Take part in the European Heritage Days 2024 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 City Hall

Renaissance inspired and built between 1869 and 1875, the town hall is distinguished by its U-shaped plan and its rhythmic façade, decorated with side pavilions. On the occasion of the European Heritage Days, take part in the guided tours organized from 10:30 a.m. to 16:30 p.m., Saturday and from 10:30 a.m. to 15:00 p.m., Sunday.

2. The Prefecture 

As part of the 41^th edition of the European Heritage Days, the Prefecture and the Department of Vienne open their doors on Sunday September 22, 2024. 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.

3. The Archives of the Vienne

As part of the European Heritage Days, the Departmental Archives of the Vienne offer you a discovery weekend with:

• visits: The Archives at the Sources of our History
• An Escape Game: Threat to the Archives!
• Role Playing Games
• Exhibitions 

4. 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. 

5. The Hypogeum of the Dunes

The Hypogeum of the Dunes, located in Poitiers, is a funerary monument dating from the High Middle Ages. This place steeped in history offers a fascinating insight into Merovingian funerary practices. 

6. 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 visit of this private abbey. Discover wild bees Saturday and Sunday from 15 p.m. to 18 p.m.

7. Activities at Saint-Savin Abbey

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. 

8. The Castle of La Mothe-Chandeniers

Come and participate in the 41^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.

9. The Visit to Nouaille-Maupertuis 

To celebrate this 41^th 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.

10. Medieval Festival at the Château de Montreuil-Bonnin

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. 

And so as not to miss any of this 41^th edition of the European Heritage Days :

And if you want even more sites to discover, find the program of September 21 & 22, 2024.