Memories Of War

Visit sites that played an important part in French history

- Sandra Haurant

The history of France is littered with battles, and remnants of the fighting can still be seen, from the ruined castles of the Cathars in the south-west to the lines of white crosses in the cemeteries in the north.

Some places have seen more than their share of military action; there were two Battles of Poitiers, for example. The first, also known as the Battle of Tours, took place in AD 732 somewhere between the two towns when Charles Martel, leader of the Franks, fought off Muslim invaders from Spain.

The second Battle of Poitiers, in 1356, ended the first phase of the Hundred Years War between England and France. On this occasion, French forces were defeated and Jean II was held for ransom until 1360.