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Poitiers - Ancient City Of Art And Culture
Sited for seemingly an eternity in the heart of France, the city of Poitiers is relatively tiny by today's standards, with a population of only around 130000. However this tiny city is strategically located, being only an hour's train journey from Paris and not far from the Atlantic coast. It is thus a major economic center, plus a most pleasing tourist destination.
Sited for seemingly an eternity in the heart of France, the city of Poitiers is relatively tiny by today’s standards, with a population of only around 130000. However this tiny city is strategically located, being only an hour’s train journey from Paris and not far from the Atlantic coast. It is thus a major economic center, plus a most pleasing tourist destination.
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 months, you will encounter spectacles on the corner of every street and in every square. These are often free and, most of the time, are in the open air, in public gardens, on the monumental esplanade or on caf terraces. It is a real opportunity to meet the locals - from theatre, the Musette ball in the old style, to exhibitions or debates in the “philosophical cafs”. In this way, it’s plain to see that art and culture are alive and well throughout Poitiers.
With regard to museums, the classified museums and art centers are a delight to all enthusiasts. The Saint John Baptistry also invites you to see a major collection of tombs and sculptures from the Merovingian and Carolingian periods of the city. Also in the city there are numerous galleries with exhibitions on a whole range of subjects.
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.
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.
From a historical and architectural perspective, Poitiers is a city holding much interest. Indeed in the city center alone, there are almost a hundred historically classified monuments. These include pretty medieval streets and churches, wide tree-lined boulevards and contemporary architectural masterpieces. So for lovers of history, Poitiers is a veritable gold mine of historical artefacts, dating from the earliest times to the present day.
With regard to food, or should we say gastronomy, Poitiers is a veritable meeting between the town and the countryside. At the heart of a region still green and very rural, each citizen of Poitiers knows the “real recipe for the real Poitiers farci”! But a warning to enthusiasts: the region is a real French microcosm with all the ingredients potentially repugnant to outsiders, such as snails, frogs, eels, etc.
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.