The Top 15 Essentials in the Vienne

You planned a stay in the Vienne ? Impossible to miss these 15 emblematic sites ranging from the unmissable Futuroscope park to the Saint-Savin abbey, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, or even to the Floating Village of Pressac for an unusual and peaceful stay. There Vienne won't stop surprising you!

Between Stone and Nature, the Château de la Mothe Chandeniers ©ACAP

1. The Futuroscope Park, all the forces of attraction

How to talk about Vienne without tackling Futuroscope? With family, friends or as a couple, get your fill of sensations with the Objectif Mars, Tornado Hunters or the Extraordinary Journey attractions. You will be attracted by an incredible and magical force: curiosity. For a stay in the heart of Futuroscope, pack your bags in the Cosmos Station hotel which will take you into space.

2. Poitiers, the city of 100 steeples 

City of art and history, Poitiers is a must during your holidays. The city of 100 bell towers is full of remarkable buildings, starting with the church of Notre-Dame-La-Grande or even the palace of the Counts of Poitou-Ducs of Aquitaine. Stroll through the medieval-looking streets of the city center, you will be surprised to discover so many nuggets. For a relaxed moment in the green, go to Tison Island or the family Blossa Parkc

Palace of the Counts of Poitou Dukes of Aquitaine©ACAP – Claire COULARDEAU

3. Angles-sur-l'Anglin, among the Most Beautiful Villages in France

Do you know Angles-sur-l'Anglin? It's time to meet him! Ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages in France, the village of Angles-sur-l'Anglin continues to reveal its picturesque beauty. Contemplate her magnificent fortress which dominates the whole village, take a walk along the Anglin, take the time to stroll through its charming alleys or travel through time with the Wizard Rock.

4. Valley of the Monkeys, an exotic day

A unique moment closer to the animals. Without cages or barriers, come and meet more 400 monkeys and 34 species. Participate in feedings, or become animal for a day. This unique park in France works to protect primates and their natural environment. For budding explorers, head for the Adventure of Kaya, a puzzle course featured among the Expériences Famille full Vienne.

Lemurs at the Valley of the Monkeys in Romagne©LibelLab

5. Abbey of Saint-Savin, an exceptional treasure

Contemplate the Abbey of Saint-Savin registered at Unesco World Heritage for its largest set of wall paintings in Europe. This visit is a real journey through time, through several types of visits: free, guided, with a digital tablet... 

6. Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers, worthy of fairy tales

Its remarkable architecture will transport you to a romantic era. Ravaged by flames and abandoned for almost a century, it came back to life in 2017 thanks to thousands of co-lords. The vegetation has invited itself inside the castle, giving it a crazy charm. Favorite for this masterpiece of nature.

7. Center Parcs, Domaine du Bois aux Daims: paradise for families

In the heart of nature, rest in the many accommodations offered and have fun with the incredible water park and its giant slides, its many playgrounds neighborhoods, are the course in the trees, stroll through the forest teeming with deer or even pamper yourself at the spa in a tropical atmosphere. Many ocatering options are available on site.

Center Parcs, The Domaine du Bois aux Daims in Morton, La Vienne©Deep Nature Spa Ludovic Di Orio

8. Chauvigny, medieval charm in all its splendor

Wander the streets of the medieval town of Chauvigny, a town listed among the Most beautiful detours in France, with multiple treasures and find the remains of its 1, 2, 3, 4…5 castles! Chauvigny is also the sky giants, this majestic spectacle of birds came from all over the world. For a fun and sporty activity, all in the saddle cyclerail, a superb opportunity to contemplate the magnificent Chauvinois landscape.

9. Château de Monts-sur-Guesnes, when history and games become one…

Eat alongside of Eleanor of Aquitaine and his troubadours during a sumptuous buffet, relive the Hundred Years War with an immersive 360° film, challenge your loved ones with medieval games, watch catapult demonstrations, become unbeatable on the history of Poitou…A vast program awaits you at Castle of Monts-sur-Guesnes, halfway between the Futuroscope park and Center Parcs.

At Eleanor's Table at the Chateau de Monts sur Guesnes©ACAP – Claire COULARDEAU

10. Domaine du Lac de Saint-Cyr, the beach in the countryside

30 minutes north of Poitiers, have a good time in the fresh air. At Domaine du Lac de Saint-Cyr, enjoy the diversity of activities: lazing on the beach, walk around the lake, visit of the bird sanctuary, sailing, paddle, water slides, beach volleyball, playground for the little ones… Also ideal for eat with your feet in the water during a picnic or lunch at the Bistrot de la plage. In short, everything is done to have a good time with family or friends.

11. Land of Dragons, 300 reptiles in a tropical atmosphere

Immerse yourself in the heart of a tropical dome where vegetation and reptiles are kings. Discover crocodilians, snakes, turtles and other exotic creatures on dry land or from a net suspended just above the pools. Continue your visit in the footsteps of Professor Sheppard, an original activity on the fascinating theme of dragons!

Land of Dragons, a tropical atmosphere©Thomas JELINEK – Agence Zebrelle

12. City of Writing and Book Trades in Montmorillon, quite a story

To dive into the world of books, head to Montmorillon and his famous City of Writing. You will find a large number of quality shops dedicated to books. This city is the meeting between booksellers, booksellers but also craftsmen of the book trades such as bookbinders and calligraphers. It's a whole universe to discover. Also make a stop in the Typewriter and Calculating Machine Museum where more than 200 models are exhibited.

13. La Roche-Posay, spa queen with medieval allure

Did you know ? La Roche-Posay is classified 1st european spa dermatology station. In addition to the therapeutic virtues of its “velvet water” rich in silicon, La Roche-Posay immerses you in a medieval atmosphere as soon as you enter the city. Dominating the Creuse valley his dungeon and its fortified church, the spa town promises you a nice walk. Go to the bridge for another nice view.

La Roche Posay Medieval©Bastien SAUVE – Agence Zebrelle

14. Floating Village of Pressac, sleeping lulled by the water

Looking for an unusual experience? The journey begins by boat, until your cabin on the water at the Floating Village of Pressac, where you will live to the rhythm of the lake. A timeless moment in the heart of a preserved natural area, classified Natura 2000. Back on dry land, the village offers numerous activities for young and old: swimming pool, hiking trails, bicycles, playgrounds... as well as lodges and safari tents.

15. DéfiPlanet', having fun in the heart of an enchanted nature

Just 25 minutes south of Poitiers, DefiPlanet' is a theme park full of surprises. Travel the world with to its 5 villages and its animals (llamas, dromedaries, donkeys from Poitou…) and try to save the blue planet in the magic forest using elves and leprechauns. Fill up on nature activities and extend the adventure in one of the unusual accommodations of the park: tree houses, Mongolian yurts, animal houses... There is something for everyone!

DefiPlanet the theme park of Dienné©Pomme-verte-libellab

Do you want more ?
Come on, we cheat, we give you a 16nd 

16. A gourmet itinerary in Haut-Poitou

Want to taste some local products ? So off to a road trip in Haut-Poitou ! The Chalandray to Neuville-du-Poitou, your taste buds will experience a real gastronomic journey between foie gras, wine, walnut oil, beer, cheese and jam. Something to bring home some great memories!