Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul Cathedral

Here you are in front of Poitiers’ most imposing monument. Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul cathedral was built on the remains of an earlier 11th-century religious building. The Bishop of Poitiers was in charge of its construction, and it is highly likely that King Henry II and his wife Alienore of Aquitaine contributed to its financing along with all the other faithfull. After around 2 centuries of work, its final appearance was similar to that of a covered church, with a central nave and side aisles of the same height that link them together. This is quite rare in France, but quite common in Germany. The church has a beautiful façade with a rose window in Parisian style, but the rest is Anjou Gothic, also known as Plantagenet Gothic. Yes, it was built during the reign of Henry of Plantagenet, aka Henry II. I’ll also let you admire its delicately sculpted central portal, depicting the Last Judgement, with the weighing of the soul and the resurrection of the dead.  However, that’s not all it has to offer! Once inside, you can admire 3 Romanesque stained-glass windows considered as pure masterpieces, especially the one depicting the Crucifixion. Dating from the second half of the 12th century, it is one of the oldest stained glass windows in the Christian world. Though this art form only really flourished a century later. Here, you will also see the oldest Gothic stalls in Europe! Stalls are rows of linked seats along the walls of the choir for members of the clergy.  You can also admire a large Clicquot organ. It’s one of the rare 18th-century French instruments still perfectly preserved, and its heritage value is priceless! Another unique treasure of Gothic art in France is the mural paintings on the vaults of the south transept. Recently discovered and restored, they had been hidden under whitewash since the 18th century! Dating from the 13th century, they were painted in the very bright colours of the period, using very precious pigments. They depict scenes from the Bible, the Coronation of the Virgin, the lives of the Saints, as well as animals and floral motifs. These magnificent frescoes are unique in France, and are a must-see! The cathedral is open every day from 9am to 5pm in winter and until 7.30pm or even 8pm in summer. When the tour passes behind the cathedral, take the time to have a good look at its walls. You’ll see that there are still traces of the cannonballs fired by Admiral Coligny when Poitiers was besieged by Protestant troops in 1569. With that, I’ll leave you to explore the traces of the past embedded in the stone.