About Saintes, France:
Saintes (Pronounced roughly “sant”) is a historic town in western France. It was a key Roman center in Aquitaine with impressive remains. With around 25,000–26,000 inhabitants (and ~56,000 in the urban area), it serves as a charming, less-crowded alternative to bigger tourist hubs, known as a Ville d’Art et d’Histoire (“City of Art and History”). Authentic, walkable, with a mix of Roman/medieval charm, riverside tranquility, markets, and local produce. Described as a “perfect French town” by some visitors for its beauty, history, and livability without heavy tourism.
Saintes was an important stop on the Way of St. James (pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela). Later roles included brief prefecture status post-French Revolution (before La Rochelle took over) and railway/industrial importance in the 19th–20th centuries.
Saintes has a Roman Amphitheatre (built around 40 AD under Claudius), one of the oldest and largest in Gaul. It is partially preserved in a park setting with ongoing restoration.
Here you will also find the Arch of Germanicus (1st century), a triumphal arch originally at a Roman bridge; relocated and preserved remnants of Roman baths (Thermes de Saint-Saloine) and walls.
Catholic places of interest in Saintes, France:
Basilica of Saint-Eutrope: A UNESCO-listed Romanesque masterpiece with a crypt containing the tomb of Saint Eutropius (first bishop); features superimposed choirs.
Église Saint-Pallais (Saint-Pallais Church): In the Saint-Pallais quarter (right bank, near the Abbaye aux Dames). This is where Marie-Eustelle Harpain (the “Angel of the Eucharist”) is venerated. Her tomb is in the adoration chapel and is often adorned with flowers. The church is a focal point for those interested in her life and the ongoing cause for her beatification (diocesan phase advanced in 2026).
Cathédrale Saint-Pierre: Gothic cathedral with a prominent bell tower.
Other highlights include Abbaye aux Dames (Abbey of the Ladies), an 11th-century Benedictine abbey for women on the right bank; now a cultural/music center with events and exhibitions, the Dupuy-Mestreau Museum (regional history, costumes), Renaissance buildings, pedestrianized old town alleys, river views, and the Haras National (national stud farm).
Traveling to Saintes, France:
Saintes lies along a bend in the Charente River, about 37 miles (60 km) southeast of La Rochelle and roughly 62 miles (100 km) north of Bordeaux. It is a good base for exploring Cognac region (Pineau des Charentes, cognac tastings), Saintonge countryside, and the coast.
By train: (TER from La Rochelle, Bordeaux, etc.).
By car: A10/A837 motorways.