As the capital of central France’s Vienne region, Poitiers is an impressive city filled with many memorable sights.

From ancient churches and fantastic restaurants, to museums and family attractions, it’s hard to know where to steer first.

Collect your Avis hire car from Poitiers Train Station and discover all that this incredible part of France has to offer. We make car rental easy, because we know you can’t wait to feel the freedom of the road and get the very most out of your stay. Wherever your travels take you, the keys are waiting for you to unlock the world.

Dotted with historic landmarks, Poitiers’ dramatic skyline is an impressive introduction to the city. The magnificent medieval churches are particularly inspiring. Keep an eye out for the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre. Built in the 12th century on the foundations of a Roman basilica, this gothic marvel boasts breathtaking features inside and out.

Other spectacular churches to visit include the Église Notre Dame la Grande, the Church of Saint-Jean de Montierneuf and the Église Saint-Hilaire-le-Grand. Another must-see ancient site from the middle ages is the Palace of Poitiers, dating back to the 9th century. To admire a diverse collection of art from the prehistoric period through to modern times, visit the Musée Sainte-Croix, where exhibits include sculptures, ceramics and paintings.

Besides the rich cultural heritage sprawled across the city, Poitiers has a lively atmosphere. As a university city, there’s always a buzz about the place with plenty of opportunity for shopping, eating and a vibrant night out.

That’s not to say Poiters isn’t a family-friendly city. With Futuroscope theme park just a 15-minute drive from the city centre, the kids will be fully entertained.

All that Poitiers and the surrounding areas have to offer await you when you have the luxury of driving a hire car.

Frequent renters get upgraded – and additional days for free – by signing up for Avis Preferred loyalty benefits. Simply choose a date and time and we’ll prepare your quality hire car.
 

Scenic road trips beyond Poitiers are guaranteed to be memorable. Cities that pulse with life and beautiful countryside dotted with intriguing towns and villages give you much to explore.

Châteauroux

This ancient city, reachable within a two-hour drive from Poitiers city centre, is well worth a day trip for the amazing architecture alone. Ancient churches, medieval houses and the grand Château Raoul are among the landmarks to admire here. For outdoor pursuits like hiking and cycling, head to Châteauroux Forest in the south of the city.

With a delicious mix of restaurants, from Michelin-starred gems to traditional bistros, Châteauroux is heaven for romantics. Culture enthusiasts will be impressed with the variety of museums in the city too – especially the Musée Bertrand, where fine artworks from the 15th through to the 19th centuries are exhibited.

La Rochelle

Drive for around an hour and a half and you’ll reach the coastal city of La Rochelle. Built around a medieval port, La Rochelle’s top sights are the three ancient towers that dominate the waterfront’s skyline. Each has its own story and there’s a permanent exhibition held in the Tour del la Chaine tower delving into the region’s history. Here you can learn about the settlers that travelled to Canada and founded the province of Quebec.

La Rochelle’s coastal location means there’s a surplus of delicious fresh seafood to enjoy at nearby restaurants. Other must-visits include the Musée Maritime de La Rochelle and the city’s state-of-the-art aquarium, featuring the likes of sharks, stingrays, turtles and seahorses. Navigating the food markets, independent shops and charming bakeries is another must.

Pick up the keys to your Avis hire car from Poitiers Train Station and start your tour of western France. If you haven't driven in this part of the world before, it's worth familiarising yourself with the common French road rules before setting off.