Poitiers - Ancient City of Art and Culture

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.

Poitiers is also well-known as an ancient university city. In fact the University of Poitiers was founded as early as 1431, and has been the destination of many of the greatest European philosophers and academics for centuries. Indeed the University of Poitiers, with its faculties of science, history, geography, languages and school of engineering, is one of the major university cities of France, with students making up about 14% of the entire population.

In the summer months, the main tourist season, Poitiers is also home to a multitude of theatrical spectacles. Many of these spectacles are free and take place in the many public areas, including the numerous gardens and squares. But there isn't just theatre - besides the many street theatre performances there are also a whole variety of artistic events and also balls and public debates held in cafes, often under the concept of "philo-cafe" or "philosophical caf". As you can see, the summertime sees a real flourishing of entertainment of all types!

As for museums, Poitiers also houses several major collections in its large range of museums, galleries and exhibition centers. Of these, particular mention must be given to the St John Baptistry which houses a fascinating collection of sculptures and also sarcophagi from the Merovingian and Carolingian dynastic periods of French history.

Dance also occupies an important place in the cultural life of Poitiers, particularly in the guise of contemporary dance. There are numerous dance festivals and spectacles throughout the year.

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.

One destination not to be missed when in the Poitiers region is the Futuroscope park, European Park of the Image, which was inaugurated in 1987. Every year Futuroscope attracts ever increasing numbers of visitors from throughout Europe, all keen to discover the latest technologies in a very educational way. Indeed much of the technology employed at Futuroscope is the first of its kind in the world and making an impressive debut at Poitiers.

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.

And finally, for all French "foodies", it probably won't come as a surprise that Poitiers isn't short either in the gastronomy department, and its many restaurants combine the best of sophisticated modern French cuisine with traditional country fare. But best be aware that being a typical French city, traditional Poitiers cuisine often incorporates many typically French ingredients such as snails, frogs and eels!

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.

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