What to do in Poitiers? The 10 unmissable sights not to be missed

Step 1: Notre-Dame-La-Grande Church, the city’s Romanesque jewel

The reflections of the sublime sun the church of Notre-Dame-La-Grande, it's a good time to take a look. Arrived in front of the facade of this Poitevin nugget, you will fall under its spell. It will impress you with its facade unique and magnificent Romanesque architecture. A real story is hidden behind it, testimony to the past. It reads like a picture book and tells you the story of the Bible, that of the apostles, two bishops and finally Christ.

The Notre-Dame-la-Grande church is closed for restoration work for at least two and a half years, it will reopen its doors to the public in May 2027. However, you can continue to admire its facade and its pretty square.

Step 2: City center quests to combine play and exploration

Different options are available to you to explore the city from top to bottom:

Viking 2.0: life-size adventure game

The Poitiers Tourist Office Take us on an adventure into the world of the Vikings! Walk in the footsteps of your ancestors and try to unearth the treasure. This outdoor adventure will transport you to the heart of the city's rich historical past, for 1.5 hours of fun.

Play detective in the center of Poitiers with Odyssée Prod 

Are you unbeatable at Clue? Do you love solving mysteries? Odyssée Prod's puzzles are also perfect for you. What a unique experience to step into the shoes of a real secret agent. Explore the streets of Poitiers in different neighborhoods and solve the mysteries! mysteries in less than 1h30.

A captivating escape game about Eleanor of Aquitaine with The Escape League

With the escape game “Eleanor's Treasure,” located in the historic center of Poitiers, near the Palace, follow in the footsteps of the treasure of the former Queen of France and then of England. Immerse yourself in a medieval atmosphere  and gather all your assets to carry out the mission. This activity is part of the device Expériences Familleoffering multiple activities to share with your family. For 2 to 6 players.

Step 3: The Palace

You will discover during your visit, the palace, former Poitiers Law Courts, exceptional testimony to the architectural style called “Angevin Gothic”. This emblematic place of Poitiers has seen some of the characters of French History pass through: William the Great, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Richard the Lionheart and even Jean de Berry.
Today, this building remains one of the most remarkable examples of medieval civil architecture in France. You just have to push open the door to find yourself immersed in the immense ceremonial room 50 meters long, decorated in the XNUMXth century by the mistress of the place, Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Step 4: the impressive Saint-Pierre Cathedral

Can't escape the majestic Saint-Pierre Cathedral. It is by far the most imposing building in Poitiers, you will see for yourself. Built on the model of Notre-Dame-de-Paris, it was built at the instigation ofEleanor of Aquitaine.

You will feel very small in front of its facade. Its beautiful rose window and its three carved portals will strongly invite you to contemplate the equally impressive interior. You can admire the wall paintings, a treasure of Gothic art of a quality and size unique in France.
Another world-renowned rarity escapes at first glance: the Clicquot organ, whose three thousand pipes occupy the gallery 20 m above the ground. Thanks to its authenticity and its exceptional state of preservation, the instrument delivered in 1787 can be heard today, with as much brilliance, the same timbres as three centuries ago.

Step 5: green interlude at Blossac Park

The air is getting chilly and the leaves are falling but theBlossac Park is the ideal place to enjoy a moment cut off from the urban atmosphere. Above the Clain valley, walk along this théâtre de vegetables. 

You can walk freely through its various spaces: its French garden, its English garden, its garden of light and shade, its zoological park.

Step 6: cultural visit to the Sainte-Croix Museum

You should definitely not miss the Sainte-Croix Museum – the largest in Poitiers, located on the former site of the Sainte-Croix Abbey. The museum invites you to browse the various painted and sculpted works from the 14th^rd until the middle of the XNUMXth century^rd century. Sculptures, bas-reliefs, photographs, objects, the Sainte-Croix museum welcomes all disciplinary fields making it essential in Poitiers.
It is difficult to make a choice among the emblematic pieces as they are exceptional in their state of conservation.
Note, however, the extremely rare marble dating from the Gallo-Roman era, Athena of Poitiers, or the remarkable sculptures and inscriptions from the Merovingian era.
We will also focus on the many paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries, including ten works by Camille Claudel and five by Auguste Rodin. Children will be fascinated by the monstrous dragon Grand'Goule.

A great place to get warm while having a good time!

Step 7: Head for the mysterious Baptistery of Saint John

At the exit of the museum, take a quick tour of the Baptistery of Saint-Jean. It is one of the oldest Christian monuments in Europe! The oldest parts date from the IV^rd century.

As you enter the Baptistery, admire all the mural paintings from the XI^rd, XII^rd and XIII^rd centuries, the collection of Merovingian sarcophagi.

Please note, however, that opening hours are very limited at the end of the year.

Step 8: fun workshops and exhibitions at Espace Mendès France

Do your children ask you questions that you don't always have the answers to? What if you aroused their scientific curiosity? This is what Espace Mendès France offers you.

All year round, exhibitions and workshops help develop the scientific culture of young and old, to better understand the complex and dynamic world around us. Science then becomes more fun!

Step 9: festive atmosphere at the Ginguette Pictave at Îlot Tison

It is in Poitiers that you will enjoy a beautiful festive atmosphere on the banks of the Clain.

This former sawmill has been completely transformed into a gigantic 2-hectare park. This bucolic parenthesis connects the two banks and the different districts of the city by a footbridge.

Very pleasant for walking, resting, picnicking but also for enjoying the activities. We offer you departures by canoe, kayak, pedal boat or paddle. Navigate on the Clain while enjoying this green setting.
During the day and at sunset, take advantage of the different concerts et summer entertainment with a good meal or a good drink around the bar and food trucks. Enjoy this place even in winter thanks to its indoor space. 

Step 10: panoramic souvenir photo at Notre-Dame-des-Dunes

To end the day and understand why Poitiers is nicknamed the city of 100 steeples, go to Notre-Dame-des-Dunes for a breathtaking view of the city center. The end of the day light guarantees you a nice shot.

For an even more in-depth visit…

Take advantage of the guided tours offered by the Grand Poitiers Tourist Office to explore the city's gems in more detail. Labeled "City and Country of Art and History" since 1995, Poitiers has benefited from a substantial heritage enhancement and animation programme.

This is why you are offered thematic guided tours to help you explore the city, its monuments, its districts and its great characters.
The schedule of visits is regularly updated, you can consult them on the Tourist Office website.

After this beautiful day in Poitiers, we hope that you will leave with only one idea in mind “It is sure, we will come back”.