Where to go : What to do
What to do
Family Activities
Futuroscope Xperiences, located near Poitiers, is a premier destination offering two distinct parks: the original Futuroscope theme park and the newly inaugurated Aquascope water park. The resort features over 40 attractions and shows, including immersive experiences like "Tornado Chasers" and "Destination Mars," as well as family-friendly areas such as Futuropolis. Aquascope, opened in July 2024, enhances the resort's appeal with eight large slides, a wave pool, and Europe's first aquatic cinema, "Les Abysses de Lumière," providing a unique underwater cinematic experience. Visitors can also enjoy dining at the Space Loop Rollercoaster Restaurant® and stay at themed accommodations like Hôtel Station Cosmos. Futuroscope Xperiences aims to blend technology, education, and entertainment, offering a diverse array of activities for all ages
The outdoor centre offers outdoor physical activities, discovery of the environment, equestrian and artistic activities... It is also a centre for qualifying training in animation and a professional integration site.
Led by artist Sylvie Edeline, L'ARTelier de la Gartempe is nestled in Montmorillon's "Cité de l'Écrit et des Métiers du Livre." The atelier showcases unique creations in painting, calligraphy, and ceramics, reflecting Sylvie's diverse artistic expertise. Beyond the boutique, L'ARTelier offers workshops and courses, inviting participants to explore watercolour, painting, calligraphy, and pottery under Sylvie's professional guidance. These sessions cater to various skill levels, providing enriching experiences for all.
Bélâbre, located in central France, offers a delightful swimming area with supervised sessions from early July to late August. Visitors can enjoy the serene environment and explore several marked hiking trails that showcase the region's natural beauty, including the nearby Brenne Regional Natural Park.
Art
L’Atelier de Melusine is an artist-run studio and gallery based in central France and is the sister space of A & H Contemporary Arts (UK). It offers studios and exhibition spaces for international contemporary artists from all disciplines. It aims to produce a minimum of six exhibitions per year and to support artists and researchers in their research and reflections on the arts.
Keith Donovan, born in Edmonton, Alberta, in 1952, is a Canadian artist residing in Jouhet, France. A graduate of Emily Carr College of Art and Design (1975) and the École Supérieure d’Art Visuel in Geneva (1985), he has exhibited internationally since the early 1980s. His work spans painting, collage, photography, and drawing, often influenced by neo-Dadaism. Donovan's creative process frequently involves repurposing materials from diverse sources, such as vintage comic books, to craft new narratives. He has expressed a particular interest in questioning the logical order of procedure in painting, aiming to transform perceived space and offer fresh perspectives. In April 2022, Donovan inaugurated Galerie 727 in Montmorillon, France, further embedding himself in the local art community. His recent series, "Blindfold," showcases his ongoing exploration of form and medium. Donovan's relocation to rural France has profoundly influenced his artistic practice, immersing him in the region's natural beauty and tranquillity, which permeate his work. He continues to engage audiences through exhibitions and collaborations, contributing significantly to both Canadian and French art scenes.
Theater
The Théâtre Auditorium de Poitiers (TAP) is a prominent cultural venue in Poitiers, France, designated as a national stage by the Ministry of Culture. It features a 700-seat theatre and a 1,000-seat auditorium, hosting approximately 60 diverse performances each season—including theatre, dance, music, and circus arts—amounting to around 120 shows annually. TAP collaborates with esteemed ensembles such as the Orchestre des Champs-Élysées, the Orchestre de Chambre Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and the Ars Nova instrumental ensemble, and it supports artists through residencies. The venue also organises two significant festivals: the Poitiers Film Festival in December and the Festival À Corps, focusing on movement arts, in March or April.
Music
Jazz concerts in Saint-Savin invite you to listen to the most talented musicians and to discover (or rediscover) the standards of this music where sound, rhythm and improvisation are in the spotlight. You will find all the information to attend these evenings and the different jazz festivals offered this evening near you in Saint-Savin : information on ticketing and ticket prices, concert times, artists present...
An open-air opera this summer in an exceptional location? Discover the 2025 production and book your seats now!
Les Heures Vagabondes is an annual summer music festival in the Vienne department, offering free concerts across various rural communes. The 2025 edition, marking its 21st year, is scheduled for July and August, featuring a diverse lineup of artists spanning genres like pop, rock, and reggae. The festival aims to make culture accessible to all, fostering community engagement through the efforts of numerous volunteers. For the latest updates on the 2025 programme and specific concert dates, please visit the official festival website or contact local tourist information centres.
Museums
In March 2024, the collections of the Poitiers museums were enriched by an exceptional donation: more than 300 works by female artists from a collection of more than 500 pieces, entitled "La Musée" and put together by Eugénie Dubreuil. Deeply committed, this collector is behind the Les Beaux Yeux endowment fund, which in 2024 will provide the City of Poitiers with €150,000 to work towards promoting female artists. Poitiers thus confirms its commitment to women in art and culture.
The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Limoges, housed in the historic Bishop's Palace, offers a rich collection encompassing fine arts, archaeology, and decorative arts. Renowned for its extensive array of Limoges enamels, the museum also features Egyptian antiquities, Gallo-Roman artefacts, and works by artists such as Renoir and Suzanne Valadon. Visitors can explore both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, with resources available for various audiences, including families, schools, and individuals with disabilities. The museum provides educational materials, guided tours, and workshops to enhance the visitor experience.
The Musée national Adrien Dubouché has the world's richest public collection of Limoges porcelain and also includes works representing the major stages in the history of ceramics, from Antiquity to the present day, a total of 18,000 works, 5,000 of which are currently on display. The visit is designed in a circular manner according to a particularly fluid and educational route, through spaces with different characters in order to avoid any monotony in the presentations.
More
Visits and tastings of our wines take place all year round by reservation , the opportunity for you to discover the history of Ampelidae and learn more about our terroir, our viticulture and organic winemaking practices as well as discover our range of wines.
Horn ULM, established in March 2006 and based near Poitiers, France, is a distinguished ultralight aircraft (ULM) flight school. It offers a range of services, including sightseeing flights, pilot training across multiaxis, pendular, and autogyro classes, as well as instructor certification. The school is affiliated with the Fédération Française d’ULM (FFPLUM) and is recognised by civil aviation authorities.
Cours de yoga à Mauvières
Local yoga teacher Sandra Damien welcomes you to join one of her local classes. Tel: +33 (0)6 63 75 20 51
What's On
Please check dates nearer the time.
April
​Vide-Greniers and Brocantes:
As spring arrives, local villages and towns host "vide-greniers" (car boot sales) and "brocantes" (antique markets), especially around the Easter weekend. These events offer opportunities to explore local culture and find unique items. These continue throughout the summer; it's advisable to check locally for specific details.
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May
La Fête de la Nature:
Celebrated nationwide, this festival honours nature with various activities such as guided walks, workshops, and exhibitions. Local events are organised throughout the Vienne department, offering opportunities to explore and appreciate the region's natural beauty. In 2025, it's expected to take place from 22nd to 26th May.
June
Rendez-Vous aux Jardins:
Held annually on the first weekend of June, this event opens thousands of public and private gardens across France, including those in the Vienne department. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, workshops, and exhibitions centered around a specific theme. In 2025, it's expected to occur on 6th–8th June.
Fête de la Musique:
Celebrated nationwide on 21st June, this festival marks the summer solstice with free musical performances in streets, parks, and public spaces. Local musicians, both amateur and professional, participate, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
July
​Les Heures Vagabondes:
This annual music festival features free concerts across various rural communes in the Vienne department. The 2025 edition is expected to begin in July, offering a diverse lineup of artists and genres. Specific dates and locations will be announced closer to the time.
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Tour de France:
The world's most renowned cycling race takes place from 5th to 27th July 2025. While the exact route for 2025 will be confirmed closer to the event, this year it is expected to pass very close to Liglet.
August
Local Village Festivals:
August is a popular month for village fêtes, celebrating local traditions, food, and culture. These events often include music, dancing, and communal meals. Dates and specifics vary by village; consult local tourist offices or community boards for information.
Local Night Markets:
During August, many towns in the Vienne region host evening markets featuring local artisans, food stalls, and live entertainment. These markets provide an opportunity to experience regional products and community spirit. Specific dates and locations vary; it's advisable to check with local tourist offices for details.
September
Fête des Paysages:
This event celebrates the natural landscapes and heritage of the Vienne and Gartempe regions, typically held in early September. Activities include nature walks, workshops, and cultural performances. Specific dates and details will be available closer to the time.
October
Pumpkin Festivals:
Celebrating the autumn harvest, towns like Rians in the Var region host annual pumpkin festivals in October. These events feature concerts, shows, artisan stalls, and various pumpkin-themed activities. In 2024, Rians' festival was on 12th-13th October; similar dates are anticipated for 2025.