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Take a step back in history at the Palace of the Counts of Poitou-Ducs d'Aquitaine. Tame this emblematic place of power from the outside, with the Maubergeon tower, a remarkable example of a medieval keep. Then enter the great hall known as the "Salle des Pas Perdus", where a façade of light captivates visitors with its stained glass windows ...
- What Is Poitiers Known for?
- A Brief History of Poitiers
- Best Things to Do in Poitiers
- How Long Do You Need in Poitiers?
- Getting to Poitiers
- Getting Around Poitiers
- Where to Stay in Poitiers
- Watch The Poitiers Video
If I’m honest, Poitiers lies a little off the beaten path(unless you’re following the Way of Saint James) and isn’t really famous for as many things as other cities in the region; Anglouême (famed for its comics), Limoges (world-renowned for its pottery), or La Rochelle(known for its pastel hued port). With this being said, the quiet town is pretty...
Just an hour and a half’s drive inland from the Atlantic coastline, Poitiers has seen plenty of inhabitants over the Millennia, and today remnants of the past can be found all over the city.. Poitiers was originally inhabited by the Celtic tribe the Pictones and was known as Lemonum (after the elm tree). After the Romans took over, the town became ...
Eglise Notre-Dame
The church of Notre Dame is undoubtedly the star of the show when it comes to attractions in Poitiers. Conveniently located just a stone’s throw away from the tourist office, the first thing to greet you when it comes to Notre Dame is its impressive façade, which features 12th-century carvings recounting scenes from the bible. Inside, even greater treasures await the curious travellers. The interior of the church is free to visit and is honestly a must. As well as painted columns, there are v...
Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Poitiers
Bells have been ringing out in Poitiers since the 11th-century. One of the grandest churches in town is the impressive Saint Pierre (Saint Peter Cathedral), which was constructed in 1162 on the ruins of a former Roman basilica. The cathedral is free to visit.
Baptistère Saint-Jean
The Baptistery of Saint John is alleged to be the oldest surviving Christian building in the west and probably dates back to between 630-700. The building is not only a rare surviving example of a baptistery (octagonal baptismal pool which was used up until the 8th-century still intact) but is also pretty unique in that it’s a fine example of Merovingian architecture. You have to pay a small fee to enter the hexagonal building today, and be aware that the entrance is cash only, but there are...
Since Poitiers is a fairly small city with just a handful of attractions, the attractive old town and its accompanying highlights can easily be seen over the course of a day. If you’re particularly interested in church history, then set aside two full days as the frescoes within the churches and their accompanying museums are truly breathtaking. If...
Poitiers is served by its very own international airport (Poitiers-Biard), which connects to destinations such as London. The actual flight time between London and Poitiers is just over an hour (actually in the air), meaning that it’s the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. You should note that there is no airport bus to get to the city cent...
As with many historic towns in France, the best way to get around the city is on your own two feet. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes(trainers are fine- especially if they’re in a neutral colour) and avoid heels as cobbled streets are pretty abundant! Your first port of call when arriving in the town should be the tourist information office, which ...
As a medium sized city, there are a few options when it comes to staying in Poitiers. Since the real draw of the town is its historic city centre, I personally recommend to opt staying right in the heart of all the action. Plus, it won’t be too long to walk back to your accommodation after you’ve been out for your evening meal! ibis Styles Poitiers...
Enjoyed reading about the best things to do in Poitiers? Pin this article now, read it again later: Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as m...
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Feb 15, 2015 · The Church of St. Hilary the Great in Poitiers is the primary namesake church of the city’s most famous Christian resident. Although not constructed until the 11th century, it was home to the relic of St. Hilary from the Middle Ages through the French Revolution.
- Saint-Pierre Cathedral: an architectural treasure. Imposing and majestic, it is at the St. Peter's Cathedral that you must surrender! Saint-Pierre Cathedral, bearing witness to centuries of history and art, stands proudly in the heart of Poitiers.
- The Church of Notre-Dame-la-Grande: a jewel of Romanesque art. In the heart of the cobbled streets of Poitiers is a true gem of Romanesque art: Notre-Dame-la-Grande Church.
- Saint-Porchaire Church: a hidden treasure. Stroll through the charming streets of Poitiers and you will come across the St. Porchaire Church. This discreet but remarkable church is a living testimony to the cultural and religious heritage of the region.
- The Church of Saint-Hilaire-le-Grand: an architectural gem. THE Church of Saint-Hilaire-Le-Grand stands with sober elegance, testifying to Romanesque architecture.
Jun 9, 2020 · They depict the Ascension of the Lord, scenes from the life of John the Baptist, the evangelists Luke, Matthew, John and Mark, and the Byzantine emperor Constantine. The facade of the building is interesting as an example of the Merovingian style of art; marble, stucco and elements of ancient architecture that were used in its decoration.
The Palace of Poitiers, located near Saint-Pierre Cathedral, was the Eleanor's main residence. It was a place of diplomatic meetings, lavish receptions and important political decisions. Today, her legacy endures and the city of Poitiers proudly remembers this exceptional woman who marked its history. Discover Eleanor ©
The city of Poitiers is strategically situated on the Seuil du Poitou, a shallow gap between the Armorican and the Central Massif. The Seuil du Poitou connects the Aquitaine Basin to the South to the Paris Basin to the North. This area is an important geographic crossroads in France and Western Europe.
