Poitiers

Renowned for its vibrancy in the arts and culture, Poitiers stands out for its remarkable architectural heritage, featuring gems such as the Saint-Jean Baptistery, the cathedral Saint Peter and the’church Notre-Dame-la-Grande, a testament to the Romanesque and Gothic eras. The city also looks toward the future, home to a student community of more than 29,000 young people and the famous Futuroscope park, a showcase for imaging and communication technologies.

This guide is designed to help you discover Poitiers from every angle, a city where charm, cultural richness and conviviality await you around every corner.

Discover Poitiers: a historical and cultural jewel

Poitiers is a city that has brilliantly preserved and showcased its rich heritage historical and cultural, reflecting its illustrious past and contemporary vibrancy. Discover below a few iconic sites you won’t want to miss during your visit to Poitiers.

Poitiers must-sees

The Baptistery of Saint John, monument The oldest Christian church in the West, dating back to the 4th century. It contains remarkable frescoes from the 11th to the 14th centuries, as well as an impressive marble baptismal font. This site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Notre-Dame-la-Grande Church is a marvel of Romanesque art, known for its ornate and colorful façade, which depicts scenes from the Bible and the life of the Virgin Mary. Every summer, it becomes the setting for a fascinating sound-and-light show.

St. Peter's Cathedral, a 12th-century Gothic building, is home to the largest organ in France and exceptional stained-glass windows dating from the 12th to the 16th centuries. It is also the final resting place of King Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine.

The palace of the Counts of Poitou—Dukes of Aquitaine, dating from the 12th to the 15th century, was the residence of the rulers of Poitou and Aquitaine. Today, it houses the courthouse and the Sainte-Croix Museum, which displays works of art from the Middle Ages to the modern era.

Futuroscope: The Amusement Park That Defies the Future

Just 10 km north of Poitiers, Futuroscope is an amusement park Focused on imaging and communication technologies, it offers thrilling attractions such as the Time Machine, Dance with the Robots, and The Extraordinary Journey. Don’t miss the breathtaking nighttime shows, such as The Lake of Images and The Forge of Stars.

Living in the city: leisure activities and green spaces

Poitiers offers a wide range of leisure and recreational activities to suit every taste, whether you’re passionate about culture, sports, or nature. Enjoy cultural events throughout the year, such as the comic book, film, and music festivals. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy golf, tennis, or canoeing—kayak. For a moment of peace and quiet, explore the city’s green spaces, such as Blossac Park, the Botanical Garden, or the Saint-Pierre Woods.

Studying in Poitiers: a stimulating environment for students

Poitiers, with its diverse range of educational programs, vibrant student life, and affordable cost of living, is a top choice for students. Whether your interests lie in law, the humanities, the sciences, sports, or the arts, Poitiers has the right institution for you. Discover what Poitiers has to offer for your educational journey.

Université de Poitiers: a diversified range of courses

Founded in 1431, the University of Poitiers is one of the oldest in France and currently enrolls more than 27,000 students, including 4,000 international students. It offers programs in five major fields of study: law, economics, and management; arts, humanities, and languages; humanities and social sciences; science, technology, and health; and sports science (STAPS). With several campuses located in the city center, in the southeast of Poitiers, and near Futuroscope, the university offers a wide range of services for its students, such as libraries, campus dining halls, residence halls, student organizations, and sports and cultural activities.

Student life in Poitiers

Students play a central role in Poitiers, making up nearly one-fifth of the population. Every year, the city extends a warm welcome to them with a month dedicated to festive, cultural, and social events. The many student organizations offer a wide range of activities, from theater to community service. The Maison des étudiants, a hub for socializing and exchange, regularly hosts exhibitions, lectures, and concerts. In addition, the YOLO card offers students discounts at local businesses and cultural partners throughout the city.

Finding accommodation: tips and advice

Poitiers is a city where it is relatively easy to find affordable housing. The average rent for a studio apartment is 300 euros per month, while a two-room apartment costs about 400 euros per month. Housing options include CROUS university housing, which offers rooms or studio apartments at reduced rates; private residences, featuring comfortable and well-equipped apartments; homestays, for a unique shared living experience; and shared apartments, ideal for building connections. To find the perfect place to live, it’s recommended to check out specialized websites like Lokaviz, Studapart, and Leboncoin, or visit the Student Housing Center for personalized assistance.

Living in Poitiers: integration and quality of life

Poitiers stands out for its remarkable quality of life, welcoming students, professionals and retirees with a dynamic job market, comprehensive transportation network and affordable cost of living. Discover the advantages of living in Poitiers.

The Poitiers job market

The city boasts a diversified economy with key sectors such as higher education, research, industry, commerce, tourism, and services. With more than 10,000 companies, including industry leaders such as Safran, Thales, Alstom, and Sanofi, Poitiers is a hub of innovation. The Futuroscope theme park, the Grand Poitiers technology park, and the Elopsys competitiveness cluster all contribute to this. The local unemployment rate, although slightly higher than the national average, remains below that of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, with the education, healthcare, retail, hospitality, and business services sectors leading the way in job creation.

Transport and mobility: getting around the city with ease

Poitiers offers a variety of transportation options, including public transit via the Vitalis bus network and train service with express connections to Paris, Bordeaux and Nantes, and flights from its airport to destinations such as Lyon, London, or Edinburgh. For drivers, the A10 and A83 highways make it easy to travel around the region. The city also promotes cycling with bike lanes and Cap’Vélo rental services, not to mention the opportunity to explore its historic center and green spaces on foot.

Cost of Living and Housing: What You Need to Know

With a more affordable cost of living than in France’s major cities, Poitiers offers an economically attractive place to live. The average salary, the cost of a meal at a restaurant, the price of a movie ticket, and the price per liter of gas all reflect this affordability. Housing is also reasonably priced, whether you’re renting an apartment in the city center or a studio, with options for public housing, housing assistance, and shared living arrangements.

Conclusion

Poitiers presents itself as a destination an excellent choice, whether you’re visiting, pursuing your studies, or making it your home. This city, with its remarkable historical and cultural heritage, offers a wide variety of activities. As a vibrant college town and hub of innovation, Poitiers promises a quality education and is home to the famous Futuroscope theme park.

Known for its pleasant atmosphere and friendly spirit, Poitiers offers an excellent quality of life while making it easy for new residents to settle in. If you’re interested in exploring Poitiers, feel free to visit the tourist office’s website to plan your stay, or contact City Hall directly for information on the formalities involved in moving here.

Poitiers looks forward to welcoming you!

FAQ

Where to walk in Poitiers?

In Poitiers, there are a variety of walks to choose from depending on your interests. For lovers of historical and cultural heritage, Poitiers’ historic district is a must-see. There, you’ll discover Romanesque churches, the Palace of the Counts of Poitou, City Hall, and the Sainte-Croix Museum. If you’re more drawn to nature and animals, Blossac Park awaits you. This green oasis in the heart of the city features gardens, a zoo, playgrounds for children, and the option to rent pedal boats. Futuroscope, a futuristic theme park, also offers unique sensory experiences and extraordinary shows.

What's there to do in Poitiers?

Poitiers, a city in central-western France, is the capital of the Vienne department and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Renowned for its cultural and architectural heritage, it is home to Romanesque churches, a Gothic cathedral, a medieval palace, and the Saint-Jean Baptistery, the oldest Christian monument in the Western world. Poitiers is also a vibrant university town, welcoming more than 30,000 students each year.

What to do in Poitiers

Poitiers offers a wide variety of activities to suit all tastes and ages. Adventure and science fiction enthusiasts will be delighted by Futuroscope, an amusement park featuring immersive and interactive experiences centered on the technologies of the future. For those interested in culture and heritage, the city is brimming with treasures of Romanesque art, such as the Notre-Dame-la-Grande Church, the Saint-Jean Baptistery, and the Saint-Pierre Cathedral, all of which bear witness to Poitiers’ thousand-year history.

What is the nickname of the city of Poitiers?

Poitiers is nicknamed «The City of a Hundred Steeples,» a tribute to its rich religious heritage, which includes numerous Romanesque and Gothic churches.