Poitiers

Poitiers, nestled in the heart of central-western France and bordered by the banks of the River Clain, is the capital of the Vienne department and the hub of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. The town has a rich history, and was the setting for two landmark events: the halting of the Arab advance by Charles Martel in 732, and the capture of King John II the Good by the English in 1356.

Renowned for its vitality in the fields of art and culture, Poitiers stands out for its remarkable architectural heritage, with gems such as the Saint-Jean baptistery, Saint-Pierre cathedral and Notre-Dame-la-Grande church, witnesses to the Romanesque and Gothic eras. The city is also looking to the future, home to a student community of over 29,000 young people and the famous Futuroscope park, a showcase for image 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 enhanced its rich historical and cultural heritage, reflecting both its illustrious past and its contemporary dynamism. Discover below some emblematic sites not to be missed during your visit to Poitiers.

Poitiers must-sees

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

The church of Notre-Dame-la-Grande is a marvel of Romanesque art, famous for its ornate, colorful facade depicting scenes from the Bible and the life of the Virgin Mary. Every summer, it becomes the setting for a fascinating son et lumière show.

Saint-Pierre Cathedral, a 12th-century Gothic edifice, houses France's largest organ and exceptional stained-glass windows dating from the 12th to 16th centuries. It is also the 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 15th centuries, was home to the rulers of Poitou and Aquitaine. Today, it houses the Palais de Justice and the Musée Sainte-Croix, exhibiting works of art from the Middle Ages to the modern era.

Futuroscope: The theme park that defies the future

Just 10 km north of Poitiers, Futuroscope is an amusement park focused on image and communication technologies, offering thrilling attractions such as the Time Machine, Dancing with the Robots, or the Extraordinary Journey. Don't miss the breathtaking night-time shows such as Image Lake and Star Forge.

Living in the city: leisure activities and green spaces

Poitiers offers a wide range of leisure and relaxation activities to suit all tastes, whether you're passionate about culture, sport or nature. Enjoy cultural events throughout the year, such as the comic strip, film and music festivals. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy golf, tennis or canoeing. For a moment of peace and quiet, explore the town's green spaces, such as the Parc de Blossac, the Jardin des Plantes or the Bois de Saint-Pierre.

Studying in Poitiers: a stimulating environment for students

Poitiers, with its varied range of courses, dynamic student life and affordable cost of living, is a destination of choice for students. Whether your interests lie in law, literature, science, sport or art, Poitiers has the right school 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 welcomes over 27,000 students, including 4,000 international students. It covers five major fields of study: law, economics and management; arts, humanities and languages; humanities and social sciences; science, technology and health; STAPS. With several campuses located in the city center, south-east of Poitiers and near Futuroscope, the university offers a wide range of services for its students, including libraries, university restaurants, residences, associations, sports and cultural activities.

Student life in Poitiers

Students play a central role in Poitiers, accounting for almost a fifth of the population. Every year, the city offers them a warm welcome, with a month dedicated to festive, cultural and convivial events. The many student associations offer a wide range of activities, from theater to solidarity. The Maison des Étudiants, a meeting place for students, regularly organizes exhibitions, conferences and concerts. What's more, the YOLO card offers students discounts at the city's retailers and cultural partners.

Finding accommodation: tips and advice

Poitiers is a city where it's relatively easy to find affordable accommodation. The average price of a studio apartment is 300 euros per month, while a two-room apartment costs around 400 euros per month. Housing options include CROUS university residences, offering rooms or studios at reduced rates; private residences, with comfortable, well-equipped apartments; home-stay accommodation, for a unique sharing experience; and roommates, ideal for bonding. To find the ideal accommodation, we recommend consulting specialized sites such as Lokaviz, Studapart and Leboncoin, or visiting the Espace logement étudiant 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 including higher education, research, industry, commerce, tourism and services. With over 10,000 companies, including leaders such as Safran, Thales, Alstom and Sanofi, Poitiers is a hub of innovation. The Futuroscope park, the Grand Poitiers technopole 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, health, retail, hotel-restaurant and business services sectors leading the way in terms of employment.

Transport and mobility: getting around the city with ease

Poitiers offers a variety of ways to get around, including public transport with the Vitalis bus network, train access with fast connections to Paris, Bordeaux and Nantes, and flights from its airport to destinations such as Lyon, London or Edinburgh. For motorists, the A10 and A83 freeways make regional travel easy. The town also promotes cycling, with cycle paths and Cap'Vélo rental services, not to mention the opportunity to stroll through its historic center and green spaces.

Cost of living and housing: what you need to know

With a cost of living more affordable than in major French cities, Poitiers offers an economically attractive living environment. The average salary, the cost of a meal in a restaurant, the price of a cinema ticket and a liter of petrol reflect this affordability. Housing also remains reasonable, whether you're looking to rent a city-center apartment or a studio, with options for social housing, housing subsidies and shared accommodation.

Conclusion

Poitiers presents itself as a destination of choice, whether you're visiting, studying or living here. This city, with its remarkable historical and cultural heritage, offers a multitude of diversified activities. As a dynamic student city and center of innovation, Poitiers promises quality education and is home to the famous Futuroscope park.

Renowned for its pleasant atmosphere and friendly spirit, Poitiers offers an excellent quality of life and makes it easy for new residents to settle in. If you'd like to discover Poitiers, visit the tourist office website to plan your stay, or contact the town hall directly for information on settling in.

Poitiers looks forward to welcoming you!

FAQ

Where to walk in Poitiers?

Poitiers offers a variety of walks to suit all interests. For lovers of historical and cultural heritage, Poitiers' historic district is a must. You'll discover Romanesque churches, the palace of the Counts of Poitou, the town hall and the Sainte-Croix museum. If you're more interested in nature and animals, the Parc de Blossac awaits you. This haven of greenery in the heart of the city offers gardens, a zoo, children's playgrounds and the chance to hire rosalies. Futuroscope, a futuristic theme park, also offers unique sensory experiences and extraordinary shows.

What's in Poitiers?

Poitiers, a city in central-western France, is the capital of the Vienne département 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 West. Poitiers is also a dynamic university town, welcoming over 30,000 students every year.

What to do in Poitiers

Poitiers offers a multitude of activities to suit all tastes and ages. Lovers of adventure and science fiction will be enchanted by Futuroscope, a theme park offering immersive and interactive experiences based on the technologies of the future. For those interested in culture and heritage, the city is packed with Romanesque art treasures, such as Notre-Dame-la-Grande church, Saint-Jean baptistery and Saint-Pierre cathedral, bearing witness to Poitiers' thousand-year-old history.

What is the nickname of the city of Poitiers?

Poitiers is nicknamed "The City of a Hundred Bell Towers", a tribute to its rich religious heritage of Romanesque and Gothic churches.