Escalier des Dunes, Public stone staircase in Poitiers, France
The Escalier des Dunes is a public stone staircase in Poitiers that stretches along a natural slope and connects different levels of the city. The stairway lies near Pont Joubert and spans a considerable vertical distance between the river area and the upper neighborhoods with its many steps.
The stairs were built as a connecting structure to help pedestrians cross the different heights between the Clain River and the upper areas of Poitiers. The work was incorporated into the city's infrastructure to improve accessibility between these districts.
The stairs have become a favorite spot for local runners and fitness enthusiasts who use them for regular training. You often see people climbing up and down throughout the day, especially in the early morning hours.
The stairs are accessible on foot and located near Pont Joubert, where several bus lines stop. It is wise to wear sturdy shoes, as the steps can become slippery when wet.
A local endurance athlete once set a remarkable challenge by climbing this staircase multiple times consecutively through the night. This event drew attention to this location as a training ground for extreme stamina tests.
Location: Poitiers
GPS coordinates: 46.58069,0.35491
Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:03
Poitiers and its surrounding region tell a long story through stone and architecture. The old city center holds churches built across different periods, including Notre-Dame la Grande and Saint-Pierre Cathedral, where carved façades and interior spaces reveal the craftsmanship of earlier times. Medieval streets wind past historic buildings and palaces, while parks like Parc de Blossac offer open spaces for walking. Museums such as Musée Sainte-Croix display artworks that connect to the region's history. Beyond the city walls, more treasures appear: ancient theater ruins at Sanxay and within Poitiers itself, abbey churches like Saint-Martin de Ligugé, and castles such as Château de Vayres. Small villages including Montmorillon and Angles-sur-l'Anglin retain their own character with narrow passages and local churches. These places reward close exploration on foot, showing how people built and lived in this landscape over centuries. Photographers discover varied subjects here: architectural details on walls and doorways, bridges from different angles, staircases catching changing light, and cobbled streets that shift in mood with the time of day. Each season brings its own quality of light to these locations.
Poitiers Cathedral
430 m
Baptistère Saint-Jean
502 m
Église Sainte-Radegonde de Poitiers
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Holy Cross Abbey
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Musée Sainte-Croix
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Hypogée des Dunes
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Notre-Dame des Dunes
190 m
Pont Joubert
118 m
Espace Mendès-France
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Neuf bridge
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Fontaine du Pont Joubert
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Prieuré hospitalier de Poitiers
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Hôtel de Dreux-Brézé
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Église Saint-Paul de Poitiers
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Chapelle Sainte-Croix de Poitiers
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Église Saint-Martin-entre-les-deux-églises de Poitiers
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Montbernage footbridge
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Chapelle de l'hôtel de Briey de Poitiers
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Famille de Moulin de Rochefort
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Maison, 6 rue Saint-Fortunat
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Maison des Trois Clous
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Maison, 34 rue du Pigeon-Blanc
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Lycée des Feuillants
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Ancienne chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette de Poitiers
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Poitiers cathedral
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Maison, 3 rue Barbatte
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Maison, 4 rue Arthur-de-la-Mauvinière
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Maison, 79 Grande-Rue
428 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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