Travel

The French city of Poitiers is the capital of the Poitou-Charentes region and head of the department of the Vienne. Having only 130000 inhabitants it is often called “the smallest of the big towns”. However Poitiers is only an hour from Paris by TGV and it benefits from an enviable economic and geographical environment.

The name Poitiers is also synonymous with three major battles. The first was the Battle of Poitiers in 507 in which King Clovis I attacked the Visigoths under their King Alaric II. The second Battle of Poitiers took place in 732, this time with Charles Martel at the head of the Francs against Moorish troops. But perhaps the most well-known Battle of Poitiers , at least in the Anglophone world, was that of 1356, when the Black Prince at the head of the English army defeated King John of France.

Something many might know is that Poitiers is also an old university city. Indeed the University of Poitiers was founded in 1431. It was soon to become a center of learning famous throughout Europe with many of the world’s greatest thinkers and philosophers having studied there. The modern-day Poitiers University in fact is responsible for around 14% of the entire population of the city during term time! It is thus one of the most important universities in France and home to a range of faculties in most disciplines.

During the summer tourist season, the city is thronging with theatrical spectacles. Very often these spectacles are free and in public areas such as squares and gardens. But it’s not just limited to theatre, there are also balls, artistic events, and even philosophical debates hosted in several cafs. Poitiers really is a thriving cultural center!

Poitiers is also home to several museums, galleries and exhibition centers. Of particular note is the Baptistry of St John which houses an important collection of sculptures and tombs from the Carolingian and Merovingian eras.

Dance also plays a major part in the cultural life of the city of Poitiers. Dance in all its forms and guises takes place throughout the year in a range of interesting and exciting spectacles, including various festivals of Dance. But this is not limited to classical dance - contemporary dance is also well represented, resulting in a full programme which generates much interest with citizens, students and tourists alike.

As for theatre, Poitiers and the theatre are a real love story, whether your interest is amateur or professional. With more than twenty theatre companies, a rich and diverse programming, festivals, meetings between the public, artists actors and directors, theatrical creations in Poitiers always play a major role in the life of the city. And for all this artistic activity, a large and appreciative audience is always guaranteed.

Today, one of the main reasons that Poitiers is known around the world is the fact that the European Park of the Image, universally known as Futuroscope, is situated close-by. Indeed Futuroscope is one of the main attractions in France outside Paris. It is an ideal holiday destination, particularly for those with children of all ages, since you can stay in a hotel on-site and visit a handful of attractions within the park each day. A visit of three or four days is advised so as not to miss anything. Futuroscope is fascinating not just for its entertainment value but also for its educational worth, since the park is at the forefront of image processing technology.

As for history, not for nothing is Poitiers also known as the “city of a hundred bells”. The city is home to approaching a hundred monuments in the city center alone. From the attractive medieval streets to Roman-style churches, from imposing Parisian-style boulevards to contemporary edifices, every historical period has left its stamp on the city, making the city a veritable architectural treasure-trove.

As for food, Poitiers certainly isn’t lacking in that area, since the many restaurants combine the best of both traditional country dishes and urban sophistication. Here you can eat as sophisticated or as rural as you like, with the traditional Poitiers farci dish holding pride of place. But don’t be surprised (or indeed afraid) at the many dishes available containing the ubiquitous frogs, snails and eels. This is France after all!

I hoped you have enjoyed this little tour of the historic city of Poitiers. The city is an ideal venue for a short break or as a base for touring central France and the Atlantic coast. However it is a city of culture second to none, and for those inclined towards history or the theatrical arts, Poitiers is a city not to be missed.