Things to do in Saintes: the must-see sights

Guide · Charente-Maritime, Nouvelle-Aquitaine · 6 places to discover

Once the capital of Roman Aquitaine, Saintes preserves a remarkable ancient heritage, from its Roman arena and triumphal arch to its Romanesque abbey.

Looking for things to do in Saintes, places to visit near Saintes or an idea for a day out this weekend? Here is a selection of the finest sights to see, all explorable directly on the interactive map.

Open Saintes on the interactive map

The 6 must-see places in Saintes

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Gallo-Roman Amphitheatre of Saintes Must-see

First-century Roman arena, one of the oldest amphitheatres in the Roman world still visible today.

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Abbaye aux Dames of Saintes

Eleventh-century Romanesque abbey with a richly carved façade, now a cultural centre and a hub for musical residencies.

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Arch of Germanicus

First-century AD Roman triumphal arch, moved to the banks of the Charente when the neighbouring bridge was built.

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Saint-Pierre Cathedral of Saintes

Imposing Gothic cathedral with a huge unfinished bell tower, towering over the rooftops of the Charente's left bank.

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Saint-Eutrope Church of Saintes

Romanesque church listed by UNESCO as part of the Way of St James, renowned for its vast eleventh-century crypt.

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Saintes National Stud

Nineteenth-century stud farm with elegant stables, hosting equestrian shows in the heart of a wooded park.

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Explore Saintes at a glance

Find these places and hundreds more — restaurants, places to stay, activities — on the BornToVisit interactive map. Filter by theme, find things to do around you and plan your outing.

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Explore around Saintes, in Charente-Maritime

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