In the 12th century, Eleanor of Aquitaine, the daughter of William III, set up residence in Poitiers. She created the large hall which became the "hall of the lost footsteps". This assembly hall - the official palace auditorium - has impressive dimensions for the era: 47metres long and 17metres wide. It has an Angers gothic architectural style, known also as Plantagenet gothic style (archways, hooked domes, masks, ornate decoration) also found in the Saint Pierre cathedral and Sainte Radegonde church from the same period.

See also:
Activities - Poitiers