks busy. Are you looking for a hotel or accommodation for your nights there? Find all the accommodations of the Vienne.

We wish you in advance a great, inexpensive vacation in France!