The Top 15 must-haves in the Vienne

You planned a stay in or near Poitiers You can't miss our top picks! 15 of the iconic sites and activities 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!

Family at the Château de Mont sur Guesnes ©Agence Zebrelle Bastien SAUVE

1. Futuroscope Park, awaken the adventurer within you!

Futuroscope is an extraordinary place where reality and imagination meet. Here, you can travel to Mars on a roller coaster, jump into a tornado, dance in the arms of a robot, or encounter the Raving Rabbids.
 
Experience a revolutionary aquatic adventure at the AquascopeIn this new 6.000 m² indoor water park, you and your family will share unique thrills with 8 incredible water slides! Here, you'll swim in the heart of a world of 1001 colors.
Mandatory reservation.

2. Poitiers, the city of 100 steeples 

A city of art and history, Poitiers is a must-see during your holidays. The city of 100 bell towers is brimming with remarkable buildings, starting with the Notre-Dame-La-Grande church and the Palace. Wander through the medieval-style streets of the city center; you'll be surprised to discover so many hidden gems. For a relaxing break in nature, head to Îlot Tison or Blossac Park. 

Please note that the Notre-Dame-la-Grande church is closed for restoration work until May 2027.

Poitiers Street

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

Have you ever heard of Angles-sur-l'Anglin? It's time to discover it! Classified as one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France, the village of Angles-sur-l'Anglin continues to reveal its picturesque beauty. Admire its magnificent fortress which overlooks the entire village, stroll along the Anglin, take the time to wander its charming alleyways or travel 15,000 years back in time with the Wizard Rock, and admire its 20-meter-long sculpted frieze, recognized as the Lascaux of sculpture.

4. Valley of the Monkeys, an exotic day

La Valley of the MonkeysThis is a unique opportunity to get up close to the animals. Without cages or barriers, come and meet more than 400 monkeys and 34 species. Participate in feedings, or become animal for a dayThis unique park in France works to protect primates and their natural environment. For budding explorers, enjoy Kaya's Adventure, a puzzle trail that is among the the Expériences Famille of the Vienne ! 

The Valley of the Apes©Agence Zebrelle – Bastien SAUVE

5. Abbey of Saint-Savin, an exceptional treasure

Admire theSaint-Savin AbbeyA UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for housing the largest collection of murals in Europe. This visit immerses you in a true journey through time, accessible in different ways: independently, with a guide, or using a digital tablet.

The abbey also offers original experiences, such as a theatrical tour and a Escape GameDon't miss the brand new trail featuring a unique exhibition dedicated to Noah's Ark. An ideal outing for young and old alike.

 

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 have fun in the activities offered!Aqua World, the incredible water park with its giant slides. Also take advantage of the many playgrounds, course in the trees, and stroll through the forest. Don't forget to pamper yourself at the spa in a tropical atmosphere. Many ocatering options are also available on site.

Center Parcs©Agence Zébrelle – Bastien Sauve

8. Chauvigny, medieval charm in all its splendor

Explore the streets of the medieval city of Chauvigny, a city ranked 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 BikeRail, a superb opportunity to contemplate the magnificent panorama! 

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

Dine alongside Eleanor of Aquitaine and her troubadours during a sumptuous buffet, relive the Hundred Years War with an immersive 360° film, challenge your loved ones with medieval games, attend catapult demonstrations, and 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.

Monts-sur-Guesnes Castle © Agence Zébrelle©Agence Zébrelle

10. Château de Monthoiron, a visit that combines history and fun

Just 30 minutes from Futuroscope, near Châtellerault, the Monthoiron Castle invites you to participate in puzzle games in order to discover the fascinating story of Leonardo da Vinci and the Tower-Fortress.
Set off in search of Leonardo's Treasure and embark on a journey of 20 riddles around the Tower-Fortress, or venture into the great outdoors to uncover the Secret of Karmanor and save the forest!

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 land or from a net suspended just above the pools. Continue your visit in the footsteps of Professor Sheppard, an original and immersive activity on the exciting theme of dragons!

land of dragons©Agence Zebrelle – Bastien SAUVE

12. The Manu(facture) in Châtellerault

Come and discover La Manu, the former Châtellerault Arms Factory (1819–1968), now transformed into a vibrant hub for leisure and culture. Explore its museum, enjoy the exhibitions, try your hand at treasure hunts, or relax with the skatepark, walking trails, and even an ice rink.

But that's not all! Go on an adventure with the two of them Expériences famille that Manu offers you:
 
  • The Keller Affair One hundred years after an unsolved theft, Emma Keller leads the investigation with you. With top-secret archives in hand, explore the docks and hidden corners of La Manu to solve the mystery.

  • The Grand Atelier Express  A runaway train, a host of challenges, and only one goal: to return to the present. A family adventure blending mechanics, theatre, and a time-traveling puzzle!

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, leading to your cabin on the water at Floating Village of Pressacwhere you will live to the rhythm of the lake. A timeless moment in the heart of a protected natural area, classified as Natura 2000. Back on dry land, the village offers many activities for young and old: swimming pool, hiking trails, bicycles, playgrounds… as well as lodges and safari tents.

15. Domaine de Dienné, having fun in the heart of enchanted nature

Just 25 minutes south of Poitiers, the Domaine de Dienné is a theme park full of surprises. With Mission Areka, travel around the world thanks to 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... all while enjoying the new lagoon... There's something for everyone! 

Lagoon view at DefiPlanet©Agence Zébrelle / Bastien SAUVE

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

16. Eleanor's Lost Treasure

We can tell you love adventure… so we're giving you some, it's a gift… and it's free! Dare to try this fun experience inspired by the Assassin's Creed video game, to be enjoyed in six cities of the VienneThe principle is simple: explore the six paths with your smartphone, approach iconic monuments, scan signs, immerse yourself in augmented reality simulations of the past, play games and collect objects… and set off on the trail of a mysterious legendary treasure.

 

Other activities…

iCONiKS website
Game park

Meet up with family or friends at the Game Parc indoor leisure centre! Move, relax, laugh, it's the place to share good times.

Now it's your turn!
migne gameparc94 - Tourism The Vienne
Travel through time…
Le Cormenier

An original way to visit the Vienne With Le Cormenier, an immersive museum that plunges you into the life of a rural village at the beginning of the 20th century. A fun activity to relive the traditions of yesteryear…

A trip down memory lane…
Evening by the fireside at Le Cormemier ©ACAP
Need an adventure?
Tèrra Aventura

How about a free adventure? Discover Tèrra Aventura and set off in search of geocaches hidden in extraordinary locations in the Vienne..

All routes Tèrra Aventura
Tèrra Aventura in Angles-sur-l'Anglin ©ACAP
Looking for an escape!
Beauty Park

Relax in the charming gardens of Parc de la Belle and extend your stay in one of the unusual accommodations!

More information
Parc de la Belle Sites iCONiKS news May ©Amélie R. Photographies – Pomme Verte