10 treasures to explore as a family in the Golden Triangle of Poitou

The Golden Triangle of Poitou is not just a concentration of exceptional heritage: it's also a magnificent open-air treasure trove, where each stop reveals a new little gem to discover with the family. Birds of prey displays, builders' workshops, augmented reality apps, geolocated treasure hunts, an escape game in the heart of a thousand-year-old abbey… here, in the VienneHeritage is not just something to be looked at, it is something to be experienced and it makes the eyes shine.

We've listed 10 family-friendly activities for you in the Viennedivided into three stages, like a real journey to follow from summit to summit.

Step 1: Chauvigny, the medieval town with five castles

1. Marvel at the Giants of the Sky

Head to the Bishops' Castle, a stone jewel where a breathtaking performance unfolds. Eagles, falcons, owls, storks, and parrots soar above the audience, skimming their hair in a choreography as elegant as it is spectacular. An hour of magnificent flights, followed by a fun little walk through the old moat to extend the wonder and get up close to our feathered friends.

2. Become a builder or embroiderer at Harcourt Castle

The most precious and best-preserved of the five Chauvigny castles is transformed into a veritable workshop thanks to activities for families. Expériences Famille“proposed.

With "A chimera at the end of the thread", young and old alike settle onto the stone bench seats to learn medieval embroidery and leave with their canvas embroidered with a dragon, a mermaid or another creature from the fantastic bestiary.

With "Defy the laws of balance", the whole family dons the garb of a medieval apprentice builder, heading to the Gouzon Keep and the Saint-Pierre Collegiate Church to reconstruct, as a real challenge, the model of a Romanesque vault.

Not forgetting the Micro-Folie, which puts the most beautiful masterpieces of world heritage at your fingertips, in a digital museum style.

Great deal!

Don't hesitate to take a break at La Bigorne. This medieval crêperie, nestled at the foot of the Gouzon keep, on one of the prettiest terraces in the city, delights young and old with homemade galettes and crêpes, in a setting that is as authentic as it is warm.

3. Unravel the mystery with Eleanor's Lost Treasure

Head to the historic center to begin your quest! Eleanor's Lost Treasure is a free augmented reality app, inspired by the world of Assassin's Creed, that lets you discover the city's iconic heritage in a fun way. In Chauvigny, seven panels are scattered near landmark monuments. Scan them to trigger immersive scenes and collect clues that will lead you to Eleanor's Lost Treasure. A precious adventure to follow as a family, at your own pace, through the streets of the medieval city.

4. Cycle to discover the hidden treasures of the Chauvigny Railbike

Head to the lower part of Chauvigny. Here, railbikes take young and old alike on a former railway line. Enjoy a peaceful two-hour ride, pedaling as a family between viaducts, bridges, and footbridges. And as a bonus, a magnificent view of the medieval town and its five castles. All this in the shade of the Chauvigny countryside, even on the hottest days.

Looking for a bit more adventure? The family can investigate with the "Railbike Lovers" Family Experience. Clues to find, simple calculations to solve, every pedal stroke becomes a new puzzle.

Between activities, take some time to stroll through the cobbled streets of the medieval town. Children love spotting hidden details: a gargoyle, a sculpted lion, a Gothic window. Parents, meanwhile, can enjoy the view from the ramparts. And above all, don't forget the souvenir photo with this panoramic view of the town and its castles!

Stage 2: Saint-Savin, in the land of thousand-year-old frescoes

5. To raise one's head in the abbey, in one's own way

The Abbey of Saint-Savin, in the VienneA true gem, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nicknamed the “Romanesque Sistine Chapel,” offers several ways to experience its wonder: a self-guided tour with a digital tablet, lasting 30 minutes, 1 hour, or 1.5 hours, translated into several languages; a 1-hour guided tour with a passionate expert who reveals all the secrets of the place; and, especially for children, an animated experience that takes them on the journey of young Hugh, a novice monk and aspiring artist. A real hit with younger visitors.

Don't forget to explore the old monks' cells, the refectory and the garden, for a complete immersion in monastic life, under more than 700 m² of thousand-year-old Romanesque frescoes, a unique masterpiece in Europe.

6. Stroll along the banks of the Gartempe, stop at the Cérasus

Just behind the abbey, the Gartempe River unfolds its shaded banks, offering an ideal setting to relax between visits. For a refreshing break, embark on a family canoe trip with Fourmy Canoë and let yourself drift along the water. At the rhythm of your paddles, discover the valley from a different perspective, amidst unspoiled nature and verdant landscapes. A perfect activity for sharing a convivial moment outdoors.

The best food!

After the exertion, head to Le Cérasus, located in the former abbot's residence. Its terrace, perched on an old rampart overlooking the Gartempe river, is the ideal place for a gourmet break in a setting that is both peaceful and picturesque.

7. Play with Tèrra Aventura

To extend the adventure while having fun, head to the app Tèrra Aventura and its "Zart' y est Fresque" route. Guided by the Poï'z, small, colorful characters, young and old explore the alleys of Saint-Savin in search of clues, before reaching the abbey to unravel a final mystery.

Step 3: Angles-sur-l'Anglin, the village suspended in time

8. Step back in time at Roc-aux-Sorciers

The final point of the triangle leads to the Roc-aux-Sorciers Interpretation Centre. This "Lascaux of sculpture," a true prehistoric gem dating back 14,000 years, reveals horses, ibex, and bison sculpted directly into the rock by prehistoric artists. A masterpiece of authenticity that fascinates children and parents alike. To extend the experience, take advantage of the immersive tours and workshops offered to younger visitors—a fun way to discover prehistory by getting hands-on.

9. Sailing on the calm waters of the Anglin

Want to discover the village in a different way? Head to the quay, right at the foot of the bridge, where Canoécolo offers canoes and kayaks for paddling on the Anglin River. Good news for families: the river is calm and can be navigated in both directions, so there's no need to arrange a shuttle back to the starting point. Paddle at your own pace, stop for a swim, and admire the stone houses and the ruins of the fortress overlooking the valley. Life jackets, paddles, and dry bags are provided on site, with a half-price rate for children under 12—everything you need to enjoy a refreshing and contemplative moment with your family, drifting along the water.

10. The last treasure with Tèrra Aventura

To end the journey in style, head to the course Tèrra Aventura "The Days of Angles are Told": young and old alike stroll through the village streets, encountering the Poï'z and their riddles. This activity will allow you to enjoy the exceptional panoramic view of the town.

One journey, three stages, a thousand precious memories

Whether you follow the triangle in order or choose to stop at a single vertex, each step is experienced from a child's perspective: running, scanning, investigating, and marveling. The heritage of the Golden Triangle is no longer just to be admired; it's to be played out, told, like so many jewels to collect.

So, ready to experience some magical moments?

Now it's your turn!