Poitiers - Ancient City of Art and Culture
Antonio Bonito
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.
Poitiers has lent its name to three great battles. The least well-known is the first battle of Poitiers in AD 507, a battled initiated by Clovis I against Alaric II, king of the Visigoths. The second battle was in 732, resulting in the victory of the Francs lead by Charles Martel over the Moors and their allies. The third battle of Poitiers was in 1356, when the English, commanded by the Black Prince, defeated the French and King John the Good.
Poitiers is also well-known as an ancient university city. In fact the University of Poitiers was founded as early as 1431, and has been the destination of many of the greatest European philosophers and academics for centuries. Indeed the University of Poitiers, with its faculties of science, history, geography, languages and school of engineering, is one of the major university cities of France, with students making up about 14% of the entire population.
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.
Not limited to the summer months, but also held throughout the year, are several dance spectacles and festivals. For Dance is a major component in the artistic life of the city. And this is particularly so for contemporary dance, which is well represented.
With regard to theatres, whether you are interested in amateur or professional productions, Poitiers will be sure to satisfy your every desire. Indeed the city is home to over twenty theatrical troops which overall provide a highly diverse programme throughout the year. There are also regular opportunities to meet writers, actors and producer who are keen to discuss their work with the public at large.
Today, one of the main reasons that Poitiers is known around the world is the fact that the European Park of the Image, universally known as Futuroscope, is situated close-by. Indeed Futuroscope is one of the main attractions in France outside Paris. It is an ideal holiday destination, particularly for those with children of all ages, since you can stay in a hotel on-site and visit a handful of attractions within the park each day. A visit of three or four days is advised so as not to miss anything. Futuroscope is fascinating not just for its entertainment value but also for its educational worth, since the park is at the forefront of image processing technology.
Justly known as the "city of a hundred bells", Poitiers is home to 78 protected monuments in its center alone. From imposing monuments, Romanesque churches, pretty medieval streets, wood-clad houses, Haussmann-style boulevards, and contemporary architecture, each poque has left its mark. So in Poitiers you will find a veritable treasury of architecture from throughout the centuries.
And finally, for all French "foodies", it probably won't come as a surprise that Poitiers isn't short either in the gastronomy department, and its many restaurants combine the best of sophisticated modern French cuisine with traditional country fare. But best be aware that being a typical French city, traditional Poitiers cuisine often incorporates many typically French ingredients such as snails, frogs and eels!
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.
For further information on France, the French lifestyle and Montpellier in French, please visit http://www.quepourtoi.com/rencontres/montpellier.php) Rencontres Montpellier at Antonio Bonito's QuePourToi.com http://www.quepourtoi.com/) rencontres chaudes web site.
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