What to do and see in Saintes in Charente-Maritime ?
Take advantage of your stay in Saintes to discover the best places to visit in this historic city of Charente-Maritime
Located only 7 km from the Domaine des Chais, in the heart of the Roman Saintonge and on the quiet banks of the Charente, Saintes is a Gallo-Roman city, but also a City of Art and History.
Our team proposes you today to discover the must-see places not to be missed during your vacations.
The essential monuments of Saintes
Witnesses of its prestigious past, the visit of Saintes will allow you to discover many remarkable sites which are offered to you:
The Gallo-Roman amphitheater
This amphitheater was built in 40-50 AD on the outskirts of the city. Its extraordinary size allowed it to accommodate more than 15,000 spectators, which at the time represented the entire population of the city. The Gallo-Roman amphitheater of Saintes is among the oldest in Gaul.
The Arch of Germanicus
A sublime monument very sober and decorated with fluted pilasters and composite capitals with inscriptions. At the time, it marked the main entrance to the Roman city. Moreover, its arches indicated the direction of traffic for its inhabitants.
Built by Caius Julius Rufus around 18-19 AD, the Arch of Germanicus is a monument that was dedicated to the emperor Tiberius to Drusus and Germanicus.
The Ladies' Abbey
A monument filled with spirituality, creativity and music. The Abbaye aux Dames in Saintes was the first women's abbey in Saintonge, and is now the Cité musicale.
The Church of St-Eutrope
A true masterpiece of Romanesque architecture registered with Unesco. This monument will amaze you with its two superimposed choirs and its crypt, which is one of the largest in Europe.
Enjoy the charm of the city of Saintes
To continue your visit of Saintes, let yourself be taken in by the Musical Carousel, a ride unique in the world, discover the Musicaventure tour program, a 3D sound journey, as well as the Saintes Festival which offers, every year, classical music concerts.
Its alleys, its quays, its squares often reserve the surprise of a garden, a secret passage, a sculpted decoration... and its daily market (except on Mondays) reveals the treasures of the Charentais soil.
River cruises on the Charente are a pleasant way to appreciate this rich heritage and the gentle way of life of the capital of Saintonge. From the vine to the sea...
Discover the richness of the land
Nearby, in the heart of the Cognac and Pineau des Charentes region (to be discovered during a visit to the cellars), the Charente, Seugne, Coran and Arnoult valleys offer a variety of natural areas where all kinds of leisure activities are permitted.
Between the Gironde and the Vendée, vineyards and gentle hills, the blonde stone of the Charente houses illuminates the landscape.
Do not miss the sublime panoramas
A little further, the sea... its beaches, its islands... The "carrelets" (sentinels of the coastline), La Rochelle, Marennes and its oysters, the island of Oléron, the island of Ré, Royan, Rochefort, Fort Boyard... are worth a visit...
Book your stay in Saintes
You wish to organize your stay in Saintes ? Let yourself be tempted by the Domaine des Chais, a former barracks of Napoleon III... and live an exceptional experience!
Our team welcomes you during your tourist stays in Charente-Maritime in a unique place, with a sublime surrounding, transformed into hotel and restaurant.
Check our room availability online right now and take advantage of the best Direct Rate!
