FAMILY GETAWAYS, EXPLORING UNSPOILT SCENERY AND EXPERTISE AROUND LIMOGES, POITIERS AND NIORT

DAY 1: LIMOGES (HAUTE-VIENNE)

Intercités train services from Paris (3.5 hr) or TER train services from Bordeaux (2 hr 25)

Morning: join a “greeter” (a passionate local who wants to share their town with visitors) on a walk through the streets of Limoges. Learn about the UNESCO Creative City’s expertise: visit the Musée National Adrien Dubouché, Bernardaud porcelain factory etc.

Afternoon: soak up the great outdoors at Lac de Saint-Pardoux with a shuttle bus from Limoges in
summer.

DAY 2: POITIERS (VIENNE)

TGV high-speed train services from Paris (1.5 hr) or Bordeaux (1.5 hr) or TER train services from Limoges (1 hr 56)

Morning: join Tourist Information on a guided tour “in the footsteps of Eleanor of Aquitaine”.

Afternoon: shoot off to DéfiPlanet’ (Dienné), a leisure park with sports, outdoor activities and quirky accommodation half an hour from Poitiers (electric cars available to rent from Poitiers station for 24 hours or more). Or get a thrill at one of France’s biggest theme parks: Futuroscope.

DAY 3: NIORT AND MARAIS POITEVIN (DEUX-SÈVRES)

Morning: explore Niort (tour of the keep, market hall, Musée Bernard d’Agesci, temporary contemporary art exhibitions at the Musée du Pilori etc.)

Afternoon: bike ride to Coulon to visit the Marais Poitevin (self-guided or guided boat tour from Cardinaud jetty) or trip to “Les Oiseaux du Marais poitevin” bird reserve, a bike ride away from Niort (25km) or Coulon (15km).