Free walking tours in Poitiers and what to see

Must-sees

Poitiers, capital of the Vienne department, sits on a promontory surrounded by the Clain and Boivre rivers. Its great jewel is Notre-Dame-la-Grande, completed around 1150, with a Romanesque façade covered in sculpture. In summer it is lit up in colour at night for the Polychromies show. A few minutes away are the Gothic cathedral of Saint-Pierre, with a much-admired organ, and the Baptistery of Saint-Jean, whose oldest parts date back to the 4th century.

The old palace of the Counts of Poitou and Dukes of Aquitaine, now the law courts, keeps the great Salle des Pas Perdus. The church of Saint-Hilaire-le-Grand, a stop on the Way of St James, is a World Heritage Site. The Musée Sainte-Croix brings together archaeology and art, and from the Dunes terrace you get a good view of the city. About ten kilometres to the north is Futuroscope, the theme park of audiovisual attractions, with a water park next door.

Free tours and guided visits

Poitiers has no regular free walking tours. What Civitatis offers are tickets for Futuroscope and its water park, Aquascope, for families or anyone after a fun day out, and a private guided tour of Poitiers to see the old town and its Romanesque churches. If you prefer to go independently, the centre is compact and easy to explore on foot.

How long to spend

One day is enough for the old town: Notre-Dame-la-Grande, the cathedral, the baptistery, the law courts and Saint-Hilaire. If you go in summer, stay to see the façade lit up at nightfall. Futuroscope needs at least a full day, and many families give it two. With three days you can combine the city, the park and Aquascope without rushing.

Where to stay

If you are here for the city, stay in the historic centre, with hotels in old buildings and apartments close to the monuments. Near the station there are practical hotels if you arrive by train. If Futuroscope is the main plan, the park area has hotels designed for families, a step from the attractions. There is a bus between the park and the centre.