Car hire Poitiers

Introduction

Poitiers is a French city with a picturesque, historical center dominated by Romanesque buildings from the early Middle Ages. The city was twice the scene of military battles. In 732, when French troops halted the advance of the Moors, and in 1356 when the British gained a victory over the French army during the Hundred Year's War.

Population

The city has almost 95,000 inhabitants.

Location

Poitiers is located in the Vienne department in the Midwest of France, on the Clain River. The old city is situated on hills along the river which reach up to forty meters. Poitiers lies approximately 330 kilometers southwest of the French capital Paris.

Economy

Poitiers has the second-oldest and one of the largest universities of France. Approximately 25% of the city's inhabitants are students. Poitiers also houses other institutions for higher education. Tourism also plays an important role. The old, attractive center draws many visitors, but also the futuristic amusement park Futuroscope, about 15 kilometers north of Poitiers.

Airports

The city's airport, Poitiers-Biard Airport, is situated less than 3 kilometers west of the center. It's easily reachable by rental car. The Rue Georges Guynemer runs from the train station to the airport. The way is clearly signposted.

Public Transport

Poitiers has good public bus transport, exploited by the company Vitalis. There are also good bus connections with other places in the Vienne department and the rest of France. The city has a TGV station, where the high-speed trains on the Paris-Bordeaux line stop. These TGV trains also stop at the amusement park Futuroscope.

Traffic and Parking

The number of streets in the center of Poitiers where car traffic isn't allowed has been increased significantly in recent years. The city council wants to considerably reduce the number of cars in the city center. Parking garages have therefore been built around the center where you can park your rental car. There are also P+R areas on the verge of the city, near the termini of bus lines.

Hotels

Poitiers has a good choice of accommodations, in all price ranges, ranging from cheap budget accommodations (including a youth hostel - Auberge de la Jeunesse) to luxurious rooms in so-called relais et châteaux. There are also some hotels near the amusement park Futuroscope and campsites in the vicinity of the city.

External Sources

For more information about Poitiers, we recommend Google and the following sources:

• Wikipedia, Poitiers
• Official website Poitiers
• Tourist Information Poitiers