Poitiers - Do & See
Eglise Notre-dame-la-grande
This magnificent Romanesque church lies at the very heart of the old town centre of Poitiers, and has become the landmark of Poitiers. It features beautiful biblical carvings on the outside as well as statues from the 15th and 16th centuries. Come by in the evening too see the church illuminated. Ask the Poitiers tourism office for guided tours.
Futuroscope
This popular technology theme park offers more than 20 attractions, shows and events in a 60 hectare park and was designed with "education in mind". Here visitors can experience images and sounds through the worlds most sophisticated film projection systems, including 360-degree movie theatres, giant film screens and 3D movies. The park offers new attractions every year: in 2006, the theme is robots. Situated outside Poitiers.
Cathédrale Saint-pierre
Construction of this impressive Cathedral began in 1162 under Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Inside, visitors can see a 12th-century window depicting the crucifixion of Christ, his ascension and resurrection.
Baptistère St-jean
This baptistery is one of the oldest examples of Christian architecture in Europe and houses an interesting collection of stone coffins. Built on a Roman foundation in the early 4th century, the site was reconstructed in the Middle Ages.
Eglise Sainte-radegonde
A well-maintained 11th century church with a beautiful Roman tower. It is home to the tomb of Queen Radegonde, who died in 587 AD.
Le Musée Sainte-croix
This comprehensive museum exhibits a good collection of paintings and sculptures from the ancient world to the present day. Situated on the site of the old abbey of Sainte-Croix, it features works of well-known French artists like Louis Gauffier and Jean-Paul Laurens as well as contemporary pieces from Raymond Hains, Jacques Villeglé and others.
Le Jardin Des Plantes
An ideal place to take a break from the huzz and buzz of the city. The park, which was created in 1869, features around 100 kinds of trees and bushes. It also comprises a 4800 square-metre large botanical garden and a greenhouse containing 150 different plant species.
City Tour By Foot
Poitiers offers visitors three routes to explore the city by foot. Starting from the magnificent Notre-Dame-la-Grande church, you can follow three lines a blue, red and yellow one. The blue line takes you past the Saint-Pierre Cathedral and the Saint-Jean Baptistery to the towns Episcopal quarter. The yellow line leads to the Saint-Jean de Montierneuf church, passing beautiful half-timbered houses. And the red one leads to the Saint-Hilaire church and the Blossac Park. Guides can be obtained from the tourism office.
