Vieux Saintes 3

Discover the town centre of Saintes

A town of art and history, the capital of Saintonge will surprise you with its rich history and way of life.  Known as a veritable jewel of Roman art in Poitou-Charentes, Saintes has also preserved its Gallo-Roman roots.  Located on the banks of the Charente, Saintes boasts a green and picturesque landscape, which makes it ideal for a relaxing holiday.  Here is a list of sites and monuments to visit in Saintes and its region as well as ideas for outings.

Monuments to visit in Saintes

  • Abbaye aux Dames
  • Arch of Germanicus
  • Gallo-Roman amphitheatre
  • Saint-Pierre cathedral
  • St Eutrope Church and crypt

Historical museums and sightseeing ideas

  •  Archaeological Museum : Mediolanum, the ancient Saintes, was one of the largest cities of Roman Gaul. How did its inhabitants live? What did they eat? What games did they play?
  • Museum Saintongeais : he life of the peasants of Saintonge from 1850 to 1930, through their work and related trades. Discover their daily life and their home. Exhibition of outfits and lace headdresses.
  • Museum of the Echevinage : Paintings, sculptures and ceramics follow one another in this old town hall from the 16th and 18th centuries, nestled in the heart of the main pedestrian street of Saintes.
  • The gardens of hostellerie : Open to visitors every day from Tuesday to Saturday. Entrance through the media library, place of the échevinage.
  • The touriste train : cruising the city from May to September, the little train offers a circuit from 40min to 1h.

For additional information on all these sites, do not hesitate to contact directly the Tourist Office of Saintes - Place Bassompierre, 17100 Saintes - 05.46.74.23.82

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