Poitiers Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Poitiers
Stunning medieval buildings decorated with exquisite carvings and beautiful stained-glass windows surround you in this lively town.

Immerse yourself in the remarkable past and incredible architecture of Poitiers’ churches and cathedrals. Uncover the history of the town and marvel at how it has changed and adapted with the addition of charming cafés and delicious food.

Formerly the capital of the region of Poitou during the Middle Ages, the city was supported by the generous offerings of Eleanor of Aquitaine. The best way to see it all is by following the colored lines through the streets corresponding to three walking tours. Pick up a map from the information centre before you begin a fascinating trip.

Start at the Notre Dame la Grande Church. Originally built in the 11th century, the church has had various additions over the years. These include 13th-century frescoes that cover the dome above the choir. Visit after dark during the summer to see the Romanesque west façade illuminated by a colourful light display.

Stroll east to the Cathédrale St-Pierre where the main feature is an intricate stained-glass window featuring the Crucifixion of Christ and adjacent panels of the Twelve Apostles observing the Ascension. Dated to the 12th century, this is one of the oldest windows of its type in Europe.

Don’t miss the Baptistère Saint-Jean nearby. This was constructed in the 4th century, making it one of Europe’s oldest remaining Christian structures. Step inside to view an octagonal bath that was used for total immersion baptisms.

After a day on your feet, relax at one of the many great cafés or restaurants. Try a macaron, the local sandwich cookie delicacy, or sit down to a plate of traditional French food.

Poitiers is located about a 1.5-hour drive inland of France’s central Atlantic coast and approximately 3.5 hours southwest of Paris. Select from plenty of hotels offering rooms for a wide range of prices.

Find an amazing assortment of cultural sites separated by narrow cobbled roads in Poitiers.

Aparthotel Adagio Access Poitiers
Aparthotel Adagio Access Poitiers
3 out of 5
23 Boulevard Du Grand Cerf, Poitiers, Vienne
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹4,508 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
₹4,508
per night
5 Apr - 6 Apr
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly aparthotel in Poitiers. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and on-site parking. Our guests praise the property condition in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (520 reviews)
Late night arrival.
"Very nice stay. Clean room and bathroom - comfortable bed and lovely staff. Perfect for stopping over on long drive from Spain to UK."

Reviewed on 3 Sep 2023

Aparthotel Adagio Access Poitiers
Best Western Poitiers Centre Le Grand Hotel
Best Western Poitiers Centre Le Grand Hotel
4 out of 5
28 Rue Sadi Carnot, Poitiers, Vienne
The price is ₹5,364 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
₹5,364
per night
19 Apr - 20 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Poitiers. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the spacious rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (484 reviews)
"Decent facility but lack of maintenance. It’s poorly staffed so the reception ladies need to run up and down while operating the garage gate remotely. Overstretching human resource compromises customer services and ultimately hurts business."

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2024

Best Western Poitiers Centre Le Grand Hotel
Hôtel Inn Design Poitiers
Hôtel Inn Design Poitiers
3 out of 5
182 Ave Du 8 Mai 1945, Poitiers, Vienne
The price is ₹5,327 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
₹5,327
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Poitiers. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Popular attractions Luka Land and Parc de Blossac are located nearby. Discover ...
8/10 Very Good! (474 reviews)
"Excellent staff food & accompdation. Limited dog walking"

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2024

Hôtel Inn Design Poitiers
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Poitiers Rabelais Chambres Quatro SDB
Poitiers Rabelais Chambres Quatro SDB
3 out of 5
9 Rue Rabelais, Poitiers, Vienne
Stay at this 3-star holiday home in Poitiers. Enjoy free WiFi, concierge services and a balcony or patio. Popular attractions Place du Marechal Leclerc and Palais ...
Poitiers Rabelais Chambres Quatro SDB
Aparthotel Adagio Access Poitiers
Aparthotel Adagio Access Poitiers
3 out of 5
23 Boulevard Du Grand Cerf, Poitiers, Vienne
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly aparthotel in Poitiers. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and on-site parking. Our guests praise the property condition in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (520 reviews)
Late night arrival.
"Very nice stay. Clean room and bathroom - comfortable bed and lovely staff. Perfect for stopping over on long drive from Spain to UK."

Reviewed on 3 Sep 2023

Aparthotel Adagio Access Poitiers
Séjours & Affaires Poitiers Lamartine
Séjours & Affaires Poitiers Lamartine
14 boulevard du Pont Achard, Poitiers, Vienne
Stay at this business-friendly residence in Poitiers. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a fitness centre. Popular attractions St-Hilaire-le-Grand Church and Parc ...
7.6/10 Good! (356 reviews)
"Close to train station but far from shopping and good dining. Very clean and convenient"

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2022

Séjours & Affaires Poitiers Lamartine
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Poitiers

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
3
" "5 - Excellent 33.333333333333336%
4 - Good
6
" "4 - Good 66.66666666666667%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
16 Dec 2019

Pleasant small town with Futuroscope not far away.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
14 Aug 2019

Will be better when the Municipality has finished re-arranging street/traffic directions. At present (8/19) more Deviations than are easy.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
15 Jul 2019

Architecturally diverse and interesting to visit. Poitiers has a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, is well cared for, clean and feels safe

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