Where to go this summer ? Destination the Vienne

The nature of Poitou to disconnect

Filling up on nature is the best way to clear your head and truly disconnect from everyday life. That’s what vacations are for, right?

In the heart of nature, in the Pinail National Reserve

La Pinail National Nature Reserve is a wetland made up of 6000 ponds. In this wild place, a course meanders in the middle of abundant flora. Terminals guide you to understand the history and all the interest of this protected site. The best time to observe all the beauty of its fauna is from April to September. Do not deprive yourself this summer during your stay in the region!

Hikes to meet animals in summer in Poitou

What would you say to hiking while having the chance to approach animals?

Direction Chouppes with a 7 km trail on the theme of birds . All along the route, interactive terminals invite bird watching. Around thirty species are recorded on the site.
The undergrowth of Domain of Givray are populated by deer and squirrels. The 5 km route passes near a river where it is not uncommon to observe the displays of a kingfisher.
And if you prefer not to make too much effort, let yourself be pulled by a pack of Siberian huskies, with the cani-kart in the early morning.

Do you want to get as close as possible to primates in semi-freedom? Reserve a day at the Vallée des singes to come into contact with more than 30 species of primates!

Must-see sites for fun in the Vienne

Do you know that the Vienne full of fun activities that appeal to young and old? So, if for you the summer holidays are necessarily synonymous with fun, destination Poitou!

The Château de Monts-sur-Guesnes for great holidays on the theme of History

In the footsteps of Eleanor of Aquitaine and her son, Richard the Lionheart! The discovery of Castle of Monts-sur-Guesnes, recently enriched with digital technologies, immerses young and old in a show that is both immersive and participatory. You will thus find yourself at the heart of the highlights of the history of the Kingdom of France.

Land of Dragons for an entertaining summer

A zoological park offering sound and light animations in Scénovision®? welcome to land of dragons ! This unique concept of an animal park is simply grandiose. Get close to crocodiles and other reptiles, while taking on an incredible challenge: finding Professor Sheppard! A most astonishing adventure awaits you this summer in the Vienne.

During the summer period, the list of recreational activities in the department does not stop there. To find inspiration, draw ideas from the Expériences Famille, the riddles of Chateau de Ternay, Chauvigny VéloRail or Leonardo's Treasure are waiting for you!

Refreshing activities in the Vienne

Summer holidays can be active, but they are also often placed under the sign of idleness at the edge of the water. That's good ! We have selected for you two great swimming spots where the family can meet.

Beaumont-Saint-Cyr leisure centre: holidays by the water

Who would believe that you can go windsurfing or catamaran in the Vienne ? Meet at Domaine du Lac de Saint-Cyr ! This lake is just perfect in the summer for anyone who wants to try all kinds of water activities. While the little ones learn how to build sandcastles, the more daring ones go exploring the lake by canoe.

Crémault leisure park: supervised swimming in the river in July and August

A beautiful beach, recreation, shade... Here's what to spend a beautiful day by the Vienne. The Crémault leisure park is the ideal place, without too many people, to cool off in summer in complete safety. In addition to canoe or water bike rental, the site has a playground, a volleyball court, a roller skate site and many other facilities. Even better than by the sea!

Zoom on the small villages of the Vienne

La city ​​of Poitiers is obviously a must for any stay in the Vienne. We love strolling through its alleys and enjoying its cafe terraces the summer. However, for more intimate visits in July and August, lose yourself in the charming villages around.

Summer walk between Prehistory and the Middle Ages in Angles-sur-l'Anglin

Labeled "Most beautiful villages in France", Angles-sur-l'Anglin will not disappoint you. At every street corner, this small city offers a real journey through time. The magnitude of the 12th century medieval fortress^th century , proudly watching over the town, impresses visitors as soon as they arrive. Also worth visiting with a puzzle game! But in Angles-sur-l'Anglin, the time machine does not stop at the Middle Ages. It is to the prehistoric era that the sculpted frieze, unique in the world of Roc des Sorciers, at the interpretation center.

4 Small Cities of Character for 4 holiday destinations

In the Vienne, the villages of Charroux, Monts-sur-Guesnes, Chateau-Larcher  et Lusignan are part of the network of Small towns of character.
If these 3 medieval cities each have a well marked personality, they have one thing in common: a remarkable heritage. In their alleys, the medieval soul is omnipresent. In summer, there are more activities. These 3 charming villages are therefore to be put on your program without delay!

Events not to be missed

summer in the Vienne, the agenda of events and festivities is full!
We have fun at different festivals: the voice of rock, Wandering Hours ou Over the Sound.
We go back in time during medieval festivals Angles-sur-l'Anglin, Roche-Posay, or Chauvigny.
We arouse his curiosity at the Montmorillon Literary Encounters ou French Lyrical Evenings of Sanxay.
And above all, don't forget to tickle your taste buds at Farmers Markets , symbols of the art of living in Poitou throughout the summer season.

A wide choice of unusual accommodation

No need to opt for distant destinations or a foreign country to be out of place. A vacation in the Vienne, it’s like a trip to the end of the world! And this is possible thanks to a wide choice ofunusual accommodations.

Center Parcs: ideal for relaxing with the family in summer

The Domain The Deer Woods of Center Parcs is the ideal solution for a family stay. On the site, you will find all the services necessary for a stress-free vacation: restaurants, playgrounds, huge aquatic area, animal farm, spa... And of course comfortable cottages, and even tree houses!

DéfiPlanet': among the most unusual accommodations in France

You've never seen this: houses shaped like mushrooms, chickens or rabbits! If the architects of this unique concept in France were inspired by nature, they also focused on magic by offering for rental a leprechaun house and a fortified castle nestled in the trees. In addition to its extraordinary accommodation, DefiPlanet' offers many activities in a park that allows you to travel around the world.

Nature at the heart of the unusual accommodations of the Vienne

In the Vienne, nature is never very far away. It is even in the spotlight in certain areas with accommodation designed as a continuity of the environment in which they are nestled. This is the case at Floating Village of Pressac or the family Park of the Belle. In their cabins, we realize how beautiful nature is.

Our suggestion for a family stay to leave this summer

Between relaxation, recreational activities and discovery of the territory, the Vienne fulfills all the criteria for a pleasant summer family vacation. Be careful, to test this idea of ​​a stay is to take the risk that the children will ask for more!

Day 1: The landscapes of the Pinail National Nature Reserve

To take full measure of the beauty of the Vienne, stretch your legs with a stroll in the Pinail Nature Reserve. Disconnection guaranteed!

Day 2: Rest at the Domaine du lac de Saint-Cyr

Before setting off to explore the region, treat yourself to a relaxing day by the lake of Saint-Cyr. On the program: all kinds of activities. And above all, don't forget the picnic!

Day 3: Riddles and investigations

Nothing better than fun visits to discover heritage with children! Go in search of Leonardo's Treasure at the Château de Monthoiron. Then continue the day with a route proposed by the geocaching application Tèrra Aventura : it's fun and it's free!

Day 4: Back in time

Several destinations in the Vienne offer medieval festivals like the communes of Nouaille-Maupertuis or, Chateau-Larcher. Let your heart go to the party between artisans and troubadours and take a real journey through time and eras.

Day 5: Recreational cultural visits

Today, we combine entertainment and heritage! Direction Chauvigny. In this medieval city, you are spoiled for choice for a day placed under the sign of distraction: route of the application Tèrra Aventura, falconry show Les Géants du Ciel and VéloRail. To end the day, head the Abbey of Saint-Savin, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 6: Poitevine delicacies

Who says discovery of a region, says gastronomic discovery! Destination Montmorillon and its Macaroon Museum to end on a sweet note.

Day 7: Sensations at Futuroscope

Of course, we cannot end this family holiday without a sensational day at the Futuroscope !

Day 8: To prolong the pleasure

To prolong the pleasure of the holidays and share it, stock up on treats and souvenirs on a market of producers.