Poitiers Unveils Expanded Bivouac Facilities at Bois de Saint-Pierre, enhancing Outdoor Education Opportunities
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Poitiers, France – July 22, 2025 – The Bois de Saint-Pierre, a popular natural retreat in Poitiers, has officially inaugurated an expanded bivouac facility, significantly increasing it’s capacity to host young people for immersive outdoor educational experiences. This development follows the recent opening of the site’s lagoon, which has already drawn considerable attention.
The newly expanded bivouac, nestled within the wooded area, now features a total of twelve tents and two large lodges, complemented by essential sanitary facilities. This expansion builds upon the initial phase completed in 2024, which saw seven tents and one lodge operational, accommodating groups of children throughout the summer. The latest additions include five new tents and a second lodge designated for communal activities, with further enhancements to the summer kitchen facilities planned for the autumn.
Capacity for 60, Focusing on Nature Immersion
the enhanced bivouac can now accommodate up to 60 individuals, including 48 children, allowing for two distinct groups to simultaneously engage in “outdoor education with the sensitive experience of nature,” as stated by poitiers Mayor Léonore Moncond’Huy. the city has developed specialized summer programs through its “Vacances pour Tous” (Holidays for All) initiative. These programs, managed by experienced staff from extracurricular reception centers, are designed around themes of art, sport, and nature, leveraging the proximity of the lagoon, the animal park, and the pony club to offer a rich array of activities.
Community Partnerships Extend Reach
The Bois de Saint-Pierre’s facilities are also being made available to partner organizations, including neighborhood houses. This summer, five such centers are utilizing the bivouac free of charge, providing families with opportunities to connect with nature over the weekend. Following triumphant weekend stays for families from the Beaulieu, Poitiers-Sud, Trois-Quartiers, and Saint-Éloi neighborhoods, the Trois-Cité socio-cultural center is set to bring young people from its community to the site.
(1) Registrations for summer stays are open until August 15. For more facts, contact 05.49.52.36.22 or holidayspourtous@poitiers.fr.
€9 Million Investment in Bois de Saint-Pierre Conversion
The City of Poitiers is undertaking a extensive €9 million project to transform the Bois de Saint-pierre. The creation of the bivouac (€1.1 million) and the lagoon (€2 million) represent the initial stages of this ambitious plan. The subsequent phase involves the rehabilitation of the main leisure center, with all buildings slated for renovation by 2028.
