at the heart of the Saintonge region, Saintes is the second-largest city in Charente-Maritime after La Rochelle. As a gateway to the south, crossed by the Charente river, it is renowned for its gentle way of life. Visitors come here to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere while immersing themselves in history, admiring the luminous townhouses lining the quays and winding through the historic center. Classified as a "Ville d'art et d'histoire" (City of Art and History), Saintes is actively involved in preserving its rich heritage. And the town has nothing to be ashamed of when compared to other seaside resorts. The sun doesn't warm the ocean, but it does so gently on the Charente, a river that's ideal for trips on an electro-solar boat to reach a gabarier village, on e-boats or in a canoe to discover the town in a different way. Here's a closer look at the must-see sights of Saintes.
1. The Abbaye aux Dames
This great lady of stone was founded in the 11th century by Agnès de Bourgogne and Geoffroy Martel, Count of Anjou. Here, you'll discover the conventual buildings where young noblewomen were educated, as well as all those whose inheritance was to be kept from them. The Festival de Saintes is held here every year in June, and it's also possible to sleep here, as rooms have been set up in former nuns' cells. The Abbaye aux Dames also offers the Musicaventure, a sensory and connected experience that allows visitors to discover the history of the abbey in a different way, and to discover music through the Voyages Sonores, Siestes Sonores, Carrousel Musical and a classical audio guide.
2. The Arch of Germanicus and the Gallo-Roman amphitheatre
Saintes boasts a number of Gallo-Roman treasures not to be missed. Like the arena, the Arch of Germanicus is one of Saintes' most emblematic symbols. Erected around 18-19 A.D., it marked the main entrance to the Roman town at the site of the bridge over the Charente river. In 1843, the widening of the river led to the demolition of the bridge, but the Arc was preserved thanks to the intervention of Prosper Mérimée, then Inspector of Historic Monuments. It was successfully moved some fifteen meters. Today, this monument, undoubtedly one of the finest Gallo-Roman remains, is regularly illuminated, particularly during the festive season. The amphitheatre at Saintes was built during the reign of Claudius around 40 AD, in the heart of a natural valley. It is one of the oldest in Gaul. Around 15,000 people could take their seats on the tiers of this vast, elliptical 126 m-long complex, to watch gladiatorial combat and animal shows.
3. Château de la Roche Courbon, one of Charente-Maritime's most remarkable châteaux
Château de la Roche Courbon is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable châteaux in Charente-Maritime. All the rooms that can be visited retrace the evolution of the interior architecture over the centuries. You'll discover the magnificent Saintonge-style kitchen and dining room, with its copper cauldrons and hand-cranked spit... To admire this harmonious ensemble of statues and geometric flowerbeds, a monumental staircase behind the main lake offers visitors an astonishing and magical panorama. Already listed as a Monument Historique (like the château), the park has also been awarded the "Jardin Remarquable" label. The park hosts a wide range of events throughout the year.
4. Saint-Eutrope church
This Romanesque masterpiece, a Unesco World Heritage site, was built by the monks of Cluny. The church of Saint-Eutrope both welcomes pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela and serves as a place of prayer. In 1803, the prefect of the day ordered the demolition of the nave in view of the deteriorating state of the roof. Mysterious and magnificently preserved, this basilica offers a unique experience to visitors to its crypt, one of the largest in Europe! Strollers can also admire the recently restored modillions.
5. VisitSaint-Pierre Cathedral in Saintes
A Romanesque cathedral already existed here in the 12th century, of which only the dome of the south crosspieceremains. Rebuilding began in the 15th century, but was interrupted by the Wars of Religion, which damaged the nave; it was resumed in the 17th century and continued until the 18th, but was never completed. The result is a strange edifice with an imposing bell tower covered by a lead dome, and a luminous interior with exposed beams at the entrance, forming a stripped-down, composite whole where Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance styles rub shoulders. Also of note is the 13th-century cloister of this Saint-Pierre cathedral.
6. The Musée de l'Echevinage
The Musée de l'Echevinage, located in Saintes' former Hôtel de Ville, is the heir to the town's first Musée des Beaux-Arts. Right in the heart of the Charente town and a stone's throw from the Médiathèque, it offers a warm welcome to all painting enthusiasts, who can admire works organized around three themes: history painting, with pieces such as Mars and Venus by Flemish artist Gillis Coignet dating from 1598, as well as works by landscape painter Louis-Augustin Auguin and portraits. At the end of the visit, a cup of tea on the terrace of La Musardière promises a pleasant moment of relaxation.
7. La Palu meadow, an ecological gem
More than just a green space, the La Palu meadow is a true ecological gem, home to a wide variety of animal species. During your visit to Saintes, you'll have the opportunity to stroll through the pedestrian streets and reach this site on the banks of the Charente in just a few minutes to enjoy a breath of fresh air. This is your chance to observe birds hidden in the reed beds, such as sparrow hawks, kestrels and even a black kite returning from migration. You can also relax on a bench.
8. Dupuy-Mestreau regional museum
Built in 1738, this magnificent mansion on the banks of the Charente now houses the Musée Régional Dupuy-Mestreau. From 1790 to 1810, it was the seat of the prefecture of Charente-Inférieure (the former name of Charente-Maritime). Turned into a museum in 1920, this building invites you to discover both its fine 18th-century architecture and the many rich collections of regional art assembled by Abel Mestreau at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
9. The Archaeological Museum
The Musée archéologique de Saintes, established in 1815 by Baron de Crazannes, enjoys a privileged location close to the Charente river and the tourist office. Housed in the former municipal abattoir building, this interesting museum invites visitors to discover the ancient city of Saintes through impressive lapidary collections, including columns and bas-reliefs from public and funerary architecture. The museum also features an interactive terminal and a variety of everyday objects, providing a deeper understanding of life in ancient times.
10. The Paleosite, a unique site dedicated to prehistory
In Saint-Césaire, the Paleosite is a unique site dedicated to prehistory, offering an immersive and educational experience on a 2-hectare site. Who are we? Where do we come from? Immerse yourself in the lives of Neanderthals and Sapiens and explore their lifestyles. Discover the world-famous Roche à Pierrot archaeological site, famous for the 1979 discovery of the Neanderthal skeleton "Pierrette", which continues to reveal many secrets. A 30-minute visual tour, followed by a fun, interactive museum area, will help you learn more about this fascinating prehistoric era. An unmissable visit just ten kilometers from Saintes, before heading off to discover the must-sees in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
11. Test the Charente gastronomy
Charente-Maritime is a land of gourmet delights, and here are some of the best places to visit! The region's proximity to the ocean makes it the ideal place to enjoy seafood. The world-famous Marennes-Oléron oyster is the ambassador of local gastronomy. Fines de Claire, Spéciales or Pousse en Claire can be enjoyed with a few drops of lemon and crépinette, another local specialty. This funny name hides sausage meat encased in crépines. After oysters, it's time for mussels! The stars of summer, they are cooked in a variety of ways, but always accompanied by French fries. Charente-Maritime also knows how to showcase products born of its terroir, as evidenced by the snail - France's leading producer - and, of course, two of the spirits for which it is famous: cognac and pineau.
Where to stay in Saintes?
While there are many campsites in Charente-Maritime, there's no shortage of attractive hotels in Saintes.
- The most central: Hôtel Les Messageries
This boutique hotel is ideally located, right in the center of town, a stone's throw from the pedestrian streets. You'll love coming here, with a warm welcome and comfortable rooms close to restaurants. Tempted? Click here to book your stay.
- The most charming: Les Persiennes
This historic mansion, beautifully renovated and just a stone's throw from the town center, is an address tried and tested by Petit Futé. You'll enjoy the tranquility of the premises, the swimming pool and a hearty breakfast when you book right here.
- The most charming: Le Relais Du Bois Saint-Georges
This charming hotel, which can be booked here, is set in the heart of a magnificent park . The setting is ideal for relaxation, particularly in the heated indoor swimming pool or the lounge.
Which beautiful villages to visit around Saintes?
There's no shortage of places to visit around the Charente town. Located 8km from Saintes, Chaniers is bordered by the river Charente, and has a charming charm with its narrow streets and white stone houses. As is Dompierre-sur-Charente, with its chain ferry across the river. Finally, Saint-Césaire is best known for its Paléosite, one of Europe's most modern prehistory centers.
Family activities in Saintes
Families should take advantage of the banks of the Charente, the perfect river for a boat trip. A few kilometers away, Saint-Césaire and its Paléosite prehistory center are also worth a family visit. Before heading off to discover the most beautiful beaches in Charente-Maritime, such as the Ile de Ré, one of our favorite destinations for vacations this summer.
