5 private mansions in Poitiers to admire urgently

The Hôtel Fumé: quite a story! 

Built at the end of the XNUMXth^rd century, theSmoked hotel takes its name from its first owners and sponsors, the Fumé family. At that time, the father, Pierre Fumé, was then mayor of the city of Poitiers. He began the construction of this family home initially known under the name of La Prévosté. After a break of several years, its structure was finally completed in 1520, by his son, François Fumé.

This private hotel is located two steps from the liberty square. It consists of 2 accommodations separated by a charming interior courtyard. Arriving in front of its gates, let your eyes wander through the refined and sculpted decorations of this emblematic building.

Since 1895, this residence is classified as a historic monument, ensuring that it preserves its original flamboyant Gothic style architecture. Acquired by the department of Vienne in 1911, the hotel now welcomes students from the Faculty of Human Sciences and Arts of Poitiers.

The Hôtel Beaucé and its eventful past 

As you walk around thePoitiers town hall, don't miss out on admiring the architecture of the elegant Hôtel Beaucé. This building, built in 1554 during the Renaissance by the cloth and silk merchant Jean Beaucé, is classified as a historic monument. It finds its originality in the shape of the windows present along its picturesque staircase attached to its facade. The openings decorated with stained glass seem to accompany the progression of the steps.

It was here that the founding conference of the Reformed Churches of France took place in 1558, followed in 1561 by the second national synod. But during the religious war of 1559, the treasure-looting Reformed found refuge there in order to melt down objects of worship, thus transforming them forever into gold ingots!

During the Second World War,Beauce Hotel is occupied by the Feldgendarmerie, the German military police. Since its redevelopment in the XNUMXth^rd century, under the supervision of the architects of the buildings of France, this residence houses private housing and now apartments for rent.

The curious House of Three Nails

A few minutes from thechurch of Notre-Dame-la-Grande, among the homes and shops located Main street in Poitiers, take a break at number 118 to contemplate the House of 3 nails.
This XNUMXth century residence^rd century would have welcomed the King of France Charles VII in 1442, who came to take refuge there while fleeing a city in Paris occupied by the English.
Several legends are associated with this building, notably born from its sculpture at the corner of the first floor, to which the inhabitants of Poitiers worshiped until the end of the 18th century.^rd century.

And why the name “ House of Three Nails »?
Look up to the top of its facade, above the highest window, and discover the 3 nails planted. They would have been driven there in memory of the Emperor Constantine, happy presumed owner of 3 nails having served at the crucifixion of Christ.

Behind its stone walls hide several state rooms magnificently decorated with inlaid parquet floors, richly decorated ceilings and colorful stained glass windows. Access to its spaces steeped in history is highlighted by a superb central staircase. A discovery to put on the agenda of your visit to Poitiers !

Art Deco atmosphere at the large post office in Poitiers 

Every day, users of downtown post office have the chance to enter the first monumental Poitevin building of the XNUMXth century^rd century. The historic post and telegraph building was erected in 1911 at the intersection of Arthur Ranc, des Écossais and Jacques-De-Grailly streets. Born from the imagination of architect Hilaire Guinet, this post office hotel is a witness to the Art Deco style, typical of this era.
Before entering the premises, take a look at the legendary characters sculpted above its grand entrance. Once through the doors, you discover a large reception room equipped withmosaic decorative elements, on the ground. Take a moment to admire the immense ceiling supported by elegant pillars with their carved capitals. A setting worthy of the most beautiful love letters!

The charm of the historic half-timbering of the steep Rue de la Chaîne 

La rue de la Chaîne, steep and winding, dotted with XNUMXth century buildings^rd and XVIIth^rd century with half-timbered facades, immerses you in the past of Poitiers. Don't be afraid to explore it on foot to observe its architectural wealth. Among the preserved residences is theBerthelot mansion, recognizable thanks to its renaissance style.

This picturesque thoroughfare owes its name to an ancient practice of the city guards. In the past, the market was held liberty square, located upstream of this street. In this often agitated neighborhood, chains were stretched to quickly block the passage in the event of trouble.
At the time, rue de la Chaîne was a important traffic axis. It took travelers arriving from Paris directly to the city center. Placed in a “protected” area, this district (and its history!) are today protected.

If its stories of private mansions have aroused your curiosity, come and discover them in the streets of Poitiers and extend your visit to the city! Also visit the parks and gardens of Poitiers.