Tourist information on Poitiers, France

Poitiers is an industrial city in central-west France, the capital of the Vienne department and the Poitou-Charentes region. Situated 350 km southwest of Paris, it has retained much of its historic architecture and is bordered by the two sides of the River Clain. The capital of the old province of Poitou, it was a stopping point for pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela. It is home to the second oldest university in France, its student body making up about a quarter of the town's population. Whilst not one of France's leading tourist centres, Poitiers makes a good location for a relaxing break. Its main attractions are its numerous Romanesque churches, noted for their richly decorated façades, and the Futuroscope theme park situated just outside the city.

Poitiers was originally founded by Celtic Pictones before the Romans arrived and developed it into a large fortified town. In around 350 AD, the city was evangelised by Saint Hilarius, its first bishop. In the 5th century, the city fell to the invading Visigoths and was taken over by the Franks early in the 6th century, becoming the capital of the Poitou province. The first notable victory of the Christians over the Muslims (the Battle of Tours) took place in 732, a few kilometres north of the city. In 1356, the Battle of Poitiers was fought about 9 km south of the city, at Nouaillé-Maupertuis, marking a historic victory for the English over the French in the 100 Years War. The University of Poitiers was founded in 1431 and became one of France's leading education establishments, its distinguished alumni included François Rabelais, René Descartes and Francis Bacon. Poitiers was scarred by the religious wars of the 16th century and became a garrison town in the 19th century. Part of the city was badly damaged by aerial bombardment during WWII but has been subsequently rebuilt and is now a vibrant modern city, thriving in high-tech industries.

That Poitiers was one of France's main Christian centres in the Middle Ages is borne out by its plethora of churches, which are predominantly of Romanesque design. Foremost of these is the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, the city's 12th century cathedral, which is distinguished by its French Gothic façade and Angevin Gothic chancel and nave. It also has one of the oldest stained glass windows in the world and one of France's most famous organs. Built in around 360 AD, the Baptistery of St Jean is the oldest surviving Christian building in France and is noted for its 13th century frescos. Dating from the 11th century, the Église Notre-Dame la Grande is one of France's oldest Romanesque churches and boasts an extremely ornate façade. The 11th century Église Sainte-Radegonde-de-Poitiers was once part of the Abbaye Sainte-Croix, the first women's convent in Europe, and combines Gothic and Romanesque styles. It contains the tomb of the convent's 6th century founder, Sainte-Radegonde. The Église Saint-Hilaire-le-Grand dates back to the 10th century and was built on the site of a Gallo-Roman burial ground. Partially destroyed during the French Revolution, it was rebuilt in the 19th century.

Poitiers's architectural achievements extend beyond its religious buildings. The Palais de justice, the former seat of the counts of Poitiers, distinguishes itself with its imposing ancient tower, the Tour Maubergeon, and its Salle des Pas Perdus, a stunning Gothic-styled interior. Other landmarks include the Hôtel de ville (City Hall), a Renaissance-style structure built in the 1870s; the Louis XIII-style Préfecture; several mansions, such as the Hôtel Fumé; and the many old bridges on the Rivers Clain and Boivre. Poitiers has two museums of note. The Musée Sainte-Croix, the town's largest mueusm, is a vast modern structure of glass and concrete which houses a large collection of fine and contemporary art, as well as some prehistoric art and several notable sculptures by Camille Claudel. The Musée Rupert-de-Chièvres, situated between the Prefecture and the City Hall, is another important gallery that focuses on art of the 16th to 18th centuries.

Poitiers has an abundance of green open spaces. Parc de Blossac covers an area of 9 hectares and offers extensive shaded walkways, fountains and views over the Clain valley, as well as a number of beautifully landscaped gardens. Stuated near to the River Clain, the Jardin des Plantes is an attractive pleasure garden with a diverse collection of plants. Other substantial parks and gardens include: Le parc à l'anglaise des Prés Mignons (between la rue des Joncs and la rue Blaise Pascal in the Bellejouanne district); and le Parc des Bois de Saint-Pierre, located 7 km south of Poitiers in the commune of Smarves, which also serves as a leisure and sports centre. Another major attraction in the area is the Parc du Futuroscope, a 110-hectar theme park devoted to the moving image, which is to be found 15 km north of Poitiers in Chasseneuil-du-Poitou.

Poitiers-Biard Airport is situated 2.4 km west of the city and is served by Airlinair and Ryanair, which provide flights to Lyon-Saint Exupéry, London-Stansted and Birmingham. There is a high speed (TGV) rail service to Paris and Bordeaux operating from Poitiers train station, as well as regular rail connections to other towns in France, including Limoges, La Rochelle and Paris.