Poitiers is perched upon high ground, overlooking the juncture of the Clain and Boivre rivers, 207 miles southwest of Paris, 40 miles northeast by east of Niort and 15 miles south of Chatellerault. Poitiers is a country town with a unique charm that comes from a long and sometimes influential history - as the seat of the dukes of Aquitaine, for instance - discernible in the winding lines of the streets and the breadth of civic, domestic and ecclesiastical architectural fashions represented in its buildings. Its pedestrian precincts, restaurants and pavement cafés - and some wonderful central gardens - make for comfortable sightseeing.
Poitiers is the capital of the département of Vienne. The site of Poitiers had been occupied since prehistoric times, but the town itself was first established in Gallo-Roman times. Its name is derived from Pictones, the name of a Gallic tribe that originally settled the area. During its Roman period, it was called Limonum. In the 4th century, Poitiers was Christainized by its bishop, Saint-Hilary.
Today, Poitiers is an administrative, commercial and transportation center. Its products include chemicals, electrical machinery, metal goods, printing, processed foods and rubber.
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