Maréchal Leclerc Square

The Place du Maréchal-Leclerc, in Poitiers

The Place du Maréchal-Leclerc is the main square of the centre of Poitiers, lively heart of the town since the Middle Ages. The Poitiers audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this history-laden place of life, which changed names many times over the centuries.

The square with multiple names

The Place du Maréchal-Leclerc is the main square of the centre of Poitiers, still called Place d'Armes by some people of Poitiers. Its history is read in the succession of its names, according to the eras: Place du Marché in the Middle Ages, when it was the economic centre of the town and hosted the exchanges, Place Royale at the Renaissance, Place Nationale at the Revolution, before taking its current name in tribute to Marshal Leclerc. Over the centuries, it has remained the beating heart of the town, a place of gathering, trade and life. Lined with the town hall, a fine nineteenth-century building, and with cafés, shops and terraces, it is today a lively and convivial space, at the centre of the life of Poitiers. A witness of the history of the town and a central place of life, the Place du Maréchal-Leclerc is a must-see stop of Poitiers.

What to see

Here you enjoy the main square of the centre, heart of the town since the Middle Ages, which was in turn Place du Marché, Place Royale and Place Nationale, lined with the nineteenth-century town hall, cafés, shops and terraces, in a lively and convivial atmosphere. The Place du Maréchal-Leclerc is a central place of life of Poitiers. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Place du Maréchal-Leclerc lies in the heart of Poitiers, reachable on foot. It is a freely accessible public space; the town hall, the cafés and the shops have their own hours. It is particularly lively during the day.

What names has the Place du Maréchal-Leclerc of Poitiers borne?

Place du Marché in the Middle Ages, Place Royale at the Renaissance, Place Nationale at the Revolution, and still Place d'Armes for some people of Poitiers, before its current name in tribute to Marshal Leclerc; it is the main square and the heart of the centre.

Where is the Place du Maréchal-Leclerc of Poitiers?

In the heart of Poitiers, in France.