The small town of Saint-Savinien is in the Charente-Maritime department between Rochefort (to the north-west) and Saintes (to the south-east).
It is one of the most attractive towns in the region, principally because of its setting on a raised promontory on the banks of the Charente river - this is most unusual in this region of Charente-Maritime which is usually very flat.
Explore Saint-Savinien
Although there are few 'major monuments' here, Saint-Savinien is pleasant to visit with the river ever present and a picturesque old town of narrow streets waiting to be explored.
The most notable building is the Church of Saint-Savinien that dominates the skyline of the town. The church facade with its round arches is a good example of the roman style architecture in the region, and dates from the 12th century, while the clocktower was added later, in the 14th century.
Other religious monuments of note in the town include the small church that is all that remains of the Augustine Abbey that once stood here, and the small 12th century Church of Saint-Germain. While exploring the streets between the river and the church you will also come across the towers and high stone walls of the Chateau de la Cave.
Much the best views of Saint-Savinien are from the waterside, especially looking back at the town and church from along the opposite bank of the Charente, so be sure to allow time for a stroll along the river. Likewise, from above the town you can look down across the rooftops to the river below.
Grenouillette Island
Crossing the bridge over the Charente you reach the Grenouillette Island, now home to a leisure complex and park with open air swimming-pool, tennis, restaurants and picnic areas, camping and fishing.
One water based attraction in this part of Saint-Savinen that is very popular, especially with children between about 9 and 13 years old, is the Port Miniature of Saint-Savinien. A 'fleet' of small boats has been established on a small lake in the style of classic ships such as paddle steamers, ferries and lifeboats. Children can operate these boats themselves (although children less than 9 years old need to be accompanied by adults), and a great time is had by all!
You can find more travel ideas in the Charente-Maritime guide and the Poitou-Charentes guide.
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Map of Saint-Savinien and places nearby
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Saint-Jean d'Angely
The historic centre of Saint-Jean d'Angely has several notable monuments including the abbey church and some medieval houses
Saint-Jean d'Angely guide
Saintes
The town of Saintes is very interesting, with an extensive old-town to explore and a Roman amphitheatre
Saintes guide
Rochefort
Rochefort is an attractive 18th century town with a famous corderie, where ropes and ships were made
Rochefort guide
Surgeres
It is the cluster of monuments in the park in the centre of Surgeres that are the principal attraction in the town
Surgeres guide
Brouage
The town of Brouage is visited for the substantial fortifications and citadel, dating from the Napoleonic era
Brouage guide
Mornac-sur-Seudre
Not far from Royan the centre of Mornac-sur-Seudre is attractive and very pleasant to stroll around
Mornac-sur-Seudre guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Charente-Maritime
Address: Saint-Savinien, Saint-Jean-d'Angély, Poitou-Charentes, 17350, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 45.87958, longitude -0.6792
Plan your visit to Saint-Savinien, Charente-Maritime
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Eglise de Saint-Savinien (Fenioux): religious monument (6 km)
- La Roche Courbon: remarkable garden (10 km)
- Saint-Jean-d'Angély, abbaye royale (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (14 km)
- Saintes: town of art and history (15 km)
- Saintes basilique St Eutrope (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (15 km)
- Abbaye aux Dames de Saintes (Saintes): religious monument (16 km)
- Eglise de Saint Germain (Varaize): religious monument (20 km)
- Abbaye de Fontdouce (Saint-Bris-des-Bois): religious monument (21 km)
- Rochefort: town of art and history (23 km)
- Eglise de Saint Pierre et eglise de Saint Hérie (Matha): religious monument (28 km)
- Eglise de Saint Vivien (Bagnizeau): religious monument (28 km)
- Eglise de Saint-Pierre (Dampierre-sur-Boutonne): religious monument (29 km)
The French version of this page is at Saint-Savinien (Francais)