The French city of Poitiers is the capital of the Poitou-Charentes region and head of the department of the Vienne. Having only 130000 inhabitants it is often called "the smallest of the big towns". However Poitiers is only an hour from Paris by TGV and it benefits from an enviable economic and geographical environment.

Poitiers is also famous for several battles which bear its illustrious name. In the first battle, the Visigoths under Alaric II were vanquished by King Clovis I of France in AD 507. In the second battle of Poitiers, Charles Martel in his turn defeated the Moors in 732 AD. But perhaps the most well-known Battle of Poitiers was in 1356, when the Black Prince of England defeated the French army under King John.

Poitiers is also well-known as an ancient university city. In fact the University of Poitiers was founded as early as 1431, and has been the destination of many of the greatest European philosophers and academics for centuries. Indeed the University of Poitiers, with its faculties of science, history, geography, languages and school of engineering, is one of the major university cities of France, with students making up about 14% of the entire population.

During the summer months, you will encounter spectacles on the corner of every street and in every square. These are often free and, most of the time, are in the open air, in public gardens, on the monumental esplanade or on caf terraces. It is a real opportunity to meet the locals - from theatre, the Musette ball in the old style, to exhibitions or debates in the "philosophical cafs". In this way, it's plain to see that art and culture are alive and well throughout Poitiers.

As for museums, Poitiers also houses several major collections in its large range of museums, galleries and exhibition centers. Of these, particular mention must be given to the St John Baptistry which houses a fascinating collection of sculptures and also sarcophagi from the Merovingian and Carolingian dynastic periods of French history.

Dance also occupies an important place in the cultural life of Poitiers, particularly in the guise of contemporary dance. There are numerous dance festivals and spectacles throughout the year.

With regard to theatres, whether you are interested in amateur or professional productions, Poitiers will be sure to satisfy your every desire. Indeed the city is home to over twenty theatrical troops which overall provide a highly diverse programme throughout the year. There are also regular opportunities to meet writers, actors and producer who are keen to discuss their work with the public at large.

One destination not to be missed when in the Poitiers region is the Futuroscope park, European Park of the Image, which was inaugurated in 1987. Every year Futuroscope attracts ever increasing numbers of visitors from throughout Europe, all keen to discover the latest technologies in a very educational way. Indeed much of the technology employed at Futuroscope is the first of its kind in the world and making an impressive debut at Poitiers.

Justly known as the "city of a hundred bells", Poitiers is home to 78 protected monuments in its center alone. From imposing monuments, Romanesque churches, pretty medieval streets, wood-clad houses, Haussmann-style boulevards, and contemporary architecture, each poque has left its mark. So in Poitiers you will find a veritable treasury of architecture from throughout the centuries.

As for food, Poitiers certainly isn't lacking in that area, since the many restaurants combine the best of both traditional country dishes and urban sophistication. Here you can eat as sophisticated or as rural as you like, with the traditional Poitiers farci dish holding pride of place. But don't be surprised (or indeed afraid) at the many dishes available containing the ubiquitous frogs, snails and eels. This is France after all!

I hoped you have enjoyed this little tour of the historic city of Poitiers. The city is an ideal venue for a short break or as a base for touring central France and the Atlantic coast. However it is a city of culture second to none, and for those inclined towards history or the theatrical arts, Poitiers is a city not to be missed.