Weekend in Poitiers

A Romanesque church from the 11th-12th centuries, famous for its richly sculpted western façade. Inside, vivid 12th-century frescoes survive on the vaulting.

Tip: Go just before dusk to see the façade lit up with a 25-minute sound-and-light show (free, May to September).

Poitiers' main fine arts and archaeology museum, housed in a former abbey. Covers Roman remains, medieval sculpture, and 19th-20th century paintings (including a Courbet).

Tip: Free admission for all on the first Sunday of each month; permanent collection is free year-round for EU residents under 26.

A large 18th-century public garden with formal lawns, a rose garden, a small zoo (free), and a playground. Good for picnics and walks beside the Clain river.

Tip: Head to the belvedere near the zoo for a panoramic view of the valley—especially nice at sunset.

A peaceful hillside park with a large lake, walking paths, and mature trees. Often quieter than Parc de Blossac, with a good children's play area.

Tip: Take the path up to the chapel ruin at the top—it's a short climb but gives a fine view of the city rooftops.

One of the oldest surviving Christian buildings in France, dating from the 4th century. Inside, rare Merovingian frescoes (6th-7th century) and a baptismal pool.

Tip: Entry costs €3.50 (free for under-18s). Combine with the nearby church of Sainte-Radegonde (free) for a quick walk through early medieval Poitiers.