saintes

Cloître de l'Abbaye aux Dames

The Cloître de l'Abbaye aux Dames is one of the most charming historical sites in Saintes, formerly part of the Abbey of Saint Mary. This complex is renowned for its exquisite Romanesque capitals and peaceful medieval garden, showcasing the

Abbey of Saintes

The Abbey of Saintes (Abbaye aux Dames) is a historic abbey in Saintes, France, founded by Emma of Blois in 1050. This architectural complex blends Romanesque and Gothic styles, with its 12th-century cloisters renowned for their exquisite c

Abbey of the Nuns

The Abbey of the Nuns stands as a monumental testament to 11th-century Romanesque architecture in the heart of Saintes, originally founded by William V, Duke of Aquitaine. Its solemn beauty is highlighted by intricate stone columns and a ma

Ancient Nave of Saint-Eutrope

This is the remarkably preserved 11th-century nave of the once-larger Saint-Eutrope church, a major stop on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Its robust Romanesque architecture, with massive pillars and a barrel-vaulted ceilin

Arch of Germanicus

The Arch of Germanicus is a magnificent Roman triumphal arch dating from the 1st century AD, standing in the heart of Saintes. It was erected to honor the Emperor Tiberius and his adopted son Germanicus, and once spanned the main Roman road

Basilique Saint-Eutrope

This magnificent Romanesque edifice stands as the most striking historical landmark in the Saintonge region, captivating visitors with its impressive length and solemn atmosphere. As you wander through its nave, the exquisite craftsmanship

Carré militaire

This solemn military square within the Saintes cemetery is a dedicated resting place for soldiers who gave their lives in service. Neat rows of uniform headstones create a poignant landscape of remembrance, honoring those from various confl

Cloître Saint-Pierre

The Cloître Saint-Pierre is a precious historical site in Saintes, France, formerly the heart of a Benedictine monastery. It features stunning Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements, with arches and colonnades surrounding a peaceful c

Gallo-Roman Amphitheatre of Saintes

This ancient amphitheatre, built in the 1st century AD, once hosted gladiatorial combats and public spectacles for up to 15,000 spectators. Its elliptical arena and tiered seating, carved into the natural hillside, showcase remarkable Roman

Gallo-Roman Hippodrome

This ancient chariot racing track, stretching over 400 meters in length, is one of the best-preserved Roman hippodromes in Gaul. Its elongated, flat terrain and curved ends clearly outline the original course where horses and chariots once

Locomotive 020

This preserved steam locomotive, designated 020, is a proud relic of France's railway heritage, likely once used for shunting or local freight. Its sturdy, compact design and classic steam-era features, like the large driving wheels and pro

Logis du gouverneur de Saintes

Logis du gouverneur de Saintes is a historic landmark in Saintes, France. It is a must-see landmark in Saintes, France.

Mur-Pont de la Grimauderie (Aqueduct of Saintes)

This unique structure is a combined wall and bridge, a hybrid solution used by Roman engineers to carry the aqueduct across a challenging dip in the landscape. The solid wall section supports the water channel, while the arched bridge porti

Musée Dupuy-Mestreau

The Musée Dupuy-Mestreau is a fascinating museum of regional history and decorative arts, located in a grand 18th-century townhouse in Saintes. Its eclectic collections include local archaeological finds, traditional costumes, ceramics, and

Musée archéologique de Saintes

Perched atop the ancient ruins of Santonium, this museum offers a profound gateway into the Roman history of southwestern France. The galleries house an impressive array of artifacts spanning from the Bronze Age to the late Roman Empire, fe

Musée du Présidial

The Musée du Présidial is housed in a beautiful 17th-century building that once served as the city's royal court. Its collection focuses on fine arts, featuring paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the 15th to the 19th centuries.

Pont de Haumont (Aqueduct of Saintes)

This is a surviving section of the ancient Roman aqueduct that once carried water over 17 kilometers to the city of Saintes. The Pont de Haumont is a remarkable bridge-like structure, showcasing the precision of Roman stonework as it spans

Pont des Arcs (Aqueduct of Saintes)

The Pont des Arcs is a striking multi-tiered section of the Roman aqueduct, characterized by its elegant series of arches. This structure was engineered to maintain a precise gradient as it carried water across uneven terrain. Its graceful,

Rempart gallo-romain

The Rempart gallo-romain (Gallo-Roman Rampart) is a section of the ancient defensive wall that once surrounded the Roman city of Mediolanum Santonum. Built in the 3rd century AD, these massive stone walls were constructed using large blocks

Roman Baths of Saint-Vivien

These ruins are the remains of a once-grand Roman public bath complex, a key social hub in ancient Saintes. The visible structures include the caldarium (hot room) and frigidarium (cold room), with fragments of the hypocaust heating system

Temple de l'Église Réformée

The Temple de l'Église Réformée is a striking Protestant church in Saintes, built in the 19th century with a neo-Gothic architectural style. Its tall spire and pointed arches create a dramatic silhouette against the skyline. The interior is

Thermes romains de Saint-Saloine

The Thermes romains de Saint-Saloine are the well-preserved remains of a large Roman public bath complex, located along the Charente River. Visitors can see the hypocaust system (underfloor heating), the caldarium (hot bath), and the frigid

Calvaire de Saintes

The Calvaire de Saintes is a significant historical and religious landmark located on a hill overlooking the city of Saintes in France. It features a majestic cross and detailed religious sculptures that reflect the deep Christian tradition

Château du Grand Coudret

The Château du Grand Coudret is a historic noble residence located in the heart of Saintes, France, dating back to the late 15th and early 16th centuries. This castle is renowned for its distinctive Renaissance architectural style, showcasi

Colonne de la Liberté

Croix Lagord

La Cagouille

Les Messageries

Maison natale de Jules Castagnary

Monument à la brigade RAC

Mémorial aux Saintais déportés

Statue de Bernard Palissy

Fernand Chapsal

Monument Commemoratif Filhol de Camas

Croix de la Métairie

Mémorial aux élèves de Recouvrance

Plaque commémorative Pierre Sémard

SNCF Commemorative Plaque

Plaque commémorative R. BARRÉ et P. GEOFFROY