Poitiers town
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Poitiers City Hall - by Benoit G on Google





Description
Poitiers is the historical capital of the Poitou region, midway between Paris and Bordeaux. Settled during the Roman period it was from the 10th to the 13th century the residence of the ducs d'Aquitaine. It is well-known in French history for its university and the battle that took place in the area in 732 and during which Charles Martel stopped the advance of the Moors. Highlights include the 11th-century Romanesque church of Notre-Dame-la-Grande, the medieval Palais des comtes de Poitiers with its vast hall and the dungeon called tour Maubergeon, the Gothic Cathedral Saint-Pierre with its impressive façade consisting of a rose, three portals and its stained glass windows, the City Hall with a Second Empire architecture, the formal gardens of Parc de Blossac, and the Jardin des Plantes.
Access & Transport
The town is easily reached by train, being on the high speed line between Paris and Bordeaux and just off the A10 expressway linking those same two cities. The small Poitiers airport (flights to London and Barcelona at the time of this review) is just outside of town.
Instructions & Recommendations
The most famous attraction in the vicinity is the amusement park of Futuroscope, a 15 mins drive (or short train ride) to the north.
Environmental & Social
The main activities in the city have a low carbon footprint. Tourism helps preserve some of the city's architectural heritage
Conclusion
Not a star destination, we agree, but certainly worth a good half day and perhaps serve as a base to explore the surrounding Poitou area or visit the nearby Futuroscope. We would recommend reading about the town's historical background to provide context to the religious edifices and the Palais des ducs d'Aquitaine
Key positive
Several attractions in a compact area and not over-commercialized
Easy to reach by car or train
Key negative
-
Suitability
Most attractions are accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h
est. visit time:4h 30m
Sunrise / early morningNo
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo