Top Things to do in Saintes
- 1. Abbaye aux Dames
- 2. Basilique Saint-Eutrope de Saintes
- 3. Amphitheatre de Saintes
- 4. Arc de Germanicus
- 5. Cathedrale Saint-Pierre
- 6. Office de Tourisme de Saintes et la Saintonge
- 7. Jardin Public
- 8. Complexe Saintes Vegas
- 9. Centre d'Interpretation de l'Architecture Et du Patrimoine
- 10. Belvedere du logis du gouverneur
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What to do and see in Saintes, France: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Saintes, France including Abbaye aux Dames, Basilique Saint-Eutrope de Saintes, Amphitheatre de Saintes, Arc de Germanicus, Cathedrale Saint-Pierre, Office de Tourisme de Saintes et la Saintonge, Jardin Public, Complexe Saintes Vegas, Centre d'Interpretation de l'Architecture Et du Patrimoine, Belvedere du logis du gouverneur.
Restaurants in Saintes
1. Abbaye aux Dames
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 reviews
The Abbaye aux Dames is today the musical hub of Saintes. It was the first convent in the Saintonge region. The nuns were powerful women, wearing crosses and striking coins. The influence of the abbey was vast. This is still true today thanks to its musical activities and its unique architectural heritage.The Notre Dames church is a pearl of Romanesque art. The portal is richly decorated. The bell tower, in the shape of a pine cone and covered in stone scales, can be visited. Why not follow the path to heaven, you'll find a panoramic view over the town of Saintes. Discover the convent building, from its chapter house to the nuns' private quarters.
Reviewed By Paulblanc1 - Saintes, France
This review is really about the superb gift shop/café which most people take for granted -it offers high quality goods, coffee and help in lovely surroundings. Some of the goods, there leatherwork bags/wallets for example - leave leading quality brands in smart shops in the shade for quality and price, then cheaper items relating to the Abbey, like kitchen aprons, and superb local produce. Also ticket office for abbey Concerts. Coffee outside in ultra modern comfy chairs. Pass a few minutes here after seeing the abbey site. Better add the medieval church is pretty good too! surrounded by the old convent. Great for music events
2. Basilique Saint-Eutrope de Saintes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Reviewed By MRB01 - Carcassonne Center, France
The Basilique Saint-Eutrope de Saintes is a magnificent building near the centre of Saintes but the crypt is also well worth a visit. It is one of the latest crypts that I have ever seen with a such a space to feel peaceful and calm. Even on a warm spring day your breath can be seen as a vapour! A must see.
3. Amphitheatre de Saintes
Overall Ratings
4 based on 449 reviews
Reviewed By RachelMur - Plymouth
Went here with 3 children and spent a lovely couple of hours listening to the audio tour and finding little lizards. Nice cold drink in the cafe and a quick browse through the gift shop. Very interesting listening to the audio tour, giving different points of view about the people who would have come to the Amphitheatre.
4. Arc de Germanicus
Overall Ratings
4 based on 268 reviews
Reviewed By Sheff6061 - Malton, United Kingdom
There's not much to it. It's right next to the main road bridge across the Charente. Also next to the Tourist Info and the archaeology museum. It's quite impressive although presumably not in it's original condition. Well worth a nice photo however.
5. Cathedrale Saint-Pierre
Overall Ratings
4 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By Oliver S - New York City, New York
There has been a church here since Roman times. Many were burned and destroyed, many rebuilt. The current structure dates from late 17th Century. The day we visited somebody was learning how to play the organ, so it was very demanding on the ears... Some interesting stained glass. Open and free.
6. Office de Tourisme de Saintes et la Saintonge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By Cornish Wanderer - Cornwall, England
Called in today and was very impressed by the service on offer. Very helpful man gave us 5 high quality walking maps around Saintes. Never received such good maps for free. Have had to buy them elsewhere. Was very helpful with other questions too.
Very impressed by Saintes. Great place to visit and so much to see.
7. Jardin Public
Overall Ratings
4 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By nnmercman - Camberley, United Kingdom
The park is located alongside the river and only a few brief steps from both Arc de Germanicus and tourist office. There are a number of well tended formal flower beds plus pond, open spaces, cafe and childrens play park. There's a large car park at the far end, scenic riverside walk with views across to the town and Cathedral plus footbridge across river onto the town side and nearby Cathedral. The Arc de Germanicus is worth a few moments of your time but close up you can see the modern brick additions which are rather out of place. A short walk further up the hill behind the tourist office is the Abbaye, or you can hire a bicycle from the tourist office. So overall, plenty to see and do in the area.
8. Complexe Saintes Vegas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By Kourosh B
Great restaurant with a very good food. Dinners get free pass to the disco complex. The price is reasonable. But I did not like the disco next door which is part of the complex.
9. Centre d'Interpretation de l'Architecture Et du Patrimoine
Overall Ratings
4 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By AMsays - Thornhill, Canada
Saintes' original fifth century fortification walls form part of this museum together with a grand collection of statues, sculptures, mosaics and common period objects. The exhibits reflect daily life during the Roman era. Specifically, the exhibits cover the themes of dress and body care, eating and drinking, leisure and games, home and decoration, customs and traditions... A must see - history unraveling before your eyes..
10. Belvedere du logis du gouverneur
Overall Ratings
4 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Pierre L - Tours, France
Conseillé , par un habitant , pour sa vue unique , nous avons été satisfaits d'y aller a pied par le cheminement ( bien fléché ) entre la cathédrale et St Eutrope , il suffit de gravir quelques marches
Vues splendides sur toute la ville
Unique vestige du 17 eme de l'ancien Palais du Gouverneur et de la Citadelle , construit sur un promontoire rocheux , probable ancien Forum , ne se visite pas ( hôpital désaffecté ) mais bel édifice jouxtant une chapelle
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