Cheap holidays in France? Head to Vienne

Looking for a destination where the kids will have a blast and you'll be blown away by the scenery? No need to travel to the other side of the world to get away from it all! For a few nights, for the school holidays? Enjoy a stay in France, just 1 hour and 30 minutes by train from Paris!

Family on bike ©Agence Zébrelle

Expériences Famille Do you want some? Here you go!

You know the Expériences Famille ? These activities where young and old alike, everyone has fun and gets involved? Scattered all over the Vienne, DIY workshops, exciting investigations, sporting challenges, nature or cultural discoveries are just waiting for you! So, it's your turn!

Know them!

We're filling up on outdoor activities!

By bike, on horseback or on foot, there is no shortage of routes in the Vienne : hiking trails, cycle paths, horse riding loops… there’s something for everyone! Come and enjoy this free, life-size playground! Here, whether you’re cycling, trotting or strolling, you can breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the countryside!

I'm discovering the routes!

A little geocaching?

Notice to adventurous souls! There Vienne is full of fantastic places to discover. And to appreciate every detail, what better than the game? Dare to do an activity that is both fun and unusual with the application Tèrra Aventura : 100% free, this one offers life-size outdoor treasure hunts; the opportunity to visit pretty corners of the department while having fun.

Follow in the footsteps of the Poï'z!
Terra Aventura©Momentum Productions – Mickaël PLANES

Want to spice up your walk? Head to Jazeneuil and the Lama'Rando Family Experience! Join Snoopy and Tapioca, the two llamas, and explore the verdant trails of Jazeneuil.

We're going on a Lama!
Hike Lama with Belle Anée in Jazeneuil©Pomme-verte

In Chouppes, in the Haut-Poitou region, nature becomes a veritable open-air classroom! This 9km trail winds through the Mirebalais plains and is punctuated by interactive terminals that tell the story of the Haut-Poitou region's heritage and the region's birdlife.

Heading for Chouppes
Hike The birds of the Plaine mirebalaise©Bastien SAUVE – Agence Zébrelle

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 ChatelleraultThis incredible 300-hectare estate, nestled between a lake and greenery, is well worth the detour. With picnic areas, a bird sanctuary, hiking trails, a golf course, and numerous water sports, this leisure center promises a pleasant weekend.

Another must-see place to relax during these holidays: 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.

Mini port of Cenon sur Vienne ©OT de Grand Châtellerault
ST Cyr Estate ©Agence Zébrelle – Bastien Sauve

Four steps to travel through time!

  • The city of Poitiers which are brimming with must-see sites! The Palace, the Notre-Dame la Grande church, Saint-Pierre Cathedral, and many more await you!
  • The Museum of Prehistory in Lussac-les-Châteaux : the “archaeologist of engraved stones” workshops or “prehistoric engraving” are waiting for you! and the whole family can leave with their creations.
  • The City of Writing in Montmorillon to learn more about the typewriter and learn more about its long history with books.
  • The Abbey of Saint-Savin : A unique UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Abbey of Saint-Savin is a must-see before you leave! A variety of tours await you to delight both young and old!
Poitiers Street
Prehistoric engraving in Sabline ©Filmsetimages.fr
Montmorillon ©Momentum Productions / Mickaël PLANES
Saint Savin Abbey ©Agence Zébrelle – Bastien Sauve

Other gems to discover!

Cheap holidays in the Vienne, it's not just Poitiers. It's also a whole collection of towns and villages that have kept their soul, their old stones, and even their legends.

Here are some examples:

  • Chauvigny : about twenty kilometers from Poitiers, a medieval city that captivates with its five fortified castles proudly perched on a mountain peak. Add to that a unique falconry show, and you have the perfect combo for children and history buffs alike.
  • Lusignan A small town of character, it is said that the fairy Melusine built the feudal castles. A magical atmosphere is guaranteed for attentive little ears.
  • Angles-sur-l'Anglin : classified as “Most Beautiful Villages of France”, a medieval town appreciated for its majestic Magdalenian structures and its imposing fortress
  • Chateau-Larcher This other Small Town of Character is located south of Poitiers. The town is a setting worthy of a history book: ramparts, a medieval church, old houses… and a perfect backdrop for alternating nature walks and cultural visits.
  • Charroux : this village of character hides secrets in its impressive abbey complex that will make the eyes of the curious shine.

Many events!

La Vienne is full of events to fill your days! Gourmet markets, concerts, festivals, exhibitions…. It's time to find THE holiday outing!

Let's go !