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“Poitiers, 2000 years of history”
Poitiers, the town of a hundred steeples, is a country town par excellence that is steeped in history. Formerly the seat of the dukes of Aquitaine, and the site of many significant battles in French history, the capital of Poitou-Charentes has much to entertain visitors.
Perched upon high ground, overlooking the juncture of the Clain and Boivre rivers, the city affords visitors impressive views of the surrounding landscape. Boulevards built on the foundations of the town's fortifications encompass the old town with its narrow winding streets and historical monuments, including Roman baths and amphitheatres.
Why not start your stay in Poitiers with a visit to the church of Notre Dame de la Grande with its impressive 12th century sculpted facade before discovering the town's other beautiful monuments. The Baptistère Saint Jean is one of the oldest Christian monuments in Europe and the gothic stained glass windows of the Cathédrale Saint Pierre, in the eastern part of town, are definitely worth a look!
The Parc de Blossac, dating back as far as 1750, is another must see whilst visiting Poitiers. The park epitomises the French style, with angular and symmetrical pathways and planting. The park is also now home to a small zoo, a firm favourite with children who will marvel at the deer, monkeys and birds on display.
There are several interesting museums and galleries in Poitiers including the Musée Saint-Croix, which houses Flemish paintings alongside an archaeological museum which documents the history of the region. drawing upon the region's agricultural heritage.
The 19th century Hôtel de Ville (town hall) was originally built as an extension to the 14th century Counts of Poitou Palace. It is now home to the Musée des Beaux-Arts, displaying an impressive collection of Roman and medieval sculptures.
In contrast to historic Poitiers, why not take a trip out of town to the ultramodern Parc du Futuroscope?
FUTUROSCOPE – The future within reach!
Just 8km north from the centre of Poitiers you will find the Parc du Futurocope. Futuroscope, the European park of the moving image, has virtual reality rides galore to entertain visitors and is certain to be a hit with the whole family.
Since it opened in 1987, Futuroscope has welcomed more than 30 million visitors. With over 20 futuristic themed cinema pavilions, Futuroscope invites you on a journey full of new experiences, including for 2005:
• Fly like a bird above the whales and dolphins in “Travellers by air and sea”
• Exclusive to Futuroscope - A gigantic computerised city is under threat from the Bio Bugs and survival depends on you in “Peril on Akryls”
• “Young Black Stallion”, a moving story set in Morocco about the friendship between a young girl and a horse
• Have a chance to take part in an original experience and become part of one of the legendary scenes in cinema history in “Star of the Future”
• Let yourself be guided through a day in the life of the visually impaired in “Journey into the dark”
• A fabulous feast for the eyes that can only be told as night falls – experience Futuroscope’s laser show in “Reflections of Uranie”
What's more, Futuroscope offers shows and performances, street performers, concerts, exhibitions, relaxing green spaces, lakes to wander around and games for the children. Escape from it all and enjoy everything that Futuroscope has to offer!
How to get there
From Waterloo take the Eurostar to either Lille or Paris for a connecting TGV to Poitiers or direct to Futuroscope itself. Travel via Lille and you only have a simple platform change; travel via Paris for a wider choice of connections.
Fares start from as little as £79* return in Standard class or you can travel in true style from as little as £159* return in First class.
Click here to book travel to Poitiers
Click here to book travel to Futuroscope
*Terms & conditions apply
Poitiers Attractions
Useful Links
The official website for Futuroscope
www.futuroscope.com
The Poitiers Tourist Office
www.ot-poitiers.fr
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