France > France regions > Poitou-Charentes > Vienne > Poitiers
Poitiers
The town of Poitiers is centrally placed in the Poitou-Charentes region, of which it is the administrative capital.
Not necessarily on the main tourist agenda Poitiers is non the less a town steeped in history and this has resulted in a city with a lovely medieval heart.
Poitiers was the province’s capital city since Gallo-Roman times but its most famous period of history was during the middle ages in the times of Eleanor of Aquitaine. Eleanor had her marriage to Louis VII of France annulled and married Henry Plantagenet who became King Henry II of England (1152). Poitiers became an English town as it was part of the dowry she brought to her marriage. Eleanor liked the city and often spent time there and her support led to the building of some remarkable buildings such as the Eglise Notre Dame la Grande, which is a Romanesque style church.
Continuous struggles between the English and French kings led to the Hundred Years War (1337-1453). The Battle of Poitiers was one of the great English victories of the war.
When you arrive in Poitiers head straight for the tourist office (near the Notre Dame church) and ask for their map of the town with the tourist circuits marked out. There are three circuits each taking around an hour to complete. The blue circuit leads you around the most important historic monuments of Poitiers starting with the Eglise Notre Dame with its very ornate facade and on to the magnificent Saint Pierre Cathedral, a Gothic building dating from the 12th century. Take a look at its enormous 18th century organ. The nearby rather austere Saint Jean Baptistry (4th century) is the oldest Christian monument in France. Inside there is a baptism pool and some great frescoes from the 12th and 13th centuries.
The yellow circuit leads you round the main medieval streets of Poitiers. These streets are full of lovely medieval architecture with lots of half timbered houses. The law courts are also very distinctive. Lovely to walk around in, these streets are also full of great shops!
The Jardin des Plantes is not far from the route if you want a nice spot to relax for a while.
The red circuit takes you further out of town to the Parc de Blossac. A lovely place to relax and perhaps have a picnic. The church of Saint Hilaire which is a UNESCO World Heritage site for the Ways to Saint John of Compostella is on this route.
Poitiers is a university town (second oldest in France after Paris and has one of the biggest student populations) which means it has a vibrant night life and lots to do culturally. Previous students include Descartes and Francis Bacon.
In the vicinity Chauvigny, Montmorillon, Chatellerault, Loudun and Civray are all worth a visit.
Nearby for those of you with children Futoroscope is a great theme park packed with virtual reality rides and shows.
Poitiers : tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
|
|
Plan a visit to Poitiers, France
Hotels Poitiers
Holiday rentals / travel
Property for sale Poitiers |
|
Map of Poitiers, France |
Places to visit - Poitiers
Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Poitiers.
Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Poitiers are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)
- Nouaille-Maupertuis Small abbey town at 12 km
Tourist Classifications for Poitiers
- Listed as "Ville d'Art et Histoire" (ie focus on preserving the town heritage)
Information and photos
This travel guide has information, holidays and photos of Poitiers when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.
