Places to Visit

There are many picturesque medieval towns and tourist attractions to visit in this area. Below are just a few suggestions but you can find more information on the tourist board websites www.poitou-charentes-vacances.com and www.tourisme-vienne.com.

Historic Towns

Montmorillon
The Cité de l'Ecrit in the old quarter has many bookstores selling antique and new books and writing materials. You can wander through the cobbled streets or just sit and soak up the atmosphere in one of the restaurants or cafes.

Chauvigny
The old part of this medieval town is perched on a cliff overlooking the river and the new town. There is a birds of prey display in the château grounds between March and September (Les Géants du Ciel). If you are feeling energetic you could try the Vélorail, 26 kilometres of railway along which you travel on special “railcycles” through the countryside. This is not for the faint-hearted! The ride starts with a 1 hour cycle to the terminus (some inclines to climb) where you turn round after a short break and come back.

Angles sur l’Anglin
Named one of most beautiful villages in France with a three-flower rating, Angles sur l’Anglin is the home of rare prehistoric sculptures dating back to Magdalenian times. Wander through the old streets, explore the remains of the fortress or visit the Jour d’Angles workshop where they produce drawn thread work on silk, linen or cotton to make table linen, scarves etc.

Limoges
Limoges is famous for its fine porcelain and enamels and houses the Adrien Dubouché national porcelain museum. If you want to get a feel for how people lived many centuries in Limoges, head for the Rue de la Boucherie. Once the place where all of the butchers shops were situated in the community, this street has hardly been touched by the last few hundred years. It is lined with immaculately preserved half timber houses, giving visitors the impression they have stepped back in time. Visit the city’s website for more information.
www.ville-limoges.fr

Poitiers
Sitting on a hilltop overlooking two rivers, Poitiers is a country town with a unique charm that comes from a long and sometimes influential history. Follow the coloured lines on the pavements starting at Notre Dame La Grande church to discover the city's historical treasures at your own pace. Signposts along the way give you information on the buildings and points of interest and the pedestrian precincts, restaurants and pavement cafés make for comfortable sightseeing.

Leisure and Nature Parks

Futuroscope
You can’t miss the giant glass constructions as you approach Futuroscope to the north of Poitiers. It is packed with exciting rides (minimum height restrictions apply on some rides), images in giant-screen format, breathtaking shows and interactive adventures. It is a great day out and make sure you stay for the final fireworks and laser display on the lake in the evening.
www.futuroscope.com

La Vallée des Singes (ROMAGNE)
See gorillas, marmosets, gibbons and moneys roaming free in the park. There are picnic areas, a snack bar and play areas for children within the park.

L’Ile aux Serpents (LA TRIMOUILLE)
A large reptile house where you can see crocodiles, snakes and iguanas living in conditions similar to those in their natural habitat.

La Vallée des Cerfs (LUCHAPT)
200 deer live on this farm alongside horses, ponies, sheep, cows and goats. Learn about the rearing of the animals and help Patrick at feeding time. Pony and donkey treks also available from the farm.

Le Vieux Cormenier (CHAMPNIERS)
An insight into rural life in the 1900s. Follow the life story of Pierre from this birth at the beginning of the century up the start of the First World War. The story is told by a series of 16 tableaux.

Parc de la Belle (MAGNE)
Set in 6 hectares on the banks of the river Belle. Stroll along the paths, lined with ancient trees to enjoy the hundreds of different flora. Visit a typical 19th century Poitou manor house with baking oven, greenhouse, washhouse, Lord of the manor's quarters, priest's garden, and ornamental vegetable garden. There is a large play area with a maze and a small petting farm for children.