The town of Saintes is in the south-east of Charente-Maritime department of western France between Royan and Cognac. It has been a busy town since Roman times, and perhaps existed as a celtic town even before that.
The Roman period is well represented by monuments in Saintes, as are the medieval and later periods, and there is a great deal to enjoy when visiting this lively town. Because of its gallo-roman, medieval and classical heritage Saintes is officially listed as a 'Ville d'Art et d'Histoire'.
Explore Saintes
France This Way review: apart from the fascinating La Rochelle, Saintes is our favourite town in the Charente-Maritime department of France and we recommend that you visit when in the region.
As we have said, Saintes has its origins in Roman times and you will notice this as soon as you arrive in the town centre and see the large Arch of Germanicus (a Roman triumphal arch) on the banks of the river, a good place to start your visit.
The Arch of Germanicus is a triumphal arch that was was originally built at the entrance to a bridge crossing the Charente river. When the bridge was demolished the arch was moved to its current position. You can also find the Saintes Office of Tourism here.
It is extremely helpful to get the town map from the Saintes Office of Tourism next to the Arch because Saintes is quite spread out (there is quite a lot of walking involved when exploring!) and it would be easy to miss some of the most important highlights without the map that shows suggested places to visit and routes to follow.
East of the Charente River
In the area immediately around the Arch de Germanicus you can also see the Archaeological museum where you can learn more of the town's Roman history. The most interesting part of the museum is the old abattoir that has been converted ino an exhibit hall that holds hundreds of ancient parts of statues, columns and other ancient decorative features.
While you are on the east of the river you can now visit the Abbaye aux Dames and the adjacent Church of Saint-Pallais. These are a few hundred metres to the east of the Arch along the Rue de l'Arc de Triomphe. The Church of Saint-Pallais dates from the 12th to 15th centuries.
The Abbaye aux Dames dates from the 11th century and for many centuries until the French revolution it was a convent for women. Many of the convent buildings that also surround the large square are now used for conferences and business meetings. The highlight is the 12th century abbey church, and the ornately decorated entrance in the facade. The carvings represent various Biblical stories such as the Massacre of the Innocents and the Last Supper.
Returning to the Charente river, a short distance south of the Arch de Germanicus there is a large and very well maintained Public Garden. You can also follow a path southwards along the banks of the river which is picturesque.
West of the Charente River
Cross the bridge in the centre of Saintes to exlore the 'old town' centre which has an extensive pedestrian area with houses in the local white stone dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries. It is in this area of Saintes that you will find the most shops and restaurants, and the one half-timbered house that remains in the town (at Place du Synod).
The southern edge of this historic centre follows the Charente river. Walk along the Quai de Verdun for attractive views across the river to the Arch de Germanicus and to the island and park.
The principal monument in this part of Saintes is the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre. This cathedral was originally built in the 12th century although most of what you see today dates from the 15th to 17th centuries. The highlight is the decorative stonework around the entrance and the oldest remaining part of the church is the 12th century cupola of the south transept (to the right as you walk through the cathedral).
Another highlight is the view across the cathedral and rooftops of Saintes from the viewpoint at the Logis du Gouvernor. In the Place des Récollets there are some remnants of the 3rd century ramparts and you will discover various other small highlights as you explore.
If you continue west from here you will discover what we consider to be the two most interesting monuments in the town: the amphitheatre and the Church of Saint Eutrope. Be warned a rather long walk and a rather steep hill are involved - nothing too strenuous but it does take a while (perhaps an hour altogether) to visit these two sites.
To reach the Amphitheatre you follow a wooded valley called the Valley of the Arenas. The ruins of the amphitheatre are in remarkably good condition, certainly the best we have seen in western France, and have the additional attraction of the views across the town and the Church of Saint-Eutrope.
Unlike the arenas you might have seen elsewhere, the amphitheatre in Saintes was built in a valley so most of the seating was built on the natural slopes of the earth so there was no need for the substantial wall around the arena that you see in Rome or Arles, for example.
Built in the 1st century AD, the amphitheatre originally seated 15000 people and was used for gladiator fights and other 'games'. Entrance fee 2 euros.
The Church of Saint-Eutrope in Saintes is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the pilgrimage sites on the Route to Santiago de Compostela. The building dates from the 12th century, although the large steeple was added in the 15th century.
There is a great deal of beautifully carved stonework to see, with the crypt in particular being an exceptional site - almost an entire subterranean church with beatiful stone pillars and arches (the entrance to the crypt is separate to the entrance to the main church).
If you still have time to continue exploring Saintes you can visit the Haras National to the east of the Abbey aux Dames and explore the large park and see the Poitevin workhorse and the Poitou donkey (Monday to Friday, 2pm - 5pm) and the monuments to the north of the town centre along the route behind the 19th century Law Courts building. These include the Church of Saint-Vivien and the Saint-Saloine baths, built in the 1st century.
See also our Photo Guide to the monuments in Saintes.
Attractions nearby
North-east of Saintes (towards Rochefort along the N137), La Roche Courbon has an impressively located chateau tucked away in an ancient forest. As well as the finely furnished castle and beautifully maintained French-style gardens, there is a prehistoric museum and some small caves to see, plus picnic areas etc
Not far from Saintes at Crazannes is the 'Pole nature de Crazannes'. This is a large quarry which once supplied the rock for Fort Boyard and the Saintes' Arch of Germanicus. It has now been given over to a nature reserve packed with trees, ferns and wild orchids. Many animal species have also taken up home. There is also a large rock wall which has been sculpted by different artists.
Also nearby at Saint Cesaire is Paleosite, a park devoted to pre-history. The park covers 10 hectares and is the claimed to be the most modern pre-history park in the world. The park has been developed with the help of leading scientists in the field of prehistory life and has both indoor and outdoor exhibits with things of interest for both children and adults.
You can find more travel ideas in the Charente-Maritime guide and the Poitou-Charentes guide.
Arrange a visit to Saintes
Hotels in Saintes
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Map of Saintes and places nearby
Visit near Saintes with France This Way reviews
Saint-Savinien
In an attractive setting on the banks of the Charente River, Saint-Savinien also has a few historic sites of interest
Saint-Savinien guide
Pons
Pons is a quiet small town overlooked by a castle tower that is a pleasant place for a stroll
Pons guide
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
Cognac
Cognac has an extensive old twon and town centre, nice riverside walk and lots of Cognac distilleries. Definitely recommended.
Cognac 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
Talmont
Talmont-sur-Gironde is one of the prettiest villages in Charente-Maritime, well known for the imposing roman style church
Talmont guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Charente-Maritime
Tourist classifications for Saintes
Saintes has received the following tourist classifications: listed town of Art and History ; historical protected town centre' (secteur sauvegardé); village in bloom (ville fleurie) 4*
Address: Saintes, Poitou-Charentes, 17100, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 45.747, longitude -0.637
Plan your visit to Saintes, Charente-Maritime
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Saintes basilique St Eutrope (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site
- Abbaye aux Dames de Saintes (Saintes): religious monument
- Abbaye de Fontdouce (Saint-Bris-des-Bois): religious monument (14 km)
- La Roche Courbon: remarkable garden (14 km)
- Eglise de Saint-Savinien (Fenioux): religious monument (16 km)
- Forêt de Pons: site of natural beauty (20 km)
- Pons ancien hopital des pèlerins (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (21 km)
- Château de Richemont (Charente): site of natural beauty (22 km)
- Saint-Jean-d'Angély, abbaye royale (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (24 km)
- Eglise de Saint-Germain (Gimeux): religious monument (24 km)
- Eglise de Saint Germain (Varaize): religious monument (26 km)
- Eglise de Saint Pierre et eglise de Saint Hérie (Matha): religious monument (28 km)
Market days in Saintes, France
Regular market(s) are held in Saintes each every day except Monday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Saintes (Francais)