Last Monday work took me to Poitiers for the last teaching session of this semester. It was a balmy 21C and the sun, a rare visitor these days, shone!
Taking advantage, Niall came along took some photos of the Poiters skyline. Not far from where he took these, stands a huge gilded Madonna gazing out over the river Clain towards the old quarter. Unfortunately whoever molded her has her raising her arm in a blessing which looks distinctly more like a Fascist salute. Happily, she looks 19th century so it is not intentional, even if disconcerting.
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| Looking west over the river Clain towards the old heart of Poitiers |
Poitiers is built on a hill in the curve of the river Clain. You can just get a glimpse of the river in the photo above where the steps lead down to the water.
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| Medieval skyline: church of Ste Radegonde on the left and the cathedral on the right |
It's an old city having been settled by the Picts well before the Romans came. Today it is a great place to visit with its mix of historical treasures and lively student population. There has been a university here since 1431.
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| Jumbled roof tops rising from the river to the tower of Notre-Dame-la-Grande |
The old centre retains a skyline which isn't dominated by modern buildings and still keeps a medieval 'feel'. We've written about Poiters before
here and
here.
17 comments:
Really excellent photos. I always rather liked Poitiers - just the right size.
We've never ventured into the city. It looks like another one for the list.
The closest we've been is to Futuroscope and BricoDepot - not at all medieval or cultured!
PS I forgot to say that I love the rooftop pics.
Notre-Dame-la-Grande is so small!
I'm sorry we didn't spend more time there; visits there centred on the courts or the hospital, but we kept on finding interesting buildings and views when we did make time to walk about.
@Craig - you're right it is small enough to be friendly but big enough to have city 'feel'.
@Gaynor - but then we've never been to Futuroscope :-) ... nor the BricoDepot come to that.
@chm - compared to the cathedral it certainly is, but along with Ste Radegonde it is one of the loveliest.
@Fly - it certainly appeals to us. Far more so than Tours.
It was only a short morning stop but Poitiers impressed us. We have some great photos to remind us and since the visit have discovered more of its rich history.
That third photo is bloody amazing
Lovely photos and you had sun too! Let's hope it returns soon for you.
@Leon & Sue - it certainly has loads and having a passion for all things medieval it certainly keeps us happy :-)
@John - thanks :-) It came out pretty well.
@Perpetua - well we had to post something that proves we do get the sun although right now it is a rarity!
BTW it is raining again today.....
That rooftop picture is stunning. If I was actually any good at painting I might steal it and have a go at a watercolour!
What a lovely place.
@AJ - Oh do have a go at a watercolour of it :-)
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