- Futuroscope is a unique theme park based on multimedia and cinematic thrills—great for families.
- Notre-Dame la Grande church has a stunning Romanesque facade (light show in summer evenings).
- The Baptistery of St. John is one of the oldest Christian buildings in France (4th century).
- The Palace of Justice was once the palace of the Counts of Poitou (Eleanor of Aquitaine).
- It's a great stop between Paris and Bordeaux on the TGV line.
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When to go: Summer
Summer is best for the light shows on the church facade and Futuroscope.
Spring and Autumn are quiet and pleasant.
- Best: Summer.
- Light Show: Jun-Sep.
- Winter: Quiet.
Getting there: TGV
Poitiers is on the main TGV line. 1h 15m from Paris, 1h from Bordeaux.
The airport (PIS) has Ryanair flights from London.
- Train: TGV hub.
- Car: A10 highway.
- Airport: PIS.
Where to stay: Center or Futuroscope
Stay in the city center (Plateau) for history and restaurants.
Stay near Futuroscope (Chasseneuil) if you are just visiting the park.
- Center: Historic.
- Futuroscope: Theme park.
- Station: Practical.
What to see: Churches and Park
Visit Notre-Dame la Grande and the Baptistery. Walk the medieval streets.
Spend a day at Futuroscope (take the bus or train).
- Futuroscope: Media park.
- Notre-Dame: Romanesque.
- Baptistery: Ancient.
- Palace: History.
Food: Goat Cheese and Macarons
Chabichou is the local goat cheese. Tourteau Fromager is a cheesecake with a black crust.
Macaron de Montmorillon is the local almond cookie.
- Chabichou: Goat cheese.
- Tourteau: Cheesecake.
- Farci Poitevin: Stuffed greens.
- Macaron: Almond treat.
Getting around: Walk
The center is on a hill ('The Plateau'). It's walkable but steep.
Buses (Vitalis) go to Futuroscope and the station.
- Walk: Hilly.
- Bus: Vitalis.
- Train: To Futuroscope.
Budget: Moderate
Cheaper than Paris. Futuroscope tickets are the main expense.
Food is reasonable.
- Park: Ticketed.
- Food: Good value.
- Hotels: Mid-range.
1 Day in Poitiers
Morning: Notre-Dame la Grande. Baptistery of St. John. Palace of Justice.
Lunch: Place du Marechal-Leclerc.
Afternoon: Futuroscope (evening ticket) or Blossac Park.
Evening: Light show at the church (summer).
- Morning: History.
- Afternoon: Park.
- Evening: Lights.
FAQ
Is Futuroscope for kids?
Yes, and adults. It's not rollercoasters, it's 4D cinemas and simulators.
Why is the cheesecake black?
The Tourteau Fromager is baked at a very high heat. The crust is burnt but the inside is soft. Remove the crust if you want.
Is it steep?
Yes, lots of stairs to get from the station to the center.