Things to do in Poitiers
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Poitiers Churches
Strolling Poitiers' history-trodden streets is the best way to get a feel for the city's past. Along the pavements, red, yellow and blue lines correspond with three self-guided walking tours detailed on a free city map handed out by the tourist office.
Every evening from 21 June to the third weekend in September, spectacular colours are cinematically projected onto the west facade of the Romanesque Église Notre Dame la Grande. The earliest parts of the church date from the 11th century; three of the five choir chapels were added in the 15th century, with the six chapels along the northern wall of the nave added in the 16th century. The only original frescoes are the faint…
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Église Notre Dame la Grande
The earliest parts of this church date from the 11th century; three of the five choir chapels were added in the 15th century, with the six chapels along the northern wall of the nave added in the 16th century. The only original frescoes are the faint 12th- or 13th-century works that adorn the U-shaped dome above the choir. Every evening from 21 June to the third weekend in September, spectacular colours are cinematically projected onto the west facade of this church.
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St John Baptistry
One of Poitier's most celebrated gems is this baptistry, built in the 4th century on Roman foundations - making it (reputedly) the oldest Christian building in France. It was redecorated in the 10th century and used as a parish church. The octagonal hole under the impressive frescoes was used for total-immersion baptisms, practised until the 7th century.
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Notre Dame la Grande Church
One of the most striking features of this church is its elaborate Romanesque west facade. Every evening from late June to mid-September, a spectacular colourful light show illuminates it. The earliest parts of the church date from the 11th century; the only original frescoes are the faint 12th- or 13th-century works that adorn the dome above the choir.
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La Serrurerie
Showcasing local art, sculpture and a fantastic collection of retro toys, this mosaic-and-steel bistro-bar is Poitiers' communal lounge-dining room. A chalked blackboard menu lists specialities like tournedos (thick slices) of salmon, pastas and a crème brûlée you'll be dreaming about until your next visit.
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Baptistère St-Jean
Constructed in the 4th and 6th centuries on Roman foundations, Baptistère St-Jean, 100m south of Cathédrale St-Pierrel, was redecorated in the 10th century and used as a parish church. The octagonal hole under the frescos was used for total-immersion baptisms, practised until the 7th century.
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Cathédrale St-Pierre
The 13th-century stained-glass window illustrating the Crucifixion and the Ascension at the far end of the choir of the Gothicstyle Cathédrale St-Pierre is one of the oldest in France.
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La Table du Jardin
The green on the outside, green on the inside La Table du Jardin serves exclusively seasonal market-fresh produce.
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Musée Ste-Croix
Seven signed statues by Camille Claudel are the highlight of this little museum.
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