Poitiers
Introduction
Nestled along the river Clain in west-central France, Poitiers serves as a vibrant university city and the capital of the Vienne department. Located within the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, this historic center of the Poitou Province offers you an immersive experience in a location deeply rooted in art and history.
You can explore the atmosphere of this "Ville aux cent clochers," where the heritage of the past remains central to the local identity.
Before you go
Prepare to explore a pleasant and relatively small city defined by its deep medieval roots and location along the Clain River. You can trace the historical weight of the region back to the Battle of Tours, where Charles Martel halted the advancing Moors in a decisive victory that shaped the course of French and European history.
Getting there
You can reach Poitiers by car via the A10 motorway, situated halfway between Paris and Bordeaux. Its location makes it a convenient stop for your travels toward the South West region of France. If you prefer to travel by train, high-speed TGV services connect Paris Montparnasse to the city in about an hour and a half; once you arrive at the station, the city centre lies directly ahead of you atop the hill.
For those arriving by air, Poitiers–Biard Airport offers daily international flights from London Stansted as well as connections from Lyon. Alternatively, you can utilize the bus station located right next to the train station, which provides links to other cities throughout the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
Getting around
Because the city centre is compact, you will find that walking is the most convenient way to navigate the area. You can reach all of the main attractions on foot, with the exception of Futuroscope.
When traveling further afield, the train and bus stations are located adjacent to one another. You can use the Vitalis bus service to reach local attractions as well as nearby towns and cities.
Where to stay
You can choose from various accommodations throughout Poitiers, ranging from modest one-star hotels to upscale options such as a relais et chateaux. Alternatively, you may choose to stay in Paris and travel by train or car early in the morning.
Food & drink
The city maintains a lively atmosphere at night thanks to its significant student population. You can find several spots to grab a drink depending on your preferred vibe:
- Le Palais de la Bière (Le PLB) offers a relaxed pub and bistro atmosphere where you can enjoy diverse music, darts, and table soccer.
- Wallaby's (Le Wallab) is a welcoming nightpub in the city center that remains calm during the evening before transitioning into a dance-friendly spot as the night progresses.
- L'Est-Ouest is one of the most visited bars in the city center, known for being particularly busy and popular toward the end of the week.
- Le Room serves as one of the main clubs in the area, specializing in urban music.
What to see and do
You can experience a relaxed atmosphere in this pleasant small city, which offers a slower pace compared to the bustle of Paris. Explore the city centre where you can find La Place d'Armes, a square in front of the Town Hall surrounded by cafes for coffee or wine. This area is now a pedestrian-only zone and becomes lively on weekends during the summer months. While some parts of town may feel quiet during lunch hours when shops close, you can visit historic sites such as the Baptistry of St. John, one of the oldest Christian buildings in Europe, to see its ancient baptismal pool. You can also visit the Romanesque Church of Notre Dame, which features light shows on its façade after dark, and the Saint-Pierre Cathedral, where organ performances take place.
Beyond the city centre, you can explore local landmarks such as the Chapelle Saint-Louis, the Musée Rupert de Chièvres, or the Vestiges des Thermes Publics Gallo-romains. For a different experience, travel to the nearby multimedia theme park Futuroscope located north of the town. Poitiers also serves as an excellent base for visiting neighboring towns like La Rochelle or Tours.
Three days in Poitiers
Day one, you can begin your journey by exploring the historic heart of Poitiers. You will find yourself immersed in the atmosphere of this French city located in the Poitou Province.
Day two, take time to wander along the Clain River and discover the local character of the area. You can enjoy the surroundings as you settle into the local scenery.
Day three, you can explore more of the region or prepare for your next destination. Whether you are traveling toward other parts of France or heading elsewhere, you can enjoy the final moments of your stay in this historic location.