Hôtel de Ville de Poitiers

The building, of Renaissance inspiration, is distinguished by a U-shaped plan, a well-paced façade, flanked by side pavilions and a main door surmounted by a loggia, a clock and the campanile. Inside, the vestibule opens onto a monumental staircase reminiscent of that of the Garnier opera house and stages the visitor's ascent to the loggia. From this balcony, he can see and be seen? Thus, the shape of the building has as much social significance as its decoration. Two large canvases by Puvis de Chavannes (1874) are the centerpieces of an abundant sculpted and painted decoration, dedicated to the history of Poitou: the battle of Charles Martel and Saint Fortunat reading poems to Saint Radegonde at the Sainte Croix Abbey. In the main hall, the former ballroom, the stained glass window, the work of Steinheil, represents Eleanor of Aquitaine confirming the charter of the commune in 1199.