A great day out for the whole family is a visit to the theme park ‘Futoroscope’ in the city of Poitiers. This futuristic park is a modern, open park and build as a city of the future with cinemas and movie experiences. You will not get bored with more than 25 attractions that are devoted to film, technology and thrilll. Discover the new 4D attraction ‘Arthur, L’Aventure’, the successor of the 3D version. It is pure magic!
This also applies to Poitiers itself, the proud headquarters of Vienne. Several walks in the city lead the visitor either in the past along the main monuments such as the medieval churches of Notre-Dame-la-Grande and Sainte-Radegonde or through generous shopping streets with fashion stores and many delicatessens.
To stay in the religious atmosphere, in the charming Saint-Savin, located on the Gartempe, are the impressive 11th-century abbey with monastic buildings. The abbey is particularly famous for its unique collection of Romanesque murals. Following the green banks of the lively Gartempe, which is a pleasure in itself, we can find many murals in several churches and chapels. It was, for many local artists in the Middle Ages, the best way to make oneself immortal.
The more recent history of the "ordinary farmer" is brought back to life in an attractive way in the Musée Cormenier, located in Angoulême, just south of Poitiers. Those interested in farming life in the 19th-century will find a small piece of lost time. Do not forget to visit the Romanesque church of Champniers. You can admire 10 exceptional frescoes of the 15th-century. About time travel, in the picturesque village of Angles-sur-Anglin is the Sorciers Rock, a rock shelter with the oldest prehistoric murals.
The picturesque towns and villages of Vienne are worth seeing. Discover water-rich landscapes of forests and valleys. There are many hiking and cycling routes. The 'Ligne Verte' is worth mentioning; It is a 37-km hiking and biking route that follows an old railway line from Châtellerault to Loudun, past old railway stations, signalman's houses and many picnic spots.
Are you looking for a moment of relaxation after these cultural and sporting efforts? Anyone who likes wellness, should visit the spa of La Roche-Posay. It was already a renowned spa at the end of the 19th century. There is also an 18-hole golf course. You can find a nice source of passive entertainment for young and old in the castle of Chavigny, where we raise and raises giant raptors, but also in the crocodile park in Civaux and the valley of the monkeys in Romagna.
Another town deserves a special mention: Montmorillon. At first glance, it is nothing special. But once the car is parked and after crossing the Gartempe on the beautiful bridge dating back to the 14th century, you stroll through a medieval picturesque book town. We find craft paper and calligraphy workshops and very, very many books. With also one of the most beautiful antique book markets in France that takes place every Easter Sunday.