Saintes Travel Guide

Discover Saintes, a charming town in Charente-Maritime, France, with this guide to the best places to visit, things to see, do, buy and eat.


Introduction to Saintes

Saintes is a charming town located in the Charente-Maritime region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. Once the capital of the ancient Gallo-Roman province of Saintonge, Saintes is now a town with much historical significance. Visitors to Saintes can expect winding streets lined with charming historic buildings, cultural landmarks, and breathtaking natural vistas.

List of Places to Visit in Saintes

There are plenty of exciting places to visit in Saintes. Some of the most notable are:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Abbey aux Dames: Founded in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, this former Benedictine convent houses a stunning church with beautiful Romanesque architecture.
  • Amphitheatre of Saintes: Built in the 1st century AD, this amphitheatre has a capacity of 15,000 spectators and is one of the best-preserved in France.
  • Archaeological Museum: Located within the Palais des Congrès convention center, this museum features exhibits of local Gallo-Roman artifacts.

Natural Attractions of Saintes: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Charente River: Take in the stunning views of Saintes from the water on a boat tour of the Charente River.
  • Saintes Forest: Explore the beautiful forest on foot, bike, or horseback to take in the natural wonders of Saintes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Saintes

Whether you prefer hiking or biking, there are plenty of routes to choose from in Saintes. Some of the best are:

  • Via Agrippa: This Roman road stretches between Lyon and Saintes, with a stop at the city. Take in the beautiful countryside while following in the footsteps of ancient Romans.
  • Velodyssée: This cycling route passes through Saintes on its way from Roscoff to Hendaye and is a great way to explore the surrounding countryside.

Best Things to Do in Saintes: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of exciting things to do in Saintes. Some of the best are:

  • Tour of the Roman Ruins: Take a guided tour of Saintes’ historic Roman ruins and learn about the town’s rich history.
  • Wine Tour: Take a tour of the local vineyards and sample some of the delicious wines produced in the area.

Week-Long Itinerary for Saintes

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week in Saintes:

Day Activity
1 Tour of the Amphitheater of Saintes
2 Visit to the Archaeological Museum
3 Hike or bike ride through Saintes Forest
4 Wine tour of the local vineyards
5 Visit to the Church of Saint-Eutrope
6 Boat tour of the Charente River
7 Shopping for souvenirs in the town’s markets

Food and Drink Scene of Saintes

Saintes has plenty to offer food and drink enthusiasts. Some must-try dishes include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Moules-frites: A delicious dish of mussels and fries that’s popular throughout France, but especially in the coastal regions like Saintes.
  • Tourteaux: These delicious crab cakes are a local specialty.

Local Beverages

  • Cognac: Saintes is located near the Cognac region, and visitors can enjoy tours and tastings at the local distilleries.
  • Pineau des Charentes: This fortified wine made from Charentais grapes is a local favorite.

Where to Stay in Saintes: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of great options for accommodation in and around Saintes. Some of the best are:

  • Hotel de L’Ancienne Cure: This charming hotel is housed in a historic building and features elegant rooms and a cozy restaurant.
  • Auberge de Jeunesse: This youth hostel is perfect for budget travelers and is located just outside of Saintes.
  • Les Chambres des Remparts: This guesthouse offers stylish rooms with modern amenities and is located in the heart of the town.

What to Buy in Saintes: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring back from Saintes are:

  • Cognac: Bring back a bottle or two of the local Cognac to enjoy at home.
  • Pottery: Saintes is known for its pottery, and visitors can find beautiful handmade pieces at the local markets.

Local Culture and Customs of Saintes

The people of Saintes are friendly and welcoming, and visitors are expected to be respectful of local culture and customs. French is the official language, but most people speak some English, as well.

Best Time to Visit Saintes

The best time to visit Saintes is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner. The summer months can be hot and crowded, while the winter months can be chilly and rainy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Saintes

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and wine.
  • Be respectful of local culture and customs.

Don’t:

  • Dress inappropriately when visiting religious sites.
  • Be loud or disruptive in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Saintes

Saintes is a safe town, and visitors should not encounter any safety concerns. However, it’s always best to remain aware of your surroundings and take precautions against pickpockets.

Health in Saintes

The medical facilities in Saintes are high quality, and visitors can expect excellent care if needed. Travelers should ensure they have comprehensive medical insurance before visiting France.

Getting to Saintes: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to Saintes is easy, as there are multiple transportation options available.

Airports Near Saintes

The closest airport to Saintes is La Rochelle-Île de Ré Airport, which is approximately an hour’s drive away. Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport is another good option.

Bus Stations Near Saintes

Saintes has a bus station that connects to nearby towns, as well as larger cities like Bordeaux and La Rochelle.

Other Options

Travelers can also reach Saintes by car, train, or ferry.

How to Get Around in Saintes

Walking is the best way to explore Saintes, as the town is small enough to be walked in a day. Bicycles are also a popular mode of transportation, and can be rented from local shops.

Where to Go Next from Saintes: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are plenty of exciting nearby destinations to explore from Saintes. Some of the best are:

  • La Rochelle: A beautiful coastal town with a rich history and excellent seafood restaurants.
  • Cognac: Visit the local distilleries and learn about the history of this famous drink.

Conclusion

Saintes is a charming town with plenty to offer visitors. With its rich history, cultural landmarks, beautiful natural vistas, and delicious food and drink, it’s no wonder Saintes is such a popular destination. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or just some rest and relaxation, Saintes is the perfect destination for your next trip.

The amphitheatre in Saintes was one of the most important in Gaul The amphitheatre in Saintes was one of the most important in Gaul The medieval streets and buildings of the old town The medieval streets and buildings of the old town Autoroute A10, the motorway from Paris to southwestern France Autoroute A10, the motorway from Paris to southwestern France The railway station The railway station A local BUSS bus A local BUSS bus The Gothic Saint-Pierre cathedral The Gothic Saint-Pierre cathedral Rue Victor Hugo Rue Victor Hugo The old Jacobin convent and the new ''Centre d’interprétation de l’architecture et du patrimoine'' The old Jacobin convent and the new ''Centre d’interprétation de l’architecture et du patrimoine'' The Germanicus arc, one of the symbols of the district The Germanicus arc, one of the symbols of the district The Sainte-Marie church with its interesting bell tower The Sainte-Marie church with its interesting bell tower The Saint-Eutrope basilica, listed as a component of the UNESCO World Heritage Way of St. James The Saint-Eutrope basilica, listed as a component of the UNESCO World Heritage Way of St. James The 19th-century neoclassical Saint-Vivien church The 19th-century neoclassical Saint-Vivien church In the public gardens In the public gardens Bernard Palissy II, one of the ships cruising the Charente Bernard Palissy II, one of the ships cruising the Charente Gallia Theatre Gallia Theatre L'éclade de moules is a Charente specialty L'éclade de moules is a Charente specialty Le pineau des Charentes, one of the famous drinks of the region, can be had in most bars Le pineau des Charentes, one of the famous drinks of the region, can be had in most bars The esplanade of the Centre hospitalier de Saintonge The esplanade of the Centre hospitalier de Saintonge La Roche-Courbon castle, about 20 km from Saintes, was called ''Le château de la Belle au bois dormant'', La Roche-Courbon castle, about 20 km from Saintes, was called ''Le château de la Belle au bois dormant'', "the castle of sleeping beauty" by writer Pierre Loti The spectacular Trizay abbey The spectacular Trizay abbey