Take part in the European Heritage Days 2023 in Poitiers and its surroundings

The must-see places to visit in Poitiers and its surroundings for the European Heritage Days

In the Vienne, places to visit during European Heritage Days do not miss. Guided tours, events, museums, behind the scenes of certain places often inaccessible to the public. 

1. The town hall of Poitiers 

L'City Hall de Poitiers presents itself as a real architectural nugget, mixing styles and eras. Of the medieval elements Asked Renaissance keys, passing through more contemporary elements, each corner of this building tells a part of thehistory of Poitiers and its inhabitants. During these two days, pass through the doors of this remarkable building to immerse yourself in the rich historical past of Poitiers.

2. The Departmental Archives of the Vienne 

Usually closed to the public the rest of the year, Departmental Archives of Vienne open its doors to you for a weekend. Venture into the corridors of this site with the commented visit “The archives at the sources of our history”. 

3. Visits and concerts at the Château des Ormes 

Treat yourself to an immersion in the Age of Enlightenment at Chateau des Ormes with its glorious past, with its church in its very particular style and its majestic Horse Post. To celebrate this day, the castle is organizing two concerts on Saturday and Sunday. 

4. Visits and activities at the Royal Abbey of Réau

Want to take a leap into the past? Discover theRoyal Abbey of La Réau, classified as historical monuments. For the European Heritage Days, take part in a visits of this private abbey. Discover wild bees Saturday and Sunday from 15 p.m. to 18 p.m.

5. Entertainment at the Abbey of Saint-Savin

For this new edition of the European Heritage Days, The Abbey of Saint-Savin, jewel of Romanesque art classified by UNESCO for 40 years has planned numerous activities and highlights for everyone! Prepare yourself for guided tours, free or dramatized tours or even scientific activities. 

6. Medieval Fair at Château-Larcher

On September 16 and 17, 2023, the village of Chateau-Larcher takes a leap into the past with its traditional medieval fair. The village invites you to celebrate and let yourself be surprised by the numerous exhibitors, artisans and the magic of the shows.

7. The Castle of La Mothe-Chandeniers

Come and participate in the 40^th European Heritage Days Mothe-Chandeniers Castle. Discover the history of Mothe-Chandeniers through an artistic demonstration moderated by Bruno Devault. The exhibition “La Mothe-Chandeniers yesterday and today” and mediation points will introduce you to the different aspects of the domain.

8. The visit of Nouaillé-Maupertuis 

To celebrate this 40^rd edition of the European Heritage Days, Nouaillé-Maupertuis offers you site visits, concerts and exceptional openings. Take advantage of this friendly event to discover the riches of Nouaille-Maupertuis.

9. Visit of the Prefecture of Poitiers

As part of the 40^rd edition of the European Heritage Days, the Prefecture and the Department of Vienne open their doors on Sunday September 17, 2023. free guided tours, of one and a half hours, with a tour guide, are offered from 9:30 a.m. to 16:00 p.m. These tours are only open to people who have made a reservation.

10. Medieval festival at Montreuil-Bonnin castle

Le Montreuil Bonnin Castle invites you to a time travel, in the era of knights, equestrian jousting, artistic sword fights, princesses, music and catapults, for a friendly family visit.

11. And the bonus: Visit to Chauvigny

Chauvigny is a small town near Saint-Savin and Angles-sur-l'Anglin, which has many discoveries in store for you. Let yourself be told the secrets and legends of the major buildings and places of the Medieval town of Chauvigny. The medieval city, the Baronial castle, the Saint-Pierre collegiate church, take part in a self-guided or guided tour of this charming city. 

Our selection of castles & dungeons in the Vienne 

Cultural or natural heritage, come and explore these many sites of the Vienne open for this special weekend! Curiosity, love for history, the patrimony, share this moment with family, friends or alone. Here is a selection of nuggets highlighted in the Vienne, this list is of course not exhaustive!

And if you want even more sites to discover, find the program of September 16 & 17, 2023.