Poitiers - Poitiers

Poitiers
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Poitiers is the capital of French Departments Vienne in the region New Aquitaine. It is a very historical city with a rich cultural heritage, numerous sights and a personable flair. It is recognized within France as a city of art and history and is nicknamed the "City of a Hundred Bell Towers".

background

Poitiers is located in a hilly landscape, which is also noticeable in the cityscape. The old town is more than 50 meters higher than the surrounding districts and is z. B. can only be reached from the train station via a steep serpentine road or an escalator for pedestrians. Many streets in the old town also have a clearly visible upward or downward gradient.

Poitiers goes back to the founding of the Celtic tribe of the Pictons. The Romans called the city Pictavium. Poitiers has been a bishopric since the 3rd century and has also been an archbishopric since 2002. The influence of the Catholic Church can be seen in the numerous remarkable and imposing sacred buildings, some of which go back to late antiquity. Saint Hilary of Poitiers worked here in the middle of the 4th century. He is the patron saint of the city.

The region between Poitiers and Tours was the scene of a great one in 732 Battle between Moors and Franks. The battle was won by the Franks under Karl Martell and the foremach of the Moors was pushed back to the areas south of the Pyrenees. In later times, the battle was instrumentalized as "saving the West", even if this, according to historians, does not correspond to the actual historical circumstances.

In the Middle Ages, Poitiers was the capital of the County of Poitou. In the 12th century, the dukes of Aquitaine also resided here, who had added the Poitou to their domain. Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122-1204) was a native of Poitiers. In 1137 she married the French heir to the throne, Louis VII, and after his accession to the throne, she became Queen of France. After her first marriage was annulled by the Pope, she married the Duke of Normandy in 1152, who two years later became King of England as Henry II. The connection between the two gave rise to the so-called “Angevin Empire” of the Anjou-Plantagenet dynasty, which included England and the entire western half of France. As Queen of England, Eleanor also held her court in Poitiers, where her son Richard the Lionheart grew up. At that time Poitiers was one of the most brilliant rulers in Europe.

in the Hundred Years War In 1356, Poitiers was again the scene of a great and extremely bloody battle, this time between the troops of the kings of France and England, the latter also ruling over substantial parts of south-west France at that time. It ended with a victory for the "English".

The university the city was founded in 1431 by Charles VII. The classical French poet François Rabelais, the writers and humanists of the 16th century Jacques Peletier, Joachim du Bellay and Jean-Antoine de Baïf, and the polymath René Descartes studied at it. Today it has around 24,000 students (more than a quarter of the total population!) And has a high reputation, especially in the field of law and engineering. There is also the political science elite university Sciences Po represented with a location in Poitiers. One of the most important Poitevins was the philosopher Michel Foucault (1926–84).

getting there

By plane

(

Poitiers has a small regional airport 1  Aéroport de Poitiers-Biard (IATA: PIS). Aéroport de Poitiers-Biard in the Wikipedia encyclopediaAéroport de Poitiers-Biard (Q1432405) in the Wikidata database.2.4 km west of the city on which the companies Air France/ HOP! and Ryanair offer few connections within France and to / from Great Britain. However, there are no direct connections from German-speaking countries (as of summer 2016). The only way to get from the airport to the city is by taxi (to the city center approx. € 10–12) or by rental car.

Instead of booking a transfer connection, you can also go to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport fly and take a TGV direct to Poitiers at the airport train station there (three times a day; journey time just under 2½ hours). Bordeaux Airport is not so far from Poitiers, but less recommendable due to poor connections.

By train

At the 2 railway station the TGVs stop from Paris to Bordeaux (approximately one train an hour). The drive from Paris-Montparnasse takes between 1:40 and two hours, from Bordeaux around 1:50 hours.

By bus

Ouibus, the long-distance bus subsidiary of the French state railways SNCF, offers bus connections between Poitiers and Paris (journey time 5:45 hours, normal price € 29, economy prices from € 15), Bordeaux (journey time 3:10 hours; from € 9) and Orléans (just under 4 Hours, normal price 19 €, savings from 9 €).

Eurolines offer bus connections from various German cities with one change in Paris to Poitiers. For example, you drive 20½ hours from Bremen and normally pay € 105 (savings from € 61) each way, from Hanover 21:40 hours for € 94 (savings from € 64).

In the street

Poitiers is on the A 10 Paris – Bordeaux motorway. From Paris it is 345 km, for which a 3½ hour drive should be allowed for; from Bordeaux via the motorway 260 km (2½ hours), via the national road 235 km (a little more than 2½ hours)

By boat

mobility

Map of Poitiers

Local public transport is primarily used Fines carried out. Vitalis operates eleven lines that run in the city, ten lines that connect the suburbs, four night and five Sunday lines. Three of the lines in the urban area are designated as so-called "Réflex" lines, which means that you should be able to use them "reflexively" because they travel relatively regularly and often; the other lines have rather irregular departure times, so you should always consult the current timetable. Single tickets cost 1.30 € in advance (available at the Vitalis headquarters, at the train station, in tobacco shops, etc.), on the bus 1.40 €; Stripe tickets (carnets) for five trips cost € 5.70. The “discovery ticket” for a group of up to 4 people who can make any number of trips on one day costs 4.20 €, a 7-day ticket per person 13.40 €. Instead of a conventional ticket, you can also use the smartphone app Tick'easy use (tariffs valid until December 2016).

The electrically powered one curves through the traffic-calmed old town eight times a day from Monday to Saturday minibusLa Citadine (Parc de Blossac – Prefecture – Post Office – St-Porchaire – Justice Palace – Tourist Information / Notre-Dame – Cordeliers – City Hall). It has only a few fixed stops, but can be stopped along the entire circuit as required. The single trip costs € 1 (introductory offer until December 2016).

Taxis are available at the train station or can be called on 05 49 01 10 01 or 05 49 88 12 34 or 06 95 83 13 62.

To the To go biking Poitiers is only suitable for trained and persevering cyclists due to the significant differences in altitude and inclines. Both Poitevins So far, this mode of transport has not enjoyed any great popularity and there are hardly any designated cycle paths.

The old town is largely closed to car traffic or at least reserved for residents. Most of the sights are therefore best reached on a city tour on foot. Since driving in the narrow inner city streets with many one-way streets, pedestrian zones and especially at rush hour very dense traffic is really not fun, it can be preferable to park the car at one of the Park & ​​Ride areas (French Parcs relays or «Parcobus») or at your accommodation and take the bus to the city center, unless you already have a centrally located accommodation from which you can explore the city on foot.

Tourist Attractions

Typical old town development on Place Charles-de-Gaulle

The city has 78 listed cultural monuments, for this reason it was awarded the title City of Art and History. The largely historical and well-preserved cityscape of the old town with its varied, lively streets and alleys is a sight in its entirety.

Churches, mosques, synagogues, temples

Churches in Poitiers 1
Baptistère Saint-Jean: back
  • 1  Baptistère Saint-Jean de Poitiers, rue Jean-Jaurès (near the Musée Ste-Croix). Dating back to the 4th century, it is one of the oldest surviving Christian sites in Western Europe. In addition to the museum with a lapidarium and a collection of sarcophagi from the Merovingian era and the octagonal baptismal font, the Romanesque frescoes are particularly worth seeing, although some of them were covered with wall paintings from the 13th and 14th centuries.
  • 2  Église Saint-Hilaire le Grand. A particularly fine example of Romanesque architecture. As part of the medieval Way of St. James, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Saint-Hilaire is adorned on the outside with columns with ornate capitals. The history of the church goes back to the early days of Christianity in Poitiers. As early as 507, Clovis, King of France, had a basilica built over the grave of St. Hilary. Hilary of Poitiers was bishop of his native city around 350 AD. He took part in the Council of Nicaea and helped shape the creed formulated there. Between 357 and 360 he was deported to Asia Minor because he had rebelled against the rulers at the time. He is considered the architect of unity among the Gallic bishops. Saint Martin of Tours was his pupil. The original church was destroyed by the Moors in 733 and the Normans in 863. The current building was built under the direction of Gauthier Coorland and consecrated in 1049. The bell tower and east wing of the original church are still preserved. At the beginning of the 12th century, vaults were drawn in instead of the wooden roof stalls, the walls were reinforced and rows of columns were added. During the French Revolution, the nave degenerated into a quarry. It was rebuilt true to the original from 1869 to 1875. The multitude of pillars of different sizes create different perspectives and develop an attractive impression as soon as you move between them. In the interior, the frescoes depicting the Apocalypse are particularly noteworthy.
  • 3  Église Notre-Dame-la-Grande, Place Charles-de-Gaulle. One of the main attractions of Poitiers. It was built in the 11th century on the site of a pagan Gallo-Roman temple. The lavishly restored main facade from the 12th century is particularly noteworthy. It is a typical example of the Romanesque art of Poitou, but is also influenced by the architectural style of the Saintonge region bordering to the south. In the Middle Ages, pictures were rare and so this facade attracted a lot of attention. Depending on the time of day, other very lively sculptures emerge from the play of light and shadow on the facade. Above the portal with four arches and the two slightly ogival arcades on its sides, bas-reliefs depict Biblical stories. In the arches to the left and right of the window openings are depicted apostles and on the outside the saints Hilary and Martin. The pediment shows Christ enthroned in a mandorla. The interior walls are painted, but the wall paintings are not from the Middle Ages, but were renewed in 1851.
Churches in Poitiers 2
Saint-Porchaire tower
  • 4  Église Saint-Porchaire, rue Gambetta, corner of rue Saint-Porchaire. From the originally Romanesque church from the 11th century, only the vestibule and the bell tower with three-storey arched arcades and arched entrance with Romanesque capitals have survived. The rest of the two-aisled church dates from the 16th century.
  • 5  Église Sainte-Radegonde, Impasse Sainte-Radegonde. The former collegiate church was founded in 532 by Saint Radegunde, who was the daughter of a king of Thuringia and wife of the Frankish king Klothar. She was also buried here after her death in 587. However, nothing has survived from the original church. It was replaced by a new building in the late Romanesque or Gothic Plantagenet style (nave, choir, portal porch), to which the late Gothic facade was attached in the 15th century. In the wall niches there are recently designed statues of the patron saints of Poitiers.
  • 6  Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Poitiers. Great Gothic Cathedral. Started at the end of the 12th century, inaugurated at the end of the 14th century. Wide facade with rose windows and three portals that are well worth seeing, as well as asymmetrical towers on both sides. In the end of the choir there is a beautiful window depicting the crucifixion of Christ (12th century). The 13th century choir stalls are probably the oldest preserved in France. Carvings depict the Virgin and Child, angels wearing crowns and the builder of the cathedral.
  • Église de Montierneuf.

Castles, chateaus and palaces

Palace of Justice
Palais de Justice
  • 7  Palais de Justice. Former palace of the counts and evidence of the Angevin Gothic style. A first palace on this site was built in the 9th century, but it burned down completely. The current building was essentially built between the 11th and 13th centuries. The most notable part is that Grande Salle (Auditorium). The Dukes of Aquitaine held their court here in the 12th century. Eleanor of Aquitaine, later Queen of France and England, was also born in Poitiers and held court here, together with her son Richard the Lionheart. Under the reign of the king's son Jean de Berry, a previously burned down part was rebuilt in the late Gothic style around 1400. This is characterized by monumental chimneys as well as a balcony and windows in the typical flamboyant style of this time. After the county of Poitou was annexed to the crown possession of the kings of France in 1416, the palace of the counts became the Parlement, d. H. royal court, repurposed. In 1429 Joan of Arc, who was later canonized, was interrogated here by a parliamentary commission, which came to the conclusion that Joan was guided by a divine mission. After the French Revolution, the building was further used as the Palace of Justice. A scene from the film Joan of Arc by Luc Besson was shot here.
  • Tour Maubergeon. Donjon (residential and defense tower) from the early 12th century. Jean de Berry lived here as Count of Poitiers. Facade with large Gothic windows and statues. Adjacent is a green area where you can discover the remains of the former Gallo-Roman city wall.

Buildings

Other structures
Hôtel de l’Échevinage
  • 8  Hôtel de l’Échevinage, 7, rue Paul-Guillon. Former town hall from the 15th century.
  • Various historically significant town houses, including:
    • 9  Hotel Fumé, 8 rue René-Descartes. Magnificent town house built in the Renaissance period (around 1480 and 1515-1527), but in the late Gothic style, as the residence of the mayor at the time. Both the street facade with its articulated windows, pinnacles, plant ornaments and plastic figures, as well as the inner courtyard, where you can see dormer windows decorated with carvings in the shape of animals, a half-timbered loggia added in the 16th century, which is based on braided columns in the Gothic style Style rests, as well as a stair tower with a leaden unicorn on top. Today the Dean's Office of the University Faculty for Humanities and Social Sciences sits here.
    • 10  Hotel Jean Beaucé, 1, rue Lebascle, corner of rue Louis-Renard and rue Puygarreau. Renaissance town house built in 1554 for the eponymous financier. Picturesque stair tower with skylight, the dome was only added in the 19th century. Typical Renaissance decor, alluding to Greek and Roman models, with pilasters, balusters, medals and busts of Roman emperors, mascarons ("grimacing faces") and friezes with plant decorations. In 1912, a part of the building was added to the rear, on rue Louis-Renard, in neo-Renaissance style. Today private apartments.
    • 11  Hôtel Pélisson, 9 rue du Marché-Notre-Dame. Renaissance building (mid-16th century) with an elaborately decorated facade.
  • 12  Hotel de prefecture, 7 place Aristide Briand. Prefecture of the Vienne department, built 1865–68 in the representative style of the Second Empire.
  • 13  Hotel de ville, 15 place du Maréchal-Leclerc. Magnificent town hall, also in the Second Empire style (built 1869–75) at the head of the main square.
  • 14  Médiathèque François-Mitterrand, 4, rue de l’Université. Interesting modern building, which stands in contrast to the otherwise historical city center, but does not disturb it, but fits in well.

Monuments

Museums

Museums
Sainte-Croix Museum
  • 15  Sainte-Croix Museum, 3 bis, rue Jean-Jaurès. archeological collection, remains of walls from ancient Limonum; Department of the Art and History of Poitiers, a.o. Depiction of the terrifying Grand ’Goule made of painted wood from 1677; Sculpture, bronze work, etc. by Camille Claudel.Open: June – September Tue-Sun 10 am–6pm, Tue until 8pm; September-June Tue-Fri 10 am–6pm, Sat-Sun 1 pm–6pm.Price: € 4.50, € 2 on Sundays, children / young people up to 17, students, trainees, disabled people free; every Tuesday and every first Sunday of the month free for everyone.
  • 16  Rupert de Chièvres Museum, 9 rue Victor-Hugo. Collection of painting and applied arts from the 15th to 18th centuries.
  • Espace Mendès-France, cultural center for science and technology, planetarium

Streets and squares

Place du Maréchal-Leclerc
  • 17  Place du Maréchal-Leclerc. Largest square in the city, in front of the town hall, with light, well-tended natural stone paving. Central meeting point of Poitevins, surrounded by prestigious commercial buildings, café bars and brasseries as well as a cinema.

Parks and gardens

Parc de Blossac
  • 18  Parc de Blossac, Entrances to place de l’Appel du 18 June 1940, rue de la Tranchée and rue du Grand Chêne. Largest urban park (a good 9 hectares); Created by Count de Blossac from 1753 to 1770; part has been preserved as a French baroque garden, part was redesigned as an English landscape garden at the end of the 19th century, another as a rock garden and the last as a modern "light and shadow garden" with groups of trees, pergola and open-air stage. In the park there are several sculptures and there are menageries with different types of poultry, rabbits, guinea pigs, parrots.Open: October-March daily 7 am-9pm, April-September 7 am-10pm (English garden only 8 am-5pm and 8 am-10pm).Price: free entry.
  • 19  Jardin des Plantes, boulevard Chasseigne. Beautiful, well-kept botanical garden.Open: October-March 8 am-5pm, April-September 8 am-10pm.
  • 20  Jardin des Sens, Hôpital Pasteur, 15, pont St Cyprien. Open: Daily 8.30 a.m. - 8.30 p.m.Price: free entry.

various

Other structures
Notre-Dame-des-Dunes
  • 21  Hypogée des Dunes, 101 rue du Père de la Croix. Early medieval, underground burial chapel from the 6th century with figural sculptures from the Merovingian period. Due to restoration and research work, not open to the public until further notice. In the meantime, however, you can take a virtual 360 ° tour on Google Maps.
  • 22  Statue de Notre-Dame-des-Dunes, Boulevard du Colonel Barthal. Large statue of the Virgin, who holds her arm protectively over the city, on a hill above the Clain, opposite the old town. Recommended panoramic view over the city, especially in the late afternoon.
  • 23  Poitiers Dolmen (Pierre Levée de Poitiers), rue du Dolmen, corner of rue de la Pierre Levée. Various legends revolve around the megalithic complex, for example Saint Radegund is said to have balanced the stone table on her head. The fact that the plate is not supported by four, but only three pillars and is therefore tilted to the side, is attributed to the work of the devil. During Rabelais's student days, the dolmen is said to have been a popular destination for students who picnicked here and carved their names into the stone with knives. Rabelais mentions the dolmen in his first novel Pantagruelwhose main character - a young giant - sets up the stone table.

activities

Colorful play of colors on the facade of Notre-Dame-la-Grande
  • Poitiers has a vibrant cultural life. Especially during the summer months (mid-June to mid-September) follows under the keyword Poitiers l’Eté practically one festival, concert or dance event on the next.
  • Also during the summer months (June 21 to September 18), the main decorative facade of the Notre-Dame-la-Grande church is illuminated every evening with a 15-minute play of colors (Polychromies) illuminated, which emphasizes and emphasizes the rich relief work. A crowd gathers for the spectacle on Place Charles-de-Gaulle (daily from 10.30 p.m.).
  • 1  Base de Canoë-Kayak de Saint-Benoît, Avenue de Lorch, Le Moulin, 86280 St-Benoît (4 km south of the city center, a little off the beaten track Rocade Sud Est/ D 162). Canoeing and kayaking on the Clain.Open: April – June and September Sa-Sun from 2pm, July – August daily 2–8pm.
  • 2  Gravité, 27, route de l'Ormeau, 86180 Buxerolles (4 km north of the city center). Tel.: 33 5 49 56 97 20. Climbing park with climbing hall and high ropes course.Price: full paying € 8, children / students € 7.
  • 3  O gym, 75, avenue de l 'Europe. Tel.: 33 5 49 41 30 43. Water aerobics, hammam and jacuzzi.
  • 4  Patinoire, 54, avenue Jacques Coeur. Public ice rink.Open: mid-September – end of May Tue, Thu, Fri 9:00 pm – 11:15 pm; Wed 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm; Sa 3pm - 6pm; Sun 10 am–12pm and 3–6pm; different opening times during school holidays.Price: full paying € 6.40, children € 5.40.
  • 5  Skate Park - La halle de la Cassette, 39, rue de la Cassette. Tel.: 33 5 49 43 73 86.
  • several public Swimming pools
Overview of the Futuroscope site
  • 6  Futuroscope, Avenue René Monory, 86360 Chasseneuil-du-Poitou (10 km north of the center of Poitiers). Tel.: (0)5 49 49 59 06. With an area of ​​60 hectares and 1.83 million visitors a year, one of the largest amusement and amusement parks in France. The theme of the park is primarily modern media technology, including shows in 4D, Imax and Omnimax cinemas as well as a "time travel machine". You can also visit the Futuroscope for two days and spend the night on the premises.Price: full-paying day ticket € 46, children € 38, discounts for families, groups and early bookers.

shop

In the old town center there are numerous small, individual shops, for example for clothing, accessories, (arts) crafts, antiques, books, paper goods and groceries; but also branches of French and international chains. The main shopping area can be found around Place Charles-de-Gaulle, Rue du Marché Notre Dame, Rue des Cordeliers, Rue des Grandes Écoles, Rue Gambetta and Place du Maréchal-Leclerc. Interesting little shops with an offer outside the usual ranges can also be found apart from them, in the smaller old town streets.

  • 1  Rannou-Métivier, 30, rue des cordeliers. The city's most renowned macaron maker. Gift boxes with a selection of macarons or chocolates are good souvenirs. Aside from the main building in the old town, there are three other sales outlets in the city. A visit to the main office is recommended because the shop itself is a sight.
  • 2  Center Commercial Cordeliers, 4 Rue Henri Oudin (Access from Rue du Marché Notre Dame or Rue des Grandes Écoles). Shopping center in the middle of the old town. Monoprix supermarket; mainly branches of chains, as can be found in other French and European cities.

kitchen

Local specialties are the Farci poitevin, a pate made from green vegetables wrapped in large leaves of lettuce and cooked, the Broyé poitevin, a butter cake that Chabichou du Poitou, a goat cheese with a soft core and natural crust, as well as dishes with in general Lamb from the region. To be added Wines with protected indication of origin as well as Honeydew melons from the Haut-Poitou.

A large selection of restaurants and bistros in various price ranges can be found along the Rue de Magenta and Rue Sadi Carnotboth of which go south from the central Place Maréchal-Leclerc.

Cheap

medium

  • 1  Chez Michel, 13, rue de Magenta. Tel.: (0)5 49 42 02 16, Email: . Appeals to a predominantly young audience and is particularly known for good burgers and french fries. But there are also more upscale, classic dishes (up to foie gras and scallops). Even at an advanced hour, you can come here just to have a cocktail or wine.Open: Tue-Sat 11 am-2am, closed Sun-Mon.Price: dish of the day (lunch only) € 8.70; Burger with fries and salad € 13.40–15.40; Main courses € 13.70–22.80; Cocktails € 6.50–8.50.
  • 2  Le Comptoir à Mustaches, 21, rue Sadi Carnot. Tel.: (0)5 49 37 29 51, Email: . Hip brasserie and gourmet burger restaurant, but there is also a selection of other dishes. The meat used is French cattle and other regional and seasonal products.Open: Mon-Fri 11 am–2pm, 6 pm–midnight, Sat 11 am–1am, Sun closed.Price: dish of the day (lunch) € 8, lunch menu (3 courses) € 14; Main courses € 15–22; 3-course menu (in the evening) € 25.

Upscale

  • 3  Les Archives, 14, rue Edouard Grimaux. Tel.: (0)5 49 30 53 00, Email: . Noble haute cuisine restaurant. The dishes are very fine, but rather "clear". Regional products from individually named producers. Also offers cooking, baking and wine courses.Open: Sun-Thu 12 noon - 2pm, 7pm - 10pm, Fri-Sat 12pm - 2pm, 7pm - 10.30pm.Price: lunch € 11.50, lunch menu (3 courses) € 19; Main courses € 14–24; 3-course menu (in the evening) € 27–39.

nightlife

  • 1  Café de la Paix, 11, place du Maréchal-Leclerc. Tel.: (0)5 49 41 06 66. Traditional and popular brasserie and café on the city's main square (with the option of sitting outside in the square when the weather is fine). There is also a small selection of dishes.

accommodation

Cheap

medium

  • 1  Hotel au Chapon Fin, 11, rue Le-Bascle (Place du Maréchal-Leclerc). Small, individual hotel; very centrally located, on the main square in the middle of the old town. The facility is a bit old. Good breakfast with products from the region (e.g. jam, honey from small, local producers).Price: double room from 59 € (plus breakfast 8.50 €).

Upscale

security

health

Practical advice

  • 1  Office de Tourisme de Poitiers (Tourist office), 45, place Charles de Gaulle (opposite the market hall; diagonally across from the Notre-Dame-la-Grande church). Tel.: 33 5 49 41 21 24. Extensive information material on all possible sights, activities and excursion destinations.Open: September-June: Mon-Sat 9.30am-6pm; June – September: Mon-Sat 10 am–7pm, Sun 10 am–6pm.

trips

Château de Touffou
Cityscape of Chauvigny

Closer surroundings

  • Le Breuil-Mingot (5 km east of the city center, slightly off the D 6 towards Bignoux / Bonnes). Charming country house from the early 17th century.
  • Bois de Saint-Pierre, at Smarves (10 km south of Poitiers). 5-hectare park with a zoological garden, including a. houses threatened species.
  • Château du Bois-Dousset (13 km east of Poitiers, a little off the D 139 between Bignoux and Lavoux). Elegant building from the 16th to 17th centuries, surrounded by moats.
  • Château de Touffou, Bonnes (21 km east of Poitiers). Renaissance hunting lodge of the French kings.
  • Bonneuil-Matours, 21 km northeast of Poitiers on the D 3. Pretty town with a historic water mill, restored Romanesque church with interesting capitals
  • Chauvigny, 24 km east of Poitiers, via the D951 or half an hour by bus. Medieval town, picturesquely situated on a hill; Fortress, historic center with traditional craft workshops, Romanesque church Saint-Pierre, capitals in the choir decorated with ornate red and white stone carvings.
In the Marais Poitevin

Further surroundings

  • Châtellerault, 35 km north (15-30 minutes by train), ancient Gallo-Roman theater, Roman Cistercian abbey, vehicle museum, hot air balloon races.
  • Saint Savin, 43 km east, Romanesque abbey church with very impressive medieval ceiling paintings, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Angles-sur-l’Anglin, 47 km northeast, a picturesque place with castle ruins on a rock, water mill on the river, picturesque old houses, is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France.
  • Parthenay, 50 km to the west (less than an hour by bus), romantic old town with a well-preserved castle, medieval bridge, half-timbered houses.
  • Bougon necropolis, at La Mothe-Saint-Héray. 50 km southwest between Poitiers and Niort, Neolithic barrows from the 5th millennium BC Chr.
  • Niort, 75 km southwest (three quarters of an hour by train).
  • Marais Poitevin, Swampy, intensely green overgrown landscape with numerous canals to the west of Niort, one could call it a “green Venice” or the “French Spreewald”, paradise for paddlers.
  • Tours, 105 km north (one hour by train).
  • Angoulême, 115 km south (45-75 minutes by train), the comic city.

literature

Web links

http://www.poitiers.fr - Poitiers official website

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