Visiting Poitiers
Home to nearly 90,000 residents, Poitiers is a city defined by a deep historical footprint that dates back to the Middle Ages. As a major college town in the Aquitaine region and the seat of the Vienne department, its university was founded in 1431 and has counted literary and scientific figures like Rabelais, Descartes, and Du Bellay among its alumni. The Futuroscope project, located just a few miles outside the city, emerged in the 1980s. This theme park focuses on the future and new technologies, featuring a wide array of interactive, digital, and gaming attractions that draw nearly 2 million visitors annually.
A medieval power player
Poitiers has served as the stage for several pivotal historical battles. It was in the surrounding area that the Franks, led by Charles Martel, pushed back Moorish invasions in 732. In 1356, the city witnessed an England victory over the French troops of King Jean II Le Bon. During the Hundred Years' War, Poitiers even served as the temporary capital of the Kingdom of France, a status that paved the way for the establishment of its prestigious university in 1431.
The Baptistère de Saint-Jean highlights the importance of the region as far back as the Merovingian era. Inside, you will find an ancient baptismal pool used for immersion baptisms until the 8th century. Poitiers also holds one of the finest Romanesque churches in France, the église Notre-Dame de la Grande. While exploring the center, stop by the Musée Sainte-Croix, which houses substantial art collections, including notable works by Camille Claudel.
The Palace of Eleanor of Aquitaine
Poitiers saw its golden age during the reign of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II Plantagenet, King of England. Eleanor of Aquitaine established her court here at the palais des comtes de Poitou-Ducs d'Aquitaine. Topped by the Maubergeon keep, the building served as the Poitiers palais de Justice until 2019 before the city acquired it. Today, it is open to visitors, and the main ceremonial hall, the salle des Pas Perdus, serves as an exhibition space. It was also during the era of Eleanor of Aquitaine that construction began on la cathédrale Saint-Pierre, a Gothic structure that took a century to complete.
While the Renaissance was a quieter period, it saw the rise of numerous private mansions, including the elegant Hôtel Fumé. As a green city, Poitiers maintains the parc de Blossac, designed in 1753 following the style of French formal gardens. The 22-acre park overlooks the vallée du Clain and offers expansive views. Don't miss la Roseraie de Poitiers, a dense collection of colors and scents featuring over 6,000 flower species.
When to go
The best time to visit Poitiers is from May through September.
How to get there
Poitiers is easily accessible by train or bus from major French cities.
Spacious city with large parks (special mention to the Roseraie), pretty well-preserved medieval architecture in the city center, and the banks of the Clain are nice for a walk.
As for the scene, there is a very visible student community that keeps things moving a bit when it comes to bars and nights out. However, most of them leave the city during summer vacation. You will mostly be coming in the summer for the attractions in the region, such as Futuroscope about ten kilometers to the north, the Brenne Regional Natural Park to the east, the Château de Chauvigny, the Vallée des Singes zoo...