Maréchal Leclerc Square

Here, you are in Maréchal Leclerc square, the main square in the centre of Poitiers! Still called Arms Square by some Poitevins, it was also called National Square during the Revolution, Royal Square during the Renaissance and Market Square in the Middle Ages when it was the economic centre of the town. However, its history dates back even further! The square was first mentioned in the registers of Poitiers in 1058. At the time, it was called ‘Foro Veterum’, meaning ‘old forum’. There’s every reason to believe that an ancient Roman forum was held here long before our time! In the early 19th century, archaeological excavations in the square uncovered ancient remains that confirmed this theory. If you want to see them, visit the Sainte-Croix museum. As the first museum in Poitou Charentes, it boasts a superb archaeological collection ranging from prehistory to the early Middle Ages, as well as a wing devoted to the fine arts, with works dating from the 14th to the early 20th century. Now, back to the square around you. Opposite you is Poitiers’ Town Hall, built in the late 19th century. It has a beautiful neo-Renaissance façade and was inspired by the town hall in Paris. It was part of a major urbanisation plan for the city, coupled with the arrival of the railway and the construction of the grand Haussmann boulevard. There were supposed to be more decorations, but the budget didn’t allow for it. What’s more, construction was interrupted by the 1870 war, which didn’t make things any better. That said, it’s not an awful sight, and its facade, roof and grand interior staircase are listed historic monuments. Step inside if you’re curious, as the grand staircase is well worth a look! Once you’re ready, take the Grandes Écoles Street, to the left of the town hall, to reach our next point of interest.