From Pale Stone to Dark Marsh Waters

Romanesque Heritage, Innovation and Hilltop Villages

This region does not unfold in a straight line. It reveals itself between Romanesque stone, perched villages, silent marshlands and forward-looking architecture. From Poitiers to Angles-sur-l’Anglin, from Futuroscope to the winding channels of the Marais Poitevin, this stay offers a complete reading of a landscape shaped by history and water.

Table of contents

You’ll love it

Moving from a thousand-year-old Romanesque façade to futuristic architecture

Discovering one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages

Gliding by boat through the Marais Poitevin

Exploring a living medieval town

Day 1

poitiers

Discover Poitiers, a historic Romanesque capital known for its medieval palace and remarkable Romanesque churches.

at a glance

The Romanesque Capital

Morning. Poitiers is not just a charming Romanesque city: it was once a crossroads of power. Begin with grand history at the Palace of the Counts of Poitou, whose vast Gothic hall surprises with its impressive proportions. You may also follow the route dedicated to Eleanor of Aquitaine, the remarkable 12th-century queen.
Afternoon & Evening. In the afternoon, explore the Romanesque churches scattered throughout the historic centre. At Notre-Dame-la-Grande, the sculpted façade reads almost like a medieval comic strip. Other churches reveal the religious and artistic flourishing of Poitou. Between visits, wander narrow streets, trace the invisible ramparts and understand how Poitiers has dominated its valleys for centuries. Blossac Park and the banks of the Clain River offer a welcome green pause.

Visit Poitiers

©Hôtel de l’Europe, Poitiers, the garden / Olivier Dupont Delestraint

Your accomodation for 3 nights

Hôtel de l’Europe – Poitiers

In the heart of the historic centre, Hôtel de l’Europe — Green Key certified 2025 — combines comfort with responsible commitment. Local products at breakfast, French-made furniture, tree planting to offset air conditioning: the address cultivates both sustainable and cultural engagement, even hosting intimate garden concerts. An ideal base to explore Poitiers on foot while travelling responsibly.

Hôtel de l’Europe

Day 2

futuroscope resort

Experience a full day at Futuroscope, France’s innovative theme park, famous for its award-winning immersive attractions.

at a glance

Immersion in the Future

Morning. After the thousand-year-old stone of Poitiers, the contrast is striking. The geometric volumes of Futuroscope rise like an architectural manifesto. Regularly awarded for the quality and innovation of its attractions, the park has established itself as one of Europe’s most creative leisure sites.
Fantasy takes shape through image, movement and technology. You move through immersive worlds where reality gently shifts: giant screens, synchronised sensations and spectacular scenography.

Afternoon. In the afternoon, explore pavilions with bold lines, alternating dynamic attractions and more contemplative experiences. Futuroscope does more than entertain: it stages innovation, plays with illusion and takes visitors on journeys unlike any other.
At dusk, the structures light up and the park takes on an almost unreal dimension. Will you choose the night show — or a candlelit dinner back in Poitiers

Poitiers Futuroscope

Aquascope Resort

©Famille-Bruno-ComtesseD-LAMING-ArchitecteAEROPHILE-Parc-du-Futuroscope

tip

priority access pass

Add a pass to your booking and enjoy fast-track access to the attractions!

Day 3

Angles-sur-l’Anglin & Saint-Savin

Explore Angles-sur-l’Anglin, one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages, and visit the UNESCO-listed Abbey of Saint-Savin.

at a glance

Cliffs, Frescoes and River Landscapes

Morning. In Angles-sur-l’Anglin, fortress ruins dominate the river below. Listed among France’s Most Beautiful Villages, the settlement cascades down the hillside. Climb, descend, pause to admire the valley and choose a riverside picnic spot.
(Alternative: visit the Roc-aux-Sorciers, a remarkable prehistoric carved site.)

Afternoon. Just a few kilometres away, the Abbey of Saint-Savin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, extends the sense of wonder. As soon as you step into the nave, your gaze instinctively rises: the entire vault is covered in Romanesque frescoes stretching over more than forty metres. Biblical scenes unfold in ochre and blue tones like a monumental narrative.
You don’t simply “look” at the paintings, you are enveloped by them. The height and filtered light give the space an almost theatrical dimension. The site impresses as much by its scale as by its remarkable state of preservation.

Angles-sur-L’Anglin

Saint-Savin Abbey

©Les Jours d’Angles / ACAP

craftsmanship

Angles Openwork Embroidery: Stitching with Light

Les Jours d’Angles is a delicate embroidery technique that originated in the 19th century, recognisable by its extremely fine openwork patterns. In Angles-sur-l’Anglin, this lace made of thread and light continues to be passed down, transforming textiles into true works of art where each ‘jour’ (day) lets in light as well as expertise.

Day 4

Marais Poitevin

Enjoy a traditional boat tour in the Marais Poitevin, often called the “Green Venice” of western France.

THE EMPRESS’S LEGACY MEETS THE OCEAN

Gliding Through the “Green Venice”

Morning. About an hour’s drive brings you to Niort, gateway to the Marais Poitevin. You may stop for an artistic or artisanal visit — or head straight to the maze of canals. From Coulon or a nearby landing stage, board a traditional flat-bottomed boat. The narrow channels slip beneath pollarded ash trees, the water mirrors the foliage, and silence settles in — gradually revealing discreet wildlife.
Afternoon. You may also explore by bike, pause in a marshland village or visit the Maison du Marais interpretation centre before settling in for the night.

Niort and the Marais Poitevin

Your accomodation

Camping Le Lidon – Marais Poitevin

This family-run, Green Key–certified campsite offers direct immersion in the Green Venice. From its private landing stage, set off by boat at sunrise or late afternoon, guided or independently. Waterside pitches, stilt lodges, a romantic wagon for two and comfortable chalets combine nature, environmental commitment and freedom.

3-star campsite Le Lidon

Day 5

Parthenay

Wander through Parthenay, a well-preserved medieval town on the historic Camino de Santiago route.

at a glance

A Medieval Town on the Camino Route

Morning. Enter Parthenay through the majestic Saint-Jacques Gate, whose imposing towers immediately remind you that the town was once a strategic stop on the Camino de Santiago. The entrance feels like a medieval film set — except here, nothing has been reconstructed.

Afternoon. After tasting local specialities, continue your stroll. Half-timbered houses stand shoulder to shoulder, some marked by centuries of history. In summer, the scent of sun-warmed stone and old wood lingers in the air. Take time to step into artisan workshops and boutiques.
From the heights, the Thouet Valley stretches below — green and tranquil. It’s easy to imagine the comings and goings of merchants and pilgrims long ago.
A beautiful way to bring the journey to a close.

More about Parthenay

surprising

Parthenay, a town for playing

Throughout the year, the town cultivates a resolutely playful identity, with trails, dedicated spaces and initiatives that invite residents and visitors alike to play in public spaces. Every summer, the FLIP – Festival Ludique International de Parthenay (Parthenay International Games Festival) amplifies this dynamic and transforms the medieval town into a huge open-air playground, making Parthenay a European benchmark for games in all their forms.

Good to know

Our tips for enjoying your stay

A car is essential to connect the different stages.
Visit the most emblematic sites in the morning.
In the marshes, late afternoon offers the most beautiful light.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Here are some practical answers to the most common questions, to help you plan your stay with ease and confidence.

Can you combine Futuroscope and heritage?

Yes, the contrast is part of the appeal.

How long should you allow for Saint-Savin?

Around two hours for a thorough visit.

Is the Marais Poitevin suitable off-season?

Yes, it is even more peaceful and atmospheric.

Rates

indicative budget

(Based on 2 people)

FROM €720 (2 ADULTS – 4 NIGHTS)

The price includes

4 nights in Poitiers and The Marais Poitevin
Daily breakfast
Entrance to the Futuroscope Resort
Selected cultural site admissions

The price does not include

International transport to/from Potiers
Local transfers to inland villages
Lunches and dinners
Optional guided tours
Personal expenses and travel insurance

💡 The total budget may vary depending on the season, accommodation category and availability of guided activities. Travelling outside peak summer periods generally allows for a more comfortable budget and a quieter experience.

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