Poitiers

As the regional capital, Poitiers is renowned for its ecclesiastical architecture. The city of Eleanor d'Aquitaine and Saint Radegonde was for centuries an important religious centre and “must visits” include the church Notre-Dame-la-Grande, the Cathedral Saint-Pierre and the Saint Jean baptistery.

Poitiers is a lively town with a population of around 90,000. Situated on top of a hill, it has fine views over the Clain and Boivre rivers. Like most University towns, it is pretty lively in the evening which is a good time to visit as the Notre Dame is floodlit during the summer months in a myriad of coloured lights which is an impressive sight.

The city centre has been designed with the pedestrian in mind and is a great place in which to do some shopping. You will find some unusual outlets, including one of France’s only remaining handmade umbrella shops.

A visit to the massive Sunday market in Place de Provence is also well worthwhile.

There are a mass of museums, galleries and pretty parks and gardens to add to a great day out.

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Angles-sur-l'Anglin

East of Poitiers is the Gartempe Valley, a flattish region dotted with fortified farms, pretty villages and wide forests, Here you will find Angles-sur-l’Anglin, reputed to be one of the most beautiful villages in France. For a fine vista of the gigantic château ruins that tower above this riverside town go to the Huche-Corne viewing point.

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Chauvigny

Take the D54 from Montmorillon to reach Chauvigny - a lovely town of architectural, artistic and historic interest. Jutting up from a spur of rock are the remains of several fortresses overlooked by the bell tower of the Romanesque church of St Peter.

Stone from Chauvigny has been used in the foundations of the White House and the Eiffel Tower. Within the ruins is a bird spectacle set to music called the Giants of the Sky. All kinds of birds, ranging from vultures and kestrels to parrots and storks, float and swoop across the crowds in the sun-trapped amphitheater.

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Saint-Savin

Another interesting town to visit is Saint-Savin, an important centre for ecclesiastical Romanesque architecture, and a major monument which has been declared one of UNESCO's World Heritage sites. The abbey contains the finest set of Romanesque murals in France.

Le Dorat

A pretty little town will plenty to see, including the Romanesque Collégiale Saint-Pierre which is reputed to be one of the most remarkable buildings in Limousin, and Château de la Pierre. Le Dorat holds a Son et Luminere each summer and is home to our favourite Limoge porcelain outlet.

On the outskirts of the town is the race course where you can enjoy flat, steeple and trot cart racing.

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Lussac les Chateaux

Lussac and its surrounding area has a number of interesting sites to visit including Romanesque churches, the 12th century bell tower at Mazerolles, a memorial to the English army commander Sir John Chandos, mortally injured on the bridge of Lussac in 1369.

There is a museum (Musee Raymond Touchard) at Lussac with a permanent display of remains from the pre-historic caves in the area. An interesting if strange monument is the remains of the Pont-Levis. Huge uprights from a long since fallen bridge.

The little village of Civaux, nearby, is home to a series of interesting archeological sites, including one with a baptismal pool.

Beyond Civaux is the Nuclear Power station with nearby swimming and sports complex - Abyssea.

Visit our "Activities" pages to find out more about what to do and special days out.

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