Poitiers, an artistical and historical city

Called rightly the "town with the hundred bell-towers", poitiers shelters in its center 78 historic buildings. imposing monuments and roman churches, picturesque medieval streets and houses with side-of-wood: each time left its testimony...

Church notre-dame-la-grande  Located inside the wall which had surrounded the town since the IVth century, alongside a main street and very next to the count's castle, Notre-Dame-la-Grande, is famous for its XIIth century sculpted façade, and the law court where troubadours and kings once came.

Saint-hilaire church  Dominating the Boivre valley, at the far end of the town, Saint-Hilaire-le-Grand church is erected on the presumed location of Poitiers' saint bishop's tomb.

The heritage room  The heritage room is part of the Ville d'Art et d'Histoire agreement signed between the Town of Poitiers and the Ministry for the Arts. It was elaborated on the same pattern as those of other towns of France like Rennes, Bourges, Figeac, and other rooms that are being elaborated (Saintes, Rochefort, Dinan, Vitré…).

Parc de blossac  Amateurs of nature and wide-open spaces, this visit will take you as far as the Parc de Blossac, designed in the XVIIIth century on the ramparts of the town.

Aspects of the safeguarded area  Discovery of Place de la Liberté, Rue de la Chaîne, Rue des Trois Rois, Rue Jean Macé with mansions and Saint-Jean-de-Montierneuf church.

Chauvigny and saint-savin  Visit of the upper town of Chauvigny, of the keep of Gouzon, archaeo-industrial museum and of Saint-Pierre collegiate.This is an outstanding medieval site presenting the ruins of five fortified castles.  Visit of Saint-Savin abbey-church listed as "UNESCO World Heritage Site" presenting the most beautiful set of mural paintings in France. The abbey monuments are occupied by the International Centre of Mural Art.

Villesalem and montmorillon  Visit of the priory of Villesalem, founded in the XIIth century : this is an outstanding example of the Romanesque art in Poitou by the richness and quality of its sculpted décor.  Discovery of Montmorillon : the Maison-Dieu and its famous octagon, Notre-Dame church.