One of the emblematic buildings of Poitiers is its Hôtel de Ville or city/town hall. We were back to the city after many years gone by and it was a blast. We had great weather and a smooth trip in my road warrior ways of my belle France. I did an introduction and then some, will continue to write a few posts on Poitiers; hope you enjoy as I.
The Hôtel de Ville of Poitiers or city/town hall is a Second Empire style municipal building located on the Place du Maréchal-Leclerc, a former Place d’Armes. Built between 1869 and 1875, The building remains a major monument representative of the tastes of the Second Empire. The majestic facade is neo-renaissance style, according to the Napoleon III style, lover of architectural pastiches. The building was not only to house the administration of the city, but also the municipal museum of fine arts which left the premises in 1974. The main facade presents a theatrical composition, pierced by large windows with double horizontal crosses, it is punctuated by the columns and ringed pilasters in the manner of the 16C, The elevation of the ground floor resumes almost identically that of the opera house Garnier, built in Paris during the same years. The clock is framed by two allegorical figures, Agriculture and Industry The campanile with four lead tigers are surmounted by putti carrying torches. On the pediment, putti hold the crown above the arms of the city. The coat of arms of Poitiers is composed of the lion of Aquitaine, the fleur-de-lis and nine besants which would represent the first aldermen. The motif is available in many places: pediments, friezes, ironwork, door handles but also parquet floors, paintings, stained glass …etc.
Inside (we did not go in) you could see the Grand staircase ; a theatrical staircase stages the visitor’s ascent to the loggia. From this balcony, you can in turn see and be seen, The salle des mariages or wedding hall ,you see the portraits of Triumph of the Hymeneus (1882). Above the fireplace, Les époux before the Law (1884) in a more severe neo-classical style. The Salon d’Honneur, a former ballroom, retains a parquet floor inlaid with the coat of arms of the city. The stained-glass window represents Eleanor of Aquitaine confirming the town charter in 1199. The former municipal council chamber, today called the salle du blason or coat of arms, is adorned with a ceiling represents the city of Poitiers, under the features of a woman rewarding Work, accompanied by Strength, Justice, Charity and Peace.
The Poitiers tourist office on the city hall: https://visitpoitiers.fr/en/activite/hotel-de-ville/
The City of Poitiers and its city hall contacts: https://www.poitiers.fr/c__62_816__Horaires_et_coordonnees_des_mairies_de_quartier.html
There you go folks, a brief on one of the must see in Poitiers according to many. For us the architecture and the ambiance in the square were enough to put it in my blog. Hope you enjoy the City/town Hall as we did.
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all!!!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 
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