Inspiration

5 UNMISSABLE ACTIVITIES FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS IN POITIERS – FUTUROSCOPE - MARAIS POITEVIN

Designed to inspire your programme development, these five must-do activities highlight Poitiers – Marais poitevin’s key experiences. Easy to integrate into your itineraries, they add value to your stays and respond to your clients’ expectations on the destination.

Table of contents

©Poitiers /TT-CRTNA

An accessible, lively heritage city break

1. DISCOVERING POITIERS, THE CITY OF A HUNDRED BELL TOWERS

Medieval architecture, historic streets, a vibrant student atmosphere… Poitiers offers an elegant cultural stop, ideal for short stays or touring itineraries.

  • Take a stroll to explore Poitiers, nicknamed “the city of a 100 bell towers” and a haven of history and heritage. Architecture enthusiasts will adore the Gallo-Roman ruins, opulent medieval churches such as Notre-Dame la Grande and Saint Hilaire (UNESCO World Heritage as part of the Way of St James) and outstanding civil buildings including the Palais des Ducs d’Aquitaine (Palace of Aquitaine Dukes). This is where Eleanor of Aquitaine held court in the Middle Ages.
  • Soak up the unique blend of past and present in a bustling student community at one of the oldest universities in France. On the agenda: bars, venues, theatres, auditoriums, Fine Arts Museum, contemporary exhibition centres and more.
  • Soak up the parks and gardens such as Parc de Blossac or the riverside Îlot Tison where you can stop for a drink.

A trusted choice for multigenerational travellers

2. ENJOYING PLAYFUL AND UNUSUAL FAMILY HOLIDAYS AROUND FUTUROSCOPE

Immersive attractions, futuristic experiences, fun-filled stays: a must for “kid-friendly” holidays and group travel.

  • Enjoy family fun times at Nouvelle-Aquitaine’s biggest attraction, Futuroscope, a site committed to sustainable tourism (ISO 50001) and aiming to be carbon neutral by 2025. This one-of-a-kind theme park has innovative experiences for all the family. You’re in for a thrill: play areas for little ones, rollercoasters for big kids, a multimedia evening show for all ages and one of Futuroscope’s latest original creations: the multi-awardwinning Mission Bermudes. Dive into Aquascope, the digital indoor water park named the world’s best water park in 2024.
  • Adventure awaits 30 minutes from Futuroscope at Défiplanet, a unique leisure site in the great outdoors with fun for children and adults (treetop adventure, nature trail, scavenger hunt, horse riding etc.) and a whole host of quirky places to stay (treehouses, animal-shaped huts etc.). Unmissable: “Lagon”, an eco-friendly water park for all the family and “Mission Areka” with 3 fun-filled trails taking children aged 3 and over on a immersive experience.
  • Explore the valley of the apes at Vallée des Singes, in an outstanding natural setting (no cages or fences!).

©La maison à l’envers – Futuroscope / CRTNA – FEDER

Pont roman et Porte Saint-Jacques de Parthenay (Deux-Sèvres)

©Parthenay / Sébastien Laval

A UNESCO heritage and medieval gems with strong added value

3. IMMERSING YOURSELF IN THE GREAT SITES OF ROMANESQUE ART

The Abbey of Saint-Savin, remarkable churches, historic towns… an ideal destination for history lovers and cultural circuits.

  • The beautiful churches and abbeys will blow you away, especially the UNESCO World Heritage site of Saint-Savin. The abbey is nicknamed the Sistine Chapel of Romanesque art and home to an outstanding 12th century fresco. It depicts scenes from the Old Testament and is a rare example of medieval art.
  • There are countless churches and monuments where you can gaze at Romanesque art throughout the region. Experience everything from humble to opulent sights, just like in Parthenay, a medieval town brought to life by countless summer festivals (sports, music) or Melle, a lovely town famous for its Romanesque church trilogy and the spectacular medieval town of Chauvigny. Don’t miss the pretty village of Angles-sur-l’Anglin, one of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France”.

A well-located stop, easy to integrate into an itinerary

4. GOING GREEN IN THIS STRATEGIC BASE NEAR THE LOIRE VALLEY CHÂTEAUX

Between the Loire Valley châteaux, Bordeaux, and the Atlantic coast, Poitiers–Marais Poitevin stands out as a natural, seamless stopover.

  • Soak up the region from the perfect base to explore the Loire châteaux around Loudun and Thouars.
  • Visit Château d’Oiron, a Renaissance building playing host to contemporary art. We’re now in the Loire Valley vineyard (Saumur, Anjou and Haut-Poitou designations).
  • Switch to holiday mode at Center Parcs Domaine du Bois aux Daims, a haven of peace surrounded by nature with a whole host of outdoor activities.
  • Be sure to visit the romantic Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers ruins. A crowdfunding campaign to rebuild it is currently underway so anyone who contributes can be a castle owner!

©Chateau de la Mothe-Chandeniers /Agence_Zebrelle_Jelinek_Thomas

©Coulon / B. Le Bouëtté-CRTNA

A land of legend, preserved nature, and a slow experience

5. LETTING YOURSELF BE ENCHANTED BY THE MAGIC OF THE MARAIS POITEVIN AND GARONNE VALLEYS: ORCHARDS ON FOOT AND RIVER ESCAPES

Canals lined with pollarded ash trees, a realm of tales and mysteries, discreet wildlife, soothing silence… a micro-adventure ideal for nature lovers, families, and slow travellers.

  • Explore the unmissable nature site that is the Marais Poitevin. The so-called “Green Venice” is a great place to visit by boat (on your own or with a guide) or bike if you want a soothing outing in this “green cathedral”.
  • Take to the skies in a hot-air balloon for breathtaking views of the wetland sculpted by man.
  • Niort is a town that’s full of surprises. It’s a gateway to the wetland with a 19th century market hall, fascinating museum, medieval keep and cruise departure point on the Sèvre River that runs through the Marais Poitevin.
  • Lose yourself in the charming village streets in Coulon, Arçais or La Garette.
  • Take a deep dive into nature at the 4* Camping de la Venise Verte in Coulon and stay at its ecolodges.
  • Animal lovers should visit the Marais Poitevin bird reserve and Zoodysée wildlife park in Chizé Forest.

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