Poitiers

Poitiers (population 85,000) is a small city located in west central France. It is a commune and capital (préfecture) of the Vienne département. Poitiers is situated on the Clain river.

History

Poitiers was founded before Roman influence by the Pictones tribe. The Battle of Poitiers was fought at Poitiers on September 19, 1356, during the Hundred Years' War. An earlier battle, the first decisive Christian victory over Muslims was also fought here on October 25, 732 — this battle is better known as Battle of Tours.

King Charles VII established the University of Poitiers in 1432.

Poitiers was the capital of Poitou, the region governed by the Counts of Poitiers.

Geography

The site of Poitiers is a vast promontery between the valleys of Boivre and Clain.

External link

• City council website (in French)
• Visiting Poitiers (in English)