Poitiers
Poitiers
Guide of the Vienne
Guide of the Vienne
Travel Guide > France > Poitou-Charentes > Vienne > Poitiers
Former capital of Poitou, the city of Poitiers possesses a rich architectural and religious heritage. Key monument of the historic centre, the Notre-Dame-la-Grande church of the 11th and 12th centuries constitutes a remarkable testimony of Romanesque art, with its magnificent carved facade dating of the 12th century. Every evening in the summer and during Christmas holidays, a magnificent light show named Polychromies, restores the bright colours that used to decorate the sculptures on the facade of the church. A magic moment not to be missed…
The visit of Poitiers continues with the impressive Saint-Pierre cathedral, a Gothic building of the 12th and 13th centuries; the Saint-Jean baptistery, one of the most ancient Christian buildings in France; the law court, former palace of the counts of Poitou and the dukes of Aquitaine.
Besides its prestigious monuments, Poitiers abounds with charming narrow streets and lively places where it is good to promenade and pause at one of the numerous cafe and restaurant terraces. Along the stroll, walkers can also admire numerous old houses and town houses, such as the Fumé town house, the Jehan de Beaucé town house and the Pélisson town house.
A wide range of places of interest to discover is also offered on the cultural side with the Sainte-Croix museum exposing archaeology and fine art collections, the Rupert de Chièvres museum sheltering old paintings and ornamental objets, and the Espace Pierre Mendès France proposing exposures and animations related to science.
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