Discover Poitiers: History, News, Travel, and Stories

Add History/News/Story

• In 1429, Poitiers was the site of Joan of Arc's formal inquest.
  
  wikipedia.org
  
• The University of Poitiers was founded in 1431.
  
  wikipedia.org
  
• 12th-14th Century - Basilique-Cathédrale Saint-Pierre established in Poitiers
  
  www.gcatholic.org
  
• In 1569 Poitiers was defended by Gui de Daillon, comte du Lude, against Gaspard de Coligny, who after an unsuccessful bombardment and seven weeks, retired from a siege he had laid to the town.
  
  wikipedia.org
  
• History
  In the 16th century, Poitiers impressed visitors because of its large size, and important features, including 'royal courts, university, prolific printing shops, wealthy religious institutions, cathedral, numerous parishes, markets, impressive domestic architecture, extensive fortifications, and castle.'
  
  17th century
  
  The town saw less activity during the Renaissance. Few changes were made in the urban landscape, except for laying way or the rue de la Tranchée. Bridges were built were the inhabitants had used gués. A few hôtels particuliers were built at that time, such as the hôtels Jean Baucé, Fumé and Berthelot. Poets Joachim du Bellay and Pierre Ronsard met at the University of Poitiers, before leaving for Paris.
  
  Many Acadians or Cajuns living in North America can trace ancestry to this region as their ancestors left from here in the 17th century.
  
  wikipedia.org
  
• During the 17th century, many people emigrated from Poitiers and the Poitou to the French settlements in the new world and thus many Acadians or Cajuns living in North America today can trace ancestry back to this region.
  
  wikipedia.org
  
• (Poitiers) - During the 18th century, the town's activity mainly depended on its administrative functions as a regional centre:
  Poitiers served as the seat for the regional administration of royal justice, the évêché, the monasteries and the intendance of the Généralité du Poitou.
  wikipedia.org
  
• The Poitiers train station was built in the 1850s, and connected Poitiers to the rest of France.
  
  wikipedia.org
  
• During the 19th century, many army bases were built in Poitiers because of its central and strategic location. Poitiers became a garrison town, despite its distance from France's borders.
  
  wikipedia.org
  
• 1895 - Poitiers
  Poitiers, or Poictiers,a town of France, capital of the department of Vienne, on the Clain, and on the railway to Bordeaux, 60 miles S.S.W. of To Pop. 31,692. It is enclosed by old walls, and has several old churches, a castle, an académie universiitaire, a college (lycée), hospitals, a public library of 25,000 volumes, theatre, botanic garden, manufactures of woollen goods, hosiery, lace, hats, gloves, leather, oil, &c., some trade in corn, wool, and wine, and 3 annual fairs. Poitiers, anciently the capital of the Pictones, came by marriage into the possession of the dukes of Normandy, and was for three centuries attached to the crown of England. It was the scene of a signal victory, gained September 9, 1856, over the French by the English under Edward the Black Prince, who captured John, King of France.
  Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
  
• Poitiers, France
  
  
• 1906
  Poitiers, a town of France, capital of the department of Vienna and formerly of the province of Poitou, on a penin sulaformed by the junction of the Clain and the Boivre, 60 miles SSW. of Tours. It has steep and tortuous streets. Of the numerous ecclesiastical edifices the principal are the twelfth-century Romanesque-Gothic cathedral ; the Temple Saint-Jean, a baptistery dating from Merovingian times ; the Romanesque church of Notre Dame la Grande, dating from the eleventh century, with a splendidly sculptured facade ; and the church of Sainte Radegonde, erected in the eleventh century on the site of an ancient edifice and containing the sarcophagus of the saint. The most interesting secular buildings are the modern Renaissance Hotel de Ville, containing a museum of art and a natural-history museum, and the Palais de Justice. The town possesses a university and a library of 65,000 volumes. The industries comprise brewing and the manufacture of hosiery, cloth, etc Poitiers was... Read MORE...
  
  
• Poitiers was bombed during World War II, particularly the area around the railway station which was heavily hit on 13 June 1944.
  
  wikipedia.org
  
• 
  
• 2023 - Poitiers is a charming city located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Poitiers:
  Futuroscope: Start your visit with a trip to Futuroscope, an innovative theme park that offers a unique multimedia experience. It's filled with exciting rides and attractions that showcase cutting-edge technology and cinematic adventures. It's a must-visit, especially if you're traveling with family or friends.
  
  Cathédrale Saint-Pierre: Poitiers is home to some magnificent churches, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre is a prime example. This stunning Gothic cathedral dates back to the 12th century and features impressive architecture, intricate stained glass windows, and a serene atmosphere. Don't forget to climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.
  
  Palais des Ducs d'Aquitaine: Explore the historic Palais des Ducs d'Aquitaine, a medieval palace that now houses the City Hall. The building itself is a work of art, and you can learn about the city's history as you wander through its grand halls.
  
  Parc de Blossac: If you're looking for a peaceful escape, head to Parc de Blossac.... Read MORE...