Follow the lines
by E-Va
Helps you to get to know the city if you are new to it. Three tours starting near Notre-Dame-la-Grande (Place Charles De Gaulle) are marked on the pavement with blue, red and yellow colour. Each tour takes approximately 1.5 hours and longer should you decide to stop and visit the large number of churches, museums and other sites. You will also pass lots of restaurants and numerous shops if you are up for shopping or want to stop for lunch or dinner. If you know French you will also learn about what you are looking at ;-) (info panels on the walls). In any case you will enjoy the picturesque streets.
Go Inside the Church of St.-Porchaire (2)
by hquittner
We probably would not have gone in this church except that it was very close to our hotel (named for the alley it is on (Plat d'Etain). The church is 16-17C replacing the church that built the 11C porch-belfry preceding it. (There is a fine view of the church and belfry in VT member Guyon's Tip on the hotel). The only noteworthy aspect of the church is that it has used the double nave pattern that was going out of style. It thus has two altars. The period glass emphasizing the Evangelists and their symbols is of rich color quality.
The oldest university in the land
by DSwede
Among other things, Poitiers is home to arguably the oldest university in the region. The town is relatively small, with the historic corridor focused on the top of the hill, surrounded by the river on three sides and the bluffs on the fourth.
Due to the popular and reputable university, the town has a high percentage of students and younger population. The social scenes, cafes, etc. reflect that with a young and upbeat feeling.
If you get this far, I humbly suggest you also visit the medieval city of Chauvigny.
For more general thoughts on France and other worthwhile towns/cities to visit, feel free to view my France page.
(for more pictures, feel free to visit my France Gallery. If you enjoy the pictures, please leave a comment.)
Self guided walking paths
Baptistère Saint-Jean
The Dove and Jesus
Nave View Toward Altar
