Hôtel Fumé

Take a moment to admire the beautiful flamboyant Gothic façade of this private mansion. It was built between the 15th and 16th centuries and is a wonderful example of the best of Renaissance architecture. It was owned by several generations of Fumé family members, many of whom were mayors of Poitiers, before being sold to Catholic friars and then to the University. Don’t hesitate to enter the courtyard! Here you can admire the colourful stained glass windows and the sublime twisted wooden columns. Now that we’re mentioning the University, did you know that Poitiers University was one of the first in France? It was founded in 1431. By the end of the Middle Ages, there were 4,000 students! A huge number for the time. During the Renaissance, it helped to educate great names such as Rabelais, Ronsard and Descartes! Nowadays, Poitiers is still a major university town, with almost a quarter of its population enrolled in education. If you’re a fan of old houses, you can continue along the picturesque chaîne street, home to some of the most beautiful timber-framed houses in Poitiers. Its name has two possible origins. It is said that in the Middle Ages, convicts used to walk up it in chains. Another version has it that chains were stretched across the street to block the way in case of trouble and to prevent traffic jams.  The chaîne street was an important thoroughfare, as it was the most direct route into Poitiers city centre from Paris. That’s it for the chaîne street, if you feel like taking a look. Otherwise, let’s carry on.