Spend 3 days in nature in the Vienne

DAY 1: Poitiers, between heritage & nature

The stay begins with Poitiers, the so-called city of “one hundred steeples” where the sweetness of life and natural spaces offer a breath of fresh air.

Attacking the heritage of Poitiers

Go to the city center where Romanesque monuments stand in front of half-timbered houses, such as the church of Notre-Dame-la-Grande. Its sculpted facade from the 11th century^th century illustrating passages from the Bible still impresses! The church is closed to visitors for restoration until May 2027.

A few streets away stands the Palace of the Counts of Poitou and Dukes of Aquitaine. This superb monument, formerly the city's courthouse, is once again open to the public. Inside, the immense Hall of Lost causes with its Angevin style decor, with its triple fireplace, is now a place of culture where conferences and shows regularly take place. During your visit, don't forget to explore the Maubergeon Tower, built between the 11th and 12th centuries.^th century, old keep attached to the palace.

Head to the green spaces of Poitiers

A stone's throw from the hypercentre is one of the most beautiful public parks in France : Blossac Park. It is THE place to stroll with the family with nearly 9 hectares: the French garden, whose structure recalls that of André le Nôtre, the English garden created in 1905 where water is omnipresent, the garden of shade and light, the large meadow, the rock garden and the zoological park. Blossac Park is a must for the inhabitants of Poitiers for its originality and tranquility.

Guinguette and feet in the water

From Parc de Blossac, you can see Tison Island, this space redesigned for an atmosphere tavern is a must-see on spring and summer evenings. Food trucks, eclectic music, and all kinds of games give a festive atmosphere to this place where people love to meet up with friends or family. During the day, fun pedalo, canoe or stand-up paddle departures are available to take a nature break in the city 

DAY 2: Chauvigny, medieval at heart

Just 30 minutes from Poitiers stands on its rock overlooking the Vienne the medieval town of Chauvigny. Five castles cohabited there in the Middle Ages, three of which still reveal their secrets.

Discover the heritage of Chauvigny

The amphitheater of the Château des Evêques is the ideal place for a show, and for good reason! You can attend the show of Sky Giants. Falcons, vultures, eagles and other exotic birds will fly overhead. During this time, the falconers will explain all about their ways of life.

Au Harcourt Castle, an Escape Game will await the most daring. Also visit its prison and exhibition halls. Then go to the Dungeon of Gouzon where his industrial archeology museum spans four levels. As a bonus, you can climb to the top floor to enjoy breathtaking views of the valley. Take the time to stroll through the picturesque medieval streets.

It is also an opportunity to test two of our Expériences Famille ! Build a Romanesque vault with the help of a master builder in challenge the laws of balance or weave your fantasy creature into a chimera at the end of the line ! 

A nature & sporty walk to admire Chauvigny

If you want to see the medieval city from a unique point of view, while enjoying a unique activity, the VéloRail de Chauvigny awaits you. It is on board a cyclo-draisine that you will set off into the Chauvinois bocage! The ride promises you undergrowth, rolling plains, and family laughter. But for that, you will have to pedal, so challenge your children on a 17km round trip!

Personalized canoe-kayak departures are also available, to stroll on the Vienne, the main river of our beautiful department.

DAY 3: nature destination near Civray

Nature immersion at La Vallée des Singes

Head south of Poitiers, immersed in nature, in the lush countryside. The Valley of the Apes, this unmissable park invites you to discover different species of primates in semi-freedomWithout cages or barriers, bonobos, chimpanzees, squirrel monkeys and lemurs roam these wide open spaces. You enter their territory... and they are almost watching you! Thanks to the explanations from the animal keepers during feedings, you will learn more about these fascinating animals. Take advantage of your visit to help Kaya find her grandfather and little brother who disappeared during the Family Experience Kaya's Adventure !

Get off the beaten track! 

There are so many places nestled in the heart of nature in the Vienne, that three days are ultimately not enough to see everything! Extend your stay or take notes for your next visit! 

The Castle of La Mothe-Chandeniers, the most romantic ruin in the world has been the subject of major crowdfunding campaigns. This heritage gem located north of the Vienne presents to you the spectacular side of its building. Nature having slowly regained its rights, you will be able to experience an enchanting visit there.

Don't forget either Angles-sur-l'Anglin, labeled one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”! With its imposing 12th-century fortress and steep streets, this is another getaway idea not to be missed. You can admire magnificent panoramas revealing green horizons over the Anglin Valley. It’s hard not to fall under its spell! 

For original and atypical nights far from the cities: the Floating Village of Pressac invites you to its floating cabins on a Natura 2000 lake where biodiversity is rich. For adventurous families, head to ChallengePlanet ! On the program: tree house, chicken or rabbit house and lots of activities for the whole family! 

Treat the whole family with parent-child activities designed just for you! The Expériences Famille have been developed to give you the opportunity to get together and share what will become great memories. So activate experience mode, choose from  30 original activities and enjoy these moments with your family!