The history of Poitiers dates back to at least the 2nd century BC (Neolithic dolmen at Pierre Levée). It was then a Celtic oppidum called Lemonum or Limonum. Indeed, the location was ideal, with the Clain and Boivre rivers surrounding the promontory. The town was redeveloped along Roman lines in the 1st century AD, with a large amphitheatre (destroyed in 1857), several thermal baths and aqueducts (remains of the Arcs de Parigny in Saint-Benoît). The city then took the definitive name of Poitiers, after the Pictons. In the 4th century, a thick wall, six meters thick and ten meters high, encircled the city for 2.5 kilometers. Rivers were crossed on well-maintained fords, at the sites of today's Pont Joubert and Pont Saint-Cyprien. In the 4th century, Saint Hilaire evangelized the town (abbey...). The foundations of the Saint-Jean baptistery date from this period.In the Middle Ages, the town grew in size. In the 9th century, the name Grand-rue appears in charters. This is the oldest surviving trace of a street name in Europe. Today, it's home to numerous merchants, craftsmen and artists. Still in the 9th century, the town experienced several sieges. It was the capital of the county of Poitiers. From 927 to 1216, it was also the capital of the Duchy of Aquitaine. The counts and dukes built the church of Saint-Jean de Montierneuf and a castle, which Eleanor of Aquitaine embellished and in which she stayed. She left her mark on the town.In the 14th century, the town came under the protection of the Duc de Berry. He embellished the count's palace and added a keep, the Tour Maubergeon. In 1431, Poitiers was granted a university, one of the oldest in France. The town became an intellectual center, renowned for its law faculty.A number of private mansions were built during the Renaissance, including the hôtels Fumé and Berthelot. The town's prosperity was mainly due to its administrative functions: royal justice, bishopric, monasteries, and the intendance of the generality. At the end of the 18th c., Blossac park was developed by the viscount, who was then the town's intendant. The ramparts were replaced by wide boulevards (only the Tour de la Porte de Paris remains). The railway station was built in the 1850s. In the 19th century, numerous barracks were built, making Poitiers a garrison town (Aboville district, Rivaud barracks, Vouillé firing range, etc.).

What to visit Poitiers?

When to go to Poitiers?

When to go to Poitiers ? July is the hottest month and January is the coldest. Rain is frequent but you can visit the architectural and historical heritage of the city all year round, and the famous Futuroscope a few kilometers from the city. This amusement park, like many others, is even more enjoyable outside of the summer tourist season. The Christmas market with its little chalets on the main square of the town hall and the Poitiers illuminations add to the magic of the end-of-year celebrations. The gourmet animations too.

Weather at the moment

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Weather all year round

Due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Poitiers enjoys an oceanically influenced climate, generally cool in summer and mild in winter, with an annual average temperature of 12°C. The cumulative rainfall ranges from 600 to 850 mm in the north or south of the department. On the other hand, the city only has an average of 80 days of sunshine per year.

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Pictures and images Poitiers

Vue sur la ville de Poitiers. Lawrence Banahan - Author's Image
Le parc de Blossac à Poitiers. Romain TALON - stock.adobe.com
Le baptistère Saint-Jean Lawrence Banahan - Author's Image
Centre ville de Poitiers - clain<br /> E. Seghur

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When to travel?

When to go to Poitiers ? July is the hottest month and January is the coldest. Rain is frequent but you can visit the...
Read more about it

Weather forecast

Due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Poitiers enjoys an oceanically influenced climate, generally cool in summ...
Read more about it

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