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Poitiers
The ancient city of Poitiers stands on a hill overlooking the Clain and Boivre rivers, and will be forever remembered for its battle in 1356 between Edward the Black Prince and King John of France. The battle's outcome was settled by the skilled hands of the English longbowmen. The city has been re-born with the creation of Futuroscope, a science amusement park, just north of Poitiers. The park allows you to experience sounds, images and sensations with the world's most advanced film-projection techniques and largest screens. Sections of the park take you high above the Himalayas and on an underwater exploration of a reef. The Cathedrale St-Pierre was begun in 1162 on the ruins of a Roman basilica, and was completed much later. The interior contains some superb 12th and 13th century stained glass. From the cathedral, you can walk to the most ancient Christian monument in France, the Baptistere St-Jean, built in the 4th century. Events held in the city include Poitiers l'Ete, a festival of free live jazz, opera, rock and fireworks. During August, the Festival Colla Voce showcases some of the city's most important church organs with a series of recitals.