Saintes is just a 30 minute drive from our family holiday cottages here in the Charente Maritime region of south west France. Because of its noteworthy Gallo-Roman, medieval and classical heritage, Saintes is a popular tourist destination and a member of the French Towns and Lands of Art and History since 1990. It has several museums, a theater, cinemas, and organizes numerous festivals. A European center of musical research and practice is in its Abbaye aux Dames and in the summer holidays holds spectacular events in the fantastic ampitheatre.
Saintes ampitheatre
The ampitheatre is set in a residential area so although you can drive to it and there are some parking spots, it is not encouraged and subsequently there are no road signs. It's a bit of a walk from the Arch and park which is where most people park but is perfectly do able as long as you have a pram for the children. It costs about 4€ entry (free for children u18) . Our kids used to love running around being gladiators (especially after they had been to Puy du Fou and experienced how it would of been in Roman times)
Arch of Germanicus
The arch is likely the first thing you notice on driving into Saintes and is often where most people park. This is where you'll find a play park with a small animal enclosure and some swings, the Roman museum and the Batia restaurant . The Arch of Germanicus was commisioned by a wealthy Saintes citizen in honour of Germanicus, adopted son of Tiberius. It was originally the entrance to the city over the river but was moved a few metres from its original position to allow for a wider road. From this point you can take a river boat cruise to the Moulin de la bain restaurant in Chaniers .
Saintes Museums
There are numerous reminders of this towns past life as Roman Mediolanum situated on the Roman route between Lyon and Aquitaine. There is a small museum, free to enter and every roundabout seems to have a roman artifact displayed on it.
During the 11th to 13th Centuries many religious monuments were constructed in this area and the crowing glory is the Abbaye-aux-Dames.
This ancient town has today become a major economic centre as well as a desirable place for tourists to visit. Great restaurants, great shopping but still retains small town charm.
Saintes for children
the Roman theme is fun and educational, our boys when younger, adored running around the ampitheatre pretending to fight lions. There's also a lovely park with an animal enclosure, great for little ones. There's also an indoor play centre if you are unfortunate with the weather (Amusetvous play center) as well as two McDonalds (!) one of which has an indoor play area (I've sat here when my kids were little for hours as they played, all for the price of a drink - plus it's free wifi !
Saintes Market
There is a market every day of the week except Mondays and a massive monthly market on the first Monday of each month. Lots of restaurants and shops, cobbled streets and lovely cafés.
If you want to make a Roman themed day of it then stop off at the village of Venerand which is on the way. Here you will find one of the sources of the aqueduct that feeds Saintes. Saintes had a similar population in Roman times as it does now (27,000) so needed a good water supply for it's public baths and fountains.
All in all a great town to visit with thousands of years of history and just 30min drive away from La Grange du Moulin and Les Vallaies
family holiday cottages.
Content by Wendy Blakeman
