Nested in the heart of Deux-Sèvres Marais Poitevin Regional Nature Park, Niort is a complete tourist destination. The city is full of exceptional heritage result of a strong history marked over the centuries. It is also a particularly lively city with cultural events renowned. For the sports and nature lovers, it offers many walks, bike rides, running or on the water. Finally, resolutely ecological industrial printing process, she works for the preservation of the environment.
Heading towards the history of Niort
Niort is one of the cities in France to absolutely visit for its many historic buildings and its nature atypical. Today it tells 9 centuries of history through a rich heritage both medieval and religious, but also a remarkable industrial heritage from the 19th century. Today, Niort is also particularly known for being the capital of mutual insurance companies in France.
Not to be missed in Niort
During your visit to Niort, don't miss these must-see sites to discover the city in every detail.
Le Niort Dungeon, the only vestige of the Niort castle dating from the 12th century, offers fascinating information on the history of the region as well as a breathtaking view of the city thanks to the magnificent panorama from the terrace.
The Halles de Niort, ancestral place of the 19th century where the covered market. It is an ideal place to discover the local produce and the lively atmosphere of the city.
La Place of the Breach is a popular relaxation spot for locals and tourists alike. There are water games, games for children... It is also a island of freshness important for the city thanks to these large green and wooded spaces.
Port Boinot, for its part, is a river port, a former industrial site of the Boinot chamois and glove factories. It is the ideal starting point for a walk on the Sèvre Niortaise by canoe-kayak or habitable barge. The city of Niort received a special “Cœur de ville” prize for Port Boinot, awarded in December 2022.
the “Epona – Secrets of our heritage” Space is a museographic space highlighting the heritage riches of the 40 municipalities of the Niort Urban Community. Each of these sites are located a short distance from each other, allowing several visits to be made in the same day.
To prepare my visits to Niort:
Niort, starting point for exploring the region
Niort is the ideal starting point for exploring the region. By bike from Niort, join the market garden villages nearby thanks to the numerous cycle paths and in particular the famous route of the Vélo Francette starting from Ouistreham, on the emblematic Landing Beaches in Normandy going up to La Rochelle .
Visit the nearby towns thanks to its numerous 100% free bus lines. From the station, you can take a TER which will allow you to travel to the many towns in the region. It is also entirely possible to take the train accompanied by your bike, a few pedal strokes and you are already out of place! In addition, if you come to visit us from the capital, know that Paris is less than 2 hours from Niort by TGV.
More unusual, board a barge habitable to take advantage of a river cruise along the Sèvre Niortaise up to the town of Marans in Charente-Maritime. The city advocates soft mobility, this is the opportunity to park your vehicle and let yourself be carried through this large territory within everyone's reach.
Our favorites for discovering the city
On foot, on the water, while playing or with your smartphone, Niort gives you the opportunity to discover it as you wish. With family, friends, alone or as a couple, find the way that suits you best and on the way to conquer the city!
Petites chamoiseries entre Poï'z is the ideal Terra Aventura route to do with the family to discover the history of the city's industrial past.
Major events in Niort
Niort, a sustainably committed city
The city of Niort is actively engaged in protecting the environment and promoting a sustainable lifestyle. She has implemented numerous projects to reduce its environmental impact like setting up Green spaces to encourage biodiversity, the creation of a electric bicycle rental in its city center, the free public transport to encourage people to use their cars less or even installation of photovoltaic panels on the roofs of public buildings. The city was the first city of its size to have integrated the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN. This approach is integrated into the program “Sustainable Niort 2030”.
