Saintes Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
commune in Charente-Maritime, France
About Saintes
Saintes sits at a curve of the Charente River, among wet meadows and green hills, and has throughout history been a crossroads right in the heart of Charente. The city has a long tradition as a trading point with its monthly markets going on for centuries, and is still today a regional centre for businesses and services. With 25,000 inhabitants in the city and 60,000 in the urban area, it's the second largest city in the region afterLa Rochelle. The oldest attractions in Saintes are from theRoman Empire, including the Arch of Germanicus and the ruins of an amphitheater and as such it has a heritage reaching back two millenia in history. The historical center on both banks of the river has been pedestrianized and it's made up of four districts:Saint-Pierrearound the cathedral,Saint-Eutropea
Top Attractions in Saintes
Explore the best things to see and do in Saintes:
- ★Abbaye aux Dames
- ★Amphithéâtre gallo-Romain
- ★Arc de Germanicus
- ★Atlantic Cinema
- ★Basilique Saint-Eutrope
- ★Canoe and rowing boat rental
- ★Cathédrale Saint-Pierre
- ★Centre aquatique Aquarelle
Where to Eat in Saintes
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴À Croquer
- 🍴Akashiso
- 🍴Burger Palace
- 🍴Crêperie Victor Hugo
- 🍴Gault Traiteur
- 🍴La Romana
Where to Stay in Saintes
- 🏨Auberge de Jeunesse des 4 Sapins
- 🏨Au fil de l'eau
- 🏨Aux Persiennes
- 🏨Bleynie-ruine de Rome
- 🏨Brit Hotel Au Bleu Nuit
- 🏨Campanile
Saintes Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 13 sections including: