Poitiers Christmas Market
Annual Christmas market in December in the historic centre of Poitiers, with chalets, an ice rink and festive lights.
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Poitiers-Nord
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ℹ️Practical info — Poitiers-Nord
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- This area is the gateway to Futuroscope; book your park tickets online in advance to skip the queues.
- Rely on the Vitalis bus lines which efficiently connect the northern hotel zones with both the theme park and Poitiers city center.
- For budget dining, explore the commercial zones around Chasseneuil-du-Poitou which offer many casual restaurants.
- Be prepared for modern, functional architecture dominating this area, contrasting with the historic center of Poitiers.
🍽 Food
🍽
Chabichou du Poitou
Look for this famous local goat cheese in the menus of traditional restaurants or local markets.
🍽
Broyé du Poitou
A large, hard butter cookie traditionally broken with a punch in the center, available in local bakeries.
🍽
Farci Poitevin
Try this traditional vegetable and herb pâté wrapped in cabbage leaves, often served in regional brasseries.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Les Portes du Futur
A large retail park with numerous fashion, home, and electronics stores, convenient for quick shopping.
🛍
Futuroscope Souvenirs
Grab unique, futuristic gifts and tech gadgets from the shops near the theme park entrance.
🧘
Lac du Saint-Cyr
Located just a short drive north, this lake has walking trails, a beach, and water sports in a natural setting.
🧘
Bois de Saint-Pierre
A bit further out, but great for a quiet walk in a large wooded area with a small animal park.
Water temperature…
Poitiers, located in central-western France, is a city of immense historical significance and architectural richness. Known as the 'city of a hundred bell towers,' it has exceptional examples of Romanesque art, most notably the Church of Notre-Dame-la-Grande with its intricately carved facade. Poitiers was the site of pivotal battles, including the Battle of Poitiers in 732, where Charles Martel halted the Moorish advance. During the Middle Ages, the city was a power hub for Eleanor of Aquitaine, whose former palace now functions as the Palace of Justice. The University of Poitiers, established in 1431, is one of the oldest in France and continues to shape the city's animated student atmosphere. Beyond its historic treasures, the vicinity of Poitiers is home to Futuroscope, one of Europe's most innovative theme parks. The city thus uniquely blends its Roman and medieval heritage with forward-looking modern innovation. As a regional capital, Poitiers remains a vital administrative and educational center, preserving its ancient stone streets while embracing the technological advancements of the 21st century in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
- Location: Pays de la Loire, France
- Top sights: Jeux pour enfants du Parc Mozart (Nord-Ouest) · Jeux pour enfants de la La plaine de jeux de la Blaiserie · Jeux pour enfants du Parc Mozart (Sud-Est)
- Nearby: Poitiers-Sud (4 km)
- Population: ~85.960
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 21 | 21 | 17 | 13 | 8 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 72 | 54 | 66 | 60 | 77 | 67 | 53 | 53 | 45 | 75 | 74 | 77 |
Geography
Facts
- The Battle of Poitiers took place in the year 732 AD.
- The Notre-Dame-la-Grande Church dates from the 11th century.
- The university was founded in 1431 by Pope Eugene IV.
- The Saint-Jean Baptistery is one of the oldest Christian buildings in France.
- Eleanor of Aquitaine held her court here during the 12th century.
- The city population was approximately 90,000 in 2021.
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Notable places around
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A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→18:013.4 km walk8 places0/8
Day budget: ≈ 20–28 €Entries 24€ · Transport 0€
Poitiers, the city of a hundred steeples, reveals its medieval charm on a stroll through the historic center. Start at the Palace of the Counts, admire the Romanesque carvings of Notre-Dame, and delve into early Christian history at the Baptistery. The day ends perfectly in the grand Blossac Park, where French and English garden styles blend above the Clain valley.
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📍
09:10 · 47'
Palace of the Counts of Poitou
Admire the Salle des Pas Perdus, one of the largest Gothic halls in Europe.
🚶 11'0.42 km
📍
10:08 · 47'
Church of Notre-Dame-la-Grande
The facade is a masterpiece of Romanesque art, rich with biblical sculptures.
🚶 18'0.74 km
📍
11:13 · 47'
St. Peter's Cathedral
Check out the 12th-century stained glass windows, among the oldest in France.
🚶 5'0.09 km
📍
12:05 · 47'
Baptistery of Saint-Jean
This is one of the oldest Christian buildings in Europe (4th century).
🚶 5'0.09 km
🍽️
12:57 · 84'
Lunch in Saint-Croix District
Try the 'Broyé du Poitou', a traditional butter shortbread.
🚶 4'0.06 km
📍
14:25 · 47'
Sainte-Croix Museum
Discover the archaeological treasures and works by Camille Claudel.
🚶 7'0.22 km
📍
15:19 · 47'
Church of Sainte-Radegonde
The church houses the tomb of Saint Radegonde, the city's patron saint.
🚶 38'1.75 km
09:00→16:345.1 km ride7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 31–41 €Entries 24€ · Transport 12€
Explore Poitiers on two wheels! This tour takes you from green parks through historic monuments to viewpoints overlooking the Clain River. By bike, you can easily reach more distant treasures like the Hypogeum of the Dunes.
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🚲 8'0.88 km
🚲 5'0.42 km
🚲 8'0.83 km
🚲 7'0.65 km
🚲 9'0.97 km
🚲 11'1.4 km
09:00→14:565.6 km drive6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 18–24 €Entries 20€ · Transport 1€
By car, you can comfortably link the different districts of Poitiers. Start in the historic core before crossing the river to visit the mysterious Hypogeum of the Dunes, ending the day in the spacious Blossac Park.
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📍
09:10 · 47'
Palace of the Counts of Poitou
Park at the 'Hôtel de Ville' underground parking.
🚗 4'0.42 km
🚗 5'0.74 km
🚗 4'0.2 km
🚗 8'1.4 km
🚗 13'2.86 km
Sights in the town Poitiers-Nord (8)
Frequently asked questions
Why is Poitiers known as the city of 100 bell towers?
Due to its rich religious architecture, notably the Romanesque church of Notre-Dame-la-Grande with its ornate facade.
How far is the Futuroscope park?
The famous theme park is located about 10 km north of the city center and is easily accessible by bus or train.
What is the Baptistery of Saint-Jean?
It is considered one of the oldest Christian buildings in France, with origins dating back to the 4th century.
Which historical battle took place nearby?
The Battle of Poitiers in 732, where Charles Martel stopped the Moorish advance into Europe.
Is there a good district for going out?
The area around Place de l'Hôtel de Ville and Place Charles-de-Gaulle features many cafes and bars in a historic setting.
Poitiers-Nord: where is it located?
Poitiers-Nord is located in Pays de la Loire, France.
Poitiers-Nord: what is there to see?
Highlights include Jeux pour enfants du Parc Mozart (Nord-Ouest), Jeux pour enfants de la La plaine de jeux de la Blaiserie, Jeux pour enfants du Parc Mozart (Sud-Est).
Poitiers-Nord: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Poitiers-Nord: why is it worth visiting?
Poitiers, located in central-western France, is a city of immense historical significance and architectural richness.
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