Poitiers might be small, but it offers a surprising variety of tours that bring its history and character to life. Whether you’re into medieval royalty, 20th-century history, or quirky architecture, Poitiers has something to offer. We particularly enjoyed the Poitiers: Eleanor of Aquitaine Walking Tour, which brilliantly combines storytelling of the legendary queen with visits to landmarks like Saint-Pierre Cathedral. This tour’s focus on Eleanor’s life makes history feel personal and engaging, especially with its intimate guide-led experience.
While some might be drawn to the Poitiers: Discover all the City’s Heritage in a Walking Tour, offering a comprehensive walk through Poitiers’ oldest streets and secret alleys, others may prefer a quirky take like the 2h Walking tour of the “Ugly” Bordeaux for a humorous look at controversial architecture. Each tour provides a different lens on the city’s character, making Poitiers more than just a spot on the map.
1. Poitiers: Eleanor of Aquitaine Walking Tour
At number 1 on our list is the Poitiers: Eleanor of Aquitaine Walking Tour, which scores a solid 4.7 out of 5 based on 12 reviews. This private guided walk lasts about 70 minutes and offers a deep dive into the life of one of Europe’s most fascinating medieval figures. The tour begins at Château d’Eau and includes visits to Blossac Park and Poitiers City Hall before heading to Saint-Pierre Cathedral.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on Eleanor of Aquitaine’s influence on Poitiers and her broader historical significance. The guide shares intriguing anecdotes about her reign, her marriage to French and English kings, and her enduring legacy in art and architecture. The tour’s small group size and personalized approach make it a favorite among history lovers. Expect to admire the stunning architecture of Poitiers’ buildings and churches, with special attention to Saint-Pierre Cathedral, where you’ll learn about its history and Eleanor’s connection to it.
Bottom Line: If you want a focused, well-reviewed experience that combines history, art, and architecture, this tour offers great value at $87 per person. It’s perfect for those who love storytelling and medieval history in an intimate setting.
2. Poitiers: Napoleon III’s Walking Tour
Coming in at number 2 is the Poitiers: Napoleon III’s Walking Tour, which boasts a perfect 5-star rating from 4 reviews. This flexible tour ranges from 65 to 135 minutes and focuses on Poitiers’ 19th and 20th-century history, touching on the era of Napoleon III, the Resistance, and World War II bombings.
What makes this tour stand out is its layered storytelling—covering everything from the Old Regime to modern resistance movements. The tour begins at 50 Rue Léopold-Thézard and includes stops at viewpoints and lesser-known sites, revealing Poitiers’ role during turbulent times. The guide takes you through local monuments with a narrative that ties the city’s history to broader French events, including the French Resistance and wartime destruction. Two drop-off points make it convenient for continuing your exploration afterward.
Bottom Line: For history enthusiasts interested in France’s political and wartime past, this tour offers a compelling narrative and engaging insights for just $69. It’s best suited for those with an interest in modern history and a bit of walking.
3. Poitiers: Discover all the City’s Heritage in a Walking Tour
At number 3 is the Poitiers: Discover all the City’s Heritage. This 1.5-hour guided walk scores 4.5 out of 5 from 12 reviews and offers a broad overview of Poitiers’ architectural and historical highlights.
The tour kicks off at Église Notre-Dame la Grande, one of the city’s most iconic sites, and continues through the narrow streets to explore mansions and secret alleys. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about Poitiers’ founding and development, with a particular focus on the majestic Saint-Pierre Cathedral. The guide emphasizes the city’s heritage of medieval and renaissance architecture, making it ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive, yet manageable, introduction to the city.
Participants love the opportunity to uncover hidden streets and admire historic buildings up close. The tour concludes at the Church of Sainte-Radegonde, tying together Poitiers’ spiritual and civic history. At $96 per person, it offers a deeper appreciation of the city’s character.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect if you want an in-depth walk that balances history, architecture, and local stories, especially for those interested in exploring the city’s lesser-known corners.
4. 2h Walking tour of the “Ugly” Bordeaux
At number 4, we have the 2h Walking tour of the “Ugly” Bordeaux. While technically outside Poitiers, this quirky tour offers a humorous look at Bordeaux’s less celebrated architecture, including concrete monsters and controversial landmarks.
This tour dives into the stories behind Bordeaux’s more bizarre and controversial buildings, such as Mérignac’s Soviet-style apartments and the Nazi submarine base turned art space. For $57, you get a lively walking experience that combines history, humor, and some local sarcasm—perfect for travelers who like their architecture served with a side of wit. The guide points out the “misshapen” landmarks and invites you to judge whether they are masterpieces or mistakes.
The tour is straightforward and light-hearted, lasting two hours, making it suitable for a casual afternoon adventure. It reveals a different side of Bordeaux, which, like Poitiers, is full of surprises beneath its more polished facades.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in seeing Bordeaux’s “ugly ducklings” with a humorous twist, this tour offers fun and insight at a reasonable price.
$57 per person
5. Nice: Monaco Day Trip with Casino, City Tour and F1 circuit
Number 5 takes us a bit further afield, with the Nice: Monaco Day Trip offering a full day of glamour and excitement. For $1,754 per group (up to 4 people), this 6-hour experience covers Monaco’s highlights, including the Prince’s Palace, Monte Carlo Casino, and the famous F1 circuit.
This tour is perfect for those wanting a taste of the Riviera’s luxury without the hassle of planning. The guided visit includes a walk through Monaco-Ville to see the historic district, followed by free time to explore or gamble in Monte Carlo. The highlight is the drive along the legendary F1 circuit, offering spectacular views of the coastline. A delicious lunch in Monaco completes the day.
The trip is best suited for travelers with a budget for splurge and an interest in high-profile destinations. While it’s not a walking tour of Poitiers, it exemplifies the kind of high-end day trips available from the region.
Bottom Line: For luxury travelers seeking a memorable day exploring Monaco’s casinos and glamour, this guided experience offers a seamless, well-organized way to enjoy the Riviera.
$1,754 per group up to 4
6. Poitiers: Epic Nighttime Torchlight Tour
Number 6 is the Poitiers: Epic Nighttime Torchlight Tour, which offers a different perspective on the city. For $87 per person, this 65-minute walk illuminates Poitiers’ main sights with torchlight, creating a magical atmosphere.
Starting at Église Notre-Dame-la-Grande, the tour guides you through the city’s illuminated streets, highlighting landmarks like Saint-Pierre Cathedral and the university buildings. The guide shares stories about Poitiers’ history as you stroll, making it ideal for evening lovers and those interested in the city’s nocturnal ambiance. The tour concludes at Saint-Pierre Cathedral, giving you a chance to appreciate its architecture in a different light.
This tour is perfect for a relaxed, atmospheric exploration after a day of sightseeing. Its short duration makes it suitable for those with limited time or for adding a special evening activity to your itinerary.
Bottom Line: If you want to experience Poitiers in a different light—literally—this torchlight tour offers a memorable, atmospheric evening walk.
$87 per person
7. Poitiers: Half-Day Tour with Baptistere and Food Tasting
Rounding out the list is the Poitiers: Half-Day Tour with Baptistere and Food Tasting. For $151 per person, this 2.5-hour guided walk combines cultural sightseeing with culinary delights.
The tour begins at the Baptistere Saint-Jean, known as the oldest church in Europe, offering a fascinating glimpse into early Christian architecture. You’ll also visit the city’s main attractions, including the Cathedral, and learn about key figures like Eleanor of Aquitaine. The highlight is the food tasting session, where you sample local specialties like macarons and other regional treats, making this tour a delightful mix of history and gastronomy.
Guests have found it a rewarding way to combine cultural discovery with tasting Poitiers’ flavors. It’s especially suitable for travelers interested in local food traditions and historical sites. The tour offers excellent value for the combined experience of sightseeing and tasting.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies and history lovers alike, this half-day experience provides a taste of Poitiers’ culinary and cultural treasures.
$151 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Poitiers Tour
When selecting the right tour, consider your interests and the kind of experience you value most. If history and architecture interest you, the Poitiers: Eleanor of Aquitaine Walking Tour and the Discover all the City’s Heritage are excellent choices. For a humorous, offbeat look, the Bordeaux “Ugly” architecture tour offers playful insights. Want a mix of culture and food? The Poitiers: Half-Day Tour with Baptistere and Food Tasting provides a well-rounded experience.
Budget-wise, tours range from around $57 to over $150, with private options like Eleanor’s tour providing intimacy at a reasonable price. Timing your tour depends on your schedule; day tours are best for sightseeing, while the torchlight walk adds a lovely evening touch. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular experiences.
Poitiers offers a surprising variety of tours tailored to different interests and travel styles. For a deep dive into medieval legends, the Eleanor of Aquitaine tour is hard to beat. For those fascinated by modern history, Napoleon III’s story offers fresh perspectives. And for a fun, quirky detour, Bordeaux’s “ugly” architecture proves that sometimes the most interesting sights are the unexpected ones. Whatever your preference, these tours will help you uncover Poitiers’ unique charm. Book early and enjoy exploring this historic city from every angle.