Proud of its 2000-year history, Saintes is a town with a rich history that will leave you breathless. Situated halfway between between Royan and Cognac, The city is full of treasures. To discover them, the camping Royan Océan Vacances can be a good starting point for your getaway. Located in 43 km from this historic tourist centre, This accommodation is close to all the must-sees and must-do's on your trip. visit to Saintes.
The Gallo-Roman amphitheatre: a must-see in the region
La visit to this site in Saintes offers you a plunge into the Gallo-Roman world and take you back in time. Built in 40-50 AD, this Saintes amphitheatre is one of the best preserved in France. Like a gladiator in the arena of this building, take a guided tour to discover its beautiful remains and its extraordinary dimensions.
Saintes is also known for its Saint-Saloine thermal baths. Symbolising an art of living inherited from the Greeks, these complexes built towards the end of the 1st century, cover an area of 8,000 m².
L'Abbaye-aux-Dames: a unique sensory experience
Known as the Music City, visit Saintes and its Abbaye-aux-Dames is a must-see in the Charente-Maritime region. This former Benedictine monastery offers visitors a fine blend of spirituality, music and creativity. Let yourself be surprised by the Abbey Musical Carrousel. This fairground attraction takes you on a journey through time. magical world under the mirror shell. You can opt for the Musicaventure guided tour to enjoy a journey in 3D sound. Each year, the site also hosts the Saintes International Classical Music Festival.
Saint Peter's Cathedral: a work of art that was never finished
Visiting Saintes also means discovering Saint Peter's Cathedral. You will be able to distinguish this cathedral from afar thanks to its imposing, unfinished bell tower covered by a metal dome. In fact, this site bears the nickname of the eternally unfinished. It is a Gothic building built in the 19th century. 15th century. Destroyed by historical events, the nave was rebuilt in the 17th century.
During your visit, you'll quickly notice the contrast between the architecture of its massive bell tower and the finesse of its sculpted portal. The finesse of the stone used will certainly capture your attention.
The Archaeological Museum: a journey back in time
La visit to Saintes also involves exploring the Archaeological Museum. This museum was created in 1815 on the initiative of Baron Alexandre Chaudruc de Crazannes . It houses a permanent collection of objects showing the originality of the sculptures that decorated public and private spaces during the 1st and 2nd centuries.
Funerary, ornamental or religious, the items on display will not leave you indifferent. A large part of these collections is made up of remains of mosaics, stelae, column fragments, etc.
The town centre: a real immersion in Saintes
As you stroll through the visit to Saintes,In the city centre you will discover a rich heritage as a city of art and history. Wander through the quiet streets of this small white stone town and take in the impressive architecture: buildings with pink tiles, small squares... Much more lively, thehe shopping streets will hold your attention for a while with their mouth-watering stalls and local produce. You can even pick up some bargains in the flea market street and take home some souvenirs of the region. visit to Saintes.