Se hva du kan gjøre og oppleve i Poitiers

Designed with "education in mind", this popular high-tech theme park offers more than 20 attractions, shows and events in a 60 hectare park. Here, visitors can experience images and sounds through the world's most sophisticated film projection systems, including 360-degree movie theatres, giant film screens and 3D movies. The park is situated outside Poitiers and offers new attractions every year.

This magnificent Romanesque church, lying at the very heart of Poitiers Old Town, has become the landmark of the city. It features beautiful biblical carvings on the outside, as well as statues from the 15th and 16th centuries.

The construction of the impressive Saint-Pierre Cathedral began in 1162 under Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Inside, visitors can see a 12th-century window depicting the crucifixion of Christ, his ascension and resurrection, along with other architectural beauties.

Spread over 248 hectares, Saint-Pierre Woods offer numerous activities for sport-lovers of any age and ability. Hike or cycle down its 8 km long walking trails, discover the animal park, chill at the swimming pool or play a round of mini-golf: Bois de Saint-Pierre is a wonderful day-trip solution.

The Sainte-Croix Museum exhibits a wide collection of paintings and sculptures from the ancient world, as well as modern works of art. Situated on the site of the old abbey of Sainte-Croix, it features works of well-known French artists like Louis Gauffier and Jean-Paul Laurens, as well as contemporary pieces from Raymond Hains, Jacques Villeglé and others.

Poitiers' largest park boasts a history that dates back to the beginning of the 18th century, when it was first established as a private garden. The Parc de Blossac is a wonderful escapade in the city-centre, creating a romantic atmosphere of beautiful grottoes, fountains and statues.

This baptistery is one of the oldest examples of Christian architecture in Europe and houses an interesting collection of stone coffins. Built on a Roman foundation in the early 4th century, the site was reconstructed in the Middle Ages.

This is an ideal place to take a break from the buzz of the city. The park, which was created in 1869, features around 100 species of trees and bushes, and also comprises a 4800 square-metre large botanical garden and a greenhouse containing 150 different plants.

Église Sainte-Radegonde is a well-maintained 6th-century church with a beautiful Roman tower. Established as a mortuary chapel, it is home to the tomb of Queen Radegonde, who died in 587 AD, and was constructed in Romanesque style.

Auberge Chez Cul de Paille is a favourite in town, serving French cuisine at its best and boasting a welcoming atmosphere and rustic interiors. The restaurant serves both lunch and dinner, offering an ever-changing set menu at an affordable price.

Not only the outstanding service draws a major clientele to this restaurant, La Cuisine de Comptoir is impeccable in every aspect, serving homemade desserts, mouthwatering entrees and traditional main dishes that meet every guest's expectation.

Le Bistrot Du Boucher is a gourmands' favourite, boasting a laid-back attitude and a deep passion for quality ingredients and the finest dishes. The eatery's highlights are certainly its juicy burgers and steaks, cooked to perfection and accompanied by several sides.

Les Bons Enfants is a cosy French restaurant nested in Poitiers' old town and offers traditional dishes cooked with genuine ingredients. Several lunch menus and "dishes of the day" are available at particularly interesting prices, and the atmosphere perfectly complement the overall experience thank to a rustic, yet alluring setting.

This former Jesuit church was transformed in the elegant restaurant that is today: in this astonishing venue, people can enjoy fine dining food both on the ground floor and on a lovely balcony encircling the building, and choose from an impressive menu and wine list.

This eatery has an unusual decor, a relaxed atmosphere and serves a wide range of delicious dishes presented in a stylish way, including fish and meat specialities, as well as some vegetarian options. Do not leave the restaurant without trying one of the mouth-watering desserts the chefs propose every day.

Magenta is a centrally located pizzeria that, along with beautifully cooked pizzas, serves salads as well as grilled specialities. The atmosphere at Magenta is relaxed and friendly, making the restaurant a popular dining destination.

Located in the heart of Poitiers, La Serrurerie is one of the most-happening restaurants in town, offering international cuisine that blends French specialities, with Italian, Thai or British dishes. The restaurant's diverse menu include foie gras and escargots, as well as pasta, fish and chips or chicken salad. Every weekend, you can also choose between a couple of brunch menus at a very reasonable price.

Jasmin Citronnelle is an intimate cafe located in the heart of the city that serves salads, pies and delicious baked goods. A wide selection of teas is also offered along with other soft drinks, hot chocolate or coffee.

The afternoon tea is always a good idea and Le Bonheur est dans le Thé is a master in that. Here, tea is entirely ethical and eco-friendly and comes in tons of different flavours: enjoy your cup curled up beside the fireplace, in the library corner or out in the terrace, you will also have the possibility to try homemade dishes and seasonal and locally produced ingredients.

A Canadian-style bar and restaurant that, as well as serving beers imported from Canada, offers a selection of typical snacks and dishes with maple syrup. Here you can also enjoy spirits and cocktails inspired by Québec.

A mid-morning or afternoon escape in Poitiers, Côté Place handcrafts fine pastries, breads and savouries made from original French recipes. Both a tearoom and a cafeteria, Côté Place is where to be headed for a deep insight into French bakery products.

An intimate pub and brasserie that features a comprehensive selection of beers, both bottled or on tap, Le Palais De La Biere (the "beer palace") does indeed deserve its name, offering a great meeting point in Poitiers.

Confort Moderne is a laid-back and happening spot that is well-known among locals and tourists alike for electronic music and popular DJs. The venue hosts different events and up to sixty concerts a year, and the most interesting part of it all is that there is no entry fee.

La Grand'Goule is a spacious club spread on three different levels, playing rock, dance, groove and techno music. The venue is popular among music-lovers of all ages, opening late and spinning records till the early hours.

Particularly popular for its rum distillery, Relax Bar is a centrally located venue where you will get signature cocktails, local beers, good wine and spirits, and, if the weather permits, you can enjoy the outside seating area that overlooks Notre-Dame la Grande.

Wallaby's pub is a typical Australian bar and a happening hangout where to enjoy football and rugby matches. Sports-fans gather at Wallaby's to sample their beers or Aussie's wines, as well as to try their hand at pool or beer pong. It also hosts karaoke nights.

Le Pince Oreille is a bar and restaurant that hosts various events ranging from cabaret nights to Brazilian music concerts. They offer a wide cocktail list as well as a great selection of French wines.

Four generations of the François family have run this handcrafted umbrellas factory-store for more than a century. Based at 137 Grand Rue since its foundation in 1882, this lovely, historic workshop still manage to fabric its products at the highest quality: in fact, if you want to order an umbrella, you might have to wait for a rather long time, as some of the materials are very hard to find.

A comprehensive shopping destination that includes fashion, decor, food or gift ideas, offering a space that develops around international brands and appealing boutiques. Zara, Fnac and Calzedonia are listed among the almost 30 shops of Passage Cordeliers, creating a modern and innovative shopping mall.

Rannou Métivier is a sweet-lover's paradise, selling handcrafted chocolates, cakes, pastries and sweets of any sort. The bakery is particularly renowned for its art of making "macarons", the traditional meringue-based treats that is one of France's most iconic confection.

Gibert Joseph is one of the major bookshops in Poitiers, catering for every genre of books or encyclopedias. Located in Rue Gambetta, the shop is a cultural hub, organising regularly meetings and signings with the authors.

Itchiban gathers some of the world's most popular brands, creating a shop that suits everybody's taste. Names like Fred Perry, Ben Sherman or Barbour can be found at the shop, providing the latest and most appealing trends.

An independent boutique that boasts a creative heart, L'Atelier des Rêves features a fine selection of vintage clothing items, purses, jewels and accessories. Tucked away in the Cathedral street, the store is an innovative shopping destination.

The owners of La Cave Milenys are happy to welcome their guests for the tastings they regularly organise in this wine shop. The store includes a wide range of products, from French wines (along with some Italian and Portuguese labels) to champagnes by small producers, Spanish and English rums, until Irish, Scottish and even Japanese whiskies. To accompany your tasting in the best way, help yourself with some delicious foie gras and other snacks.

A Greek young boy, Leonidas Kestekides, moved to Belgium after getting married and, fascinated by the local "maîtres chocolatiers", opened his own chocolate shop around 1910. Today, Leonidas Poitiers offers more than 100 Belgian chocolates and pralines beautifully displayed and still made respecting the former values: freshness, generosity and tradition.

La Galérie Géant Beaulieu is a big shopping mall not far from the city centre where you will find basically every kind of store, such as fashion boutiques, hairstylists, perfumeries, opticians, jewelries, electronic stores, restaurants, a gym and much more.

France can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries, instead, can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

As the best and most practical way to visit the city centre of Poitiers is on foot or by bike, it is advised to travel here during the warmest, most enjoyable months (from May to October). The Poitiers cultural scene offers many events worth a visit and take place all through the year: the biannual festival "Trouver Sonnette à son Pied" (www.trouversonnette.org) puts on theatre plays in unusual spots and takes place in springtime (usually between April and May); "Les Expressifs" (www3.poitiers-jeunes.com/lesexpressifs2017), held in October, is one of the most important street circus festivals in Europe; in December, the "Poitiers Film Festival" (www.poitiersfilmfestival.com) is a springboard for the success of many young directors from all over the world.

Poitiers-Biard Airport is located 3 kilometres west of Poitiers' city centre and train station. Although there is no shuttle or bus service between the airport and the city centre, it can easily be reached in 10 minutes by car or by train. Also, a taxi can take you to the city centre in about 10 minutes (every day and night): Radio Taxis +33 5 49 88 12 34 www.taxipoitiers.com Alternatively, you can rent a vehicle to get to the airport from one of the car-rental companies located in Poitiers: Europcar www.en.europcar-atlantique.fr / +33 5 49 58 25 34 Avis www.avis.fr / +33 5 49 58 13 00 Enterprise www.enterprise.fr / +33 5 49 58 51 58 Sixt www.sixt.fr / +33 1 44 38 55 55 Hertz www.hertz.fr / +33 5 49 58 24 24

Apart from walking and cycling, you can get around Poitiers using the bus transport provided by Vitalis, that includes 24 lines and 3 night lines. The new V-Pass ticketing system allows you to buy rechargeable tickets, which can be found in 54 distributors in the city (both automatic machines and tobacconists) or purchased on board.

Taxis can be easily hailed or booked in advance. You will recognise them by the "Taxi" sign on top of the vehicles. Radio Taxis Poitiers 10 Rue Charles Gide, Poitiers +33 5 49 88 12 34 www.taxipoitiers.com www.facebook.com/radiotaxispoitiers Here you will find some information about taxi fares : www.taxipoitiers.com/nos-tarifs-.php.

There are numerous post offices around town, establishments characterised by a yellow and blue sign. You will also find a great number of mail boxes throughout the city centre. The main post office is "Poitiers Hôtel de Ville".

A great number of pharmacies is located within Poitiers, bearing a flashing green sign on the outside. The shops are privately owned and can evaluate your situation and help you choosing the most appropriate cure. If the pharmacy is closed, you'll find on the shop window a list of the other pharmacies on duty. Pharmacie du Géant Casino 2 Avenue de Lafayette, Poitiers +33 8 90 71 06 20 www.para-pharmacie-geant.mesoigner.fr [email protected] Pharmacie Saint-Eloi 1 Rue Nelson Mandela, Poitiers +33 5 49 01 97 94 www.pharmacie-st-eloi-poitiers.fr Pharmacie de la Gibauderie 6 Rue de la Rochefoucauld, Poitiers +33 5 49 46 26 11 www.pharmacie-gibauderie.fr [email protected] LGPP - La Grande Pharmacie Poitiers 93 Route de Gençay, Poitiers +33 8 25 95 00 86 www.grandepharmaciepoitiers.pharmavie.fr [email protected] Pharmacie de la Madeleine 14 Avenue de la Libération, Poitiers +33 5 49 37 14 37 www.pharmaciedelamadeleine86.com [email protected]

Country code: +33 Area code: 05

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