Le Vieux Poitiers

Opening hours from 01.07. until 31.08. Additionally during May-June and September at the weekend from 2pm to 6pm. July-August: every day except Tuesday from 2.30-6.30pm.

In French: Vieux Poitiers, Théétre Gallo-Romain du Vieux Poitiers
 
At the point where the Clain and the Vienne rivers converge, lies the 2000-year-old city of Vetus Pictavis. The city stretches over 80 hectares and dates from the time of Emperor Augustus Caesar.

In the southeast we can see the remains of a 116 meter high amphitheater that could accommodate more than 10,000 spectators. This gives us a rough idea of the huge monuments the Gallo-Romans built for public entertainment back then.

Archaeological excavations have revealed the testimonies of the old everyday life, including the well-laid streets, houses, temples, craft district with pottery stalls and ovens. The city stood on the Roman road from Poitiers to Tours, an important position for trade with Rome, but was destroyed by a fire towards the end of the 2nd century AD.