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Pays
Saintonge Romane
2020 Edition
www.payssaintongeromane.fr
© CRT
A Guide
to Saintonge Romane
The Guide to Saintonge Romane
(the Saintes area) details the beauty
spots, historic buildings and places
of interest in the vicinity that
are well worth a visit during your
holiday.
It also gives an insight into local
history, traditions, and summer or
annual festivities and festivals.
Local tourist offices will be only
too delighted to provide more
information and assistance during
your holiday.
From all of us here in Saintonge
Romane, a very warm welcome!
The map will help you to organize
© J.-P. Boulesteix
your outings and plan your routes.
Welcome in Saintonge Romane Table of contents CHARENTE-maritime
Saintes, a town of Architectural When land and sea meet
and Historic interest 2
This is an area dappled in light, an area where life is lived at a
Touring to the West of Saintes 5 gentle pace, an area where blues blend shamelessly with greens.
Here, more than anywhere else, land and sea become as one.
Touring to the South of Saintes 10
Along its 460 kilometres of coastline, Charente-Maritime has more
Touring to the East of Saintes 12 than 110 fine sandy beaches, and its mild climate is ideal for a spot
of rest and relaxation. The islands, bathed in warm sunshine, their
Country recreation 16 landscapes softly brushed by sea breezes, are redolent with the scent
of mimosa, maritime pines and hollyhocks. The stocky outline of Fort
Seasonal recreation 17 Boyard forms the figurehead of a vast set of coastal fortifications
that reflect five hundred years of military
architecture. The Aunis and Saintonge areas of Charente-Maritime are
steeped in culture and history, thanks to their 400
Romanesque churches. Get away from it all in a warm-hearted,
friendly area that has more than one surprise up its sleeve.
Photos:
© M. Garnier
- Front cover
• Romanesque church: M. Chaigneau
• Chaniers ferry and restaurant: M. Garnier
• Vineyard: J.-P. Boulesteix
© Pays Saintonge Romane
• Theatre: Le Moulin Théâtre
- Back cover
• Boating: M. Garnier
1
Way of life Art de vivre
Saintes The Archaeology Museum
A Town of Architectural is entirely devoted to
the Gallo-Roman civilization.
© Gaïa - Office de Tourisme de Saintes
and Historic Interest It includes architectural
features, sculptures, epigraphs,
everyday objects.
Built in the 1st-century A.D. The Gothic cathedral,
on the banks of the River St. Peter’s, L’Échevinage (15th-century)
© Musée de Saintes
Charente and Gallo-Roman was built in the 15th to 17th 1 is the Museum of Fine Arts.
capital of Aquitaine for one centuries over a Romanesque Its belfry symbolises the
hundred years, this flower- building. The doorway below 5
privileges granted to the
decked town boasts many the incomplete belltower-
cum-porch, is decorated town by Eleanor of Aquitaine
reminders of Roman times, in 1199.
the Middle Ages and the with angels, bishops 9
and prophets. This houses the Art Gallery
18th-century (map F9).
and its painting collections
The Germanicus Arch The nunnery known as of art works by the Flemish
the “Abbaye aux Dames” and Dutch Schools of the BERNARD PALISSY
was built by the Romans at
the entrance to the bridge was founded by Agnes of 15th and 18th-centuries, c. 1510 - 1590. He learnt the art
Burgundy and Geoffroy of ceramics in Saintes and
© Gaïa - Office de Tourisme de Saintes
that carried the Roman road and by the French School of La Chapelle-des-Pots. His quest
Martel. It was consecrated the 17th and 18th-centuries.
across the Charente. in 1047 and given to for the secrets of glazing, which
It was moved to its present It also contains ceramics made he documented in his Art de Terre,
Benedictine nuns who were in the Saintes area between
site in 1843. particularly influential in the lasted for twenty years. Just as
the 14th and 19th-centuries. he was about to succeed, he ran
© Office de Tourisme de Saintes
The Gallo-Roman Saintes area until the French out of wood so he burned ”tables
Revolution. 2
amphitheatre Hostelry Gardens and floorboards” in his kiln. His
was built in a small valley Now restored, the abbey mottled polychrome glazed pottery
is used for musical events. Open to the public daily,
and had a seating capacity and large serving dishes decorated
On the first floor of the 6 Tuesdays to Saturdays. in relief with animals and plants
of seventeen thousand. Only Entrance via the media library,
abbey buildings, which made him famous.
the first storey has survived underwent reconstruction Place de L’Echevinage.
to the present time. in the 17th-century, there
The water supply is a permanent exhibition
for the Roman baths relating the abbey’s history.
© Gaïa - Office de Tourisme de Saintes
in Saint-Saloine was carried Only a few traces of the 1. The Germanicus Arch
by an aqueduct (p. 15). cloister have survived. 2. Roman amphitheatre
The abbey buildings were 3. The crypt in St-Eutrope’s Church
Remains of the town rebuilt in the 17th-century. 4. Abbaye-aux-Dames
walls can be seen in Rue A few traces of the cloister 5. Head of August (1st-century)
des Récollets. The walls were remain. 3 – archaeology museum
erected in the 4th-century The “Parcours” is a 13-stage 6. View of the bell tower on
using stone from earlier visitor trail through the St. Peter’s Church from
buildings (temples, abbey explaining its history Ruelle de l’Hospice
mausoleums, etc). and architecture through 7. The Hostelry,
the history of music with Place de l’Echevinage INFORMATION
3D sound. 8. Hostelry gardens Tourist Office, place Bassompierre,
The church dedicated near the archaelogical Museum,
© Jean-Bernard Forgit
to St. Eutrope 9. Bernard Palissy
The minster Tel. +33 (0)5 46 74 23 82
was built by Benedictine or abbey church
monks to an unusual layout. (12th-century) is topped by a 7
Two churches, built one bell tower shaped like a pine
© Gaïa - Office de Tourisme de Saintes
above the other, were cone. The sculptures on the
linked by a single nave doorway illustrate episodes
that was destroyed after from the story of the
the French Revolution. Apocalypse of St. John.
Both churches contain
4
beautifully carved capitals.
© Jean-Bernard Forgit
The Flamboyant Gothic spire
dates from the 15th-century.
2 88 3
Way of life Art de vivre
The Saintes visitor train Boutonne
Saintes (contd.) A.
N.
83
Wending its way through the
D.117
Touring to
7
D.1
13
Trizay
7
14
Geay harente
town from May to September,
C
Beurlay
the train provides a 50-minute Crazannes
the West
La Roche-
trip with on-board commen- D.18
Pont-l'Abbé- Courbon Port-
d'Arnoult d'Envaux
tary in French and English. Nieul-
0
© M. Garnier
The train leaves from the Sainte- lès-Saintes
N. 15
Germanicus Arch and passes
by all the main historic build-
1
of Saintes Gemme
D.728
Corme-Royal
Sablonceaux N. 1
50
SAINTES
ings, through the old town,
along the riverbanks etc. The Château de
6 la Roche-Courbon Guided tour of the house all
in Saint-Porchaire is one year, from 10 a.m. to noon
Boating of the most beautiful country and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.,
on the Charente PIERRE LOTI houses in the Saintes area, except Thursdays between
© Abbaye-aux-Dames
On board the “Bernard Palissy” III. ”Who will save from death a forest built and fortified in the 15th
with a feudal castle in its depths, a 15th September and 30th April.
Half-day or full-day boat trips leave
© Pays de Saintonge Romane
forest so old nobody knows its real age,
century (map C7). Altered by Also closed on Sunday
1 from Saintes, near the Germanicus
Arch. the castle of the Sleeping Beauty ?” successive owners, it has mornings in winter.
Pierre Loti’s appeal in Le Figaro gained in charm and Tour of the gardens, park and
Saintes Festival All aboard the river barge elegance what it has lost grottoes open to the public
Trips lasting from an hour to 90 newspaper of 21st October 1908
In Saintes, music is always 2 in fortifications. all year from 10 a.m. to noon
minutes, a gentle way to discover was read by a young industrialist,
a unique experience, a blend Paul Chénereau, who brought the Interior: drawing room and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. May to
of curiosity and pleasure the history of Saintes, the life of
the bargees, and the flora and Château de la Roche-Courbon with painting on wood, September from 10 a.m. to
heightened by the beauty of fauna on the river banks. back to life. Louis XIII chamber and a 7 p.m. Closed 25th December
the surroundings. For children: “Boat trip with typical Saintonge kitchen. and 1st January. In January
The Saintes Festival is one of stories” and “Pirate cruise”. From the balustered terrace, Open on Saturday and Sunday
the best-known music festivals In May to October. there is a view of the superb afternoons only. Information:
in Europe. In line with its On board an e-boat formal French gardens. tel. +33 (0)5 46 95 60 10
emphasis on new talent, it Every afternoon in summer, you In the grounds, there is a
invites numerous performers, can skipper your own e-boat on the fine vista from the flight of Saint-Porchaire:
singers, instrumentalists River Charente. You don’t need a steps at the end of the park Gothic church.
© Office de Tourisme de Saintes
and ensembles that will licence to take one of these quiet
little boats out on the river and towards the lake and house. Écurat: Romanesque church.
undoubtedly be big names
in the music world in years they’re easy to steer. They seat
5 or 8 people.
to come. 3
From 18th to 25th July 2020.
For information, phone Aquarelle aquatic center
© P. Sebert
+33 (0)5 46 97 48 48 and A large aquatic and leisure
www.festivaldesaintes.org centre with winter and summer
pools including a wave ball, a
beach volley court, a relaxa-
tion area (steam room, sauna
and spa) and two squash
courts. Open all year.
Tel. +33 (0)5 46 92 35 05
© Office de Tourisme de Saintes
1. Saintes Town
2. The theatre
3. E-boat 4
4. The barge on the River
Charente in Saintes
5. Aquarelle aquatic center
6. Pierre Loti
7. The Château de la Roche
Courbon in Saint-Porchaire
INFORMATION
AND BOOKING
7
© CDA de Saintes
Tourist Office,
© CRT
4 place Bassompierre, 5
Tel. +33 (0)5 46 74 23 82 6
Way of life Art de vivre
Touring to the West Church of Our Lady of
the Assumption in Geay
Open everyday:
3th February to 5th April: everyday
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
of Saintes (contd.) This church is outstanding
for its austere decoration, 6th to 30th April: everyday 10a.m.
to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Port-d’Envaux Visitors welcome to wander modillions with turned 1st May to 27th September:
This river port was a bustling around the site. brackets and faceted apse
© Pays de Saintonge Romane
everyday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and
place until the 19th-century. Tel. +33 (0)6 76 82 11 02 (map D6). 2p.m. to 7 p.m.
Freestone, paper, salt, ferti- The location is open to In Romegoux, light floods 28th September to 11th November:
liser, wine and cognac were visitors throughout the year. into the Gothic church Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to
shipped from here, mainly to The Château 1 6 1 p.m. and
through a huge modern 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
England (map E7). The ship de Crazannes - 15th-c. stained-glass window.
owners’ houses on the banks (map E7). A Flamboyant Saturday, Sunday and public
of the Charente give the Gothic façade adorns a manor In La Vallée, don’t miss holidays : 2p.m. to 6 p.m.
village its unique character. house flanked by a mighty the Romanesque church and
Le Pré Valade on the banks round tower with battlements. the dolmen known as
of the Charente has been laid Guided tours: Closed on La Pierre Levée.
out as a leisure area. Thursday except 1st June to Bois fleuri lake in Trizay
Open all year Children’s play areas,
The Château de Panloy 31th August. The Romanesque church one-day fishing permits.
A fine example of Louis XV April, October, November and in Beurlay has a fine Tel. +33 (0)5 46 82 34 25
architecture in Port-d’Envaux December : 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
May, June and September : chevet that is typical of
Inside: Beauvais tapestries, the Romanesque style in
10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m.
© Pays de Saintonge Romane
Louis XV panelling, a hunt- to 6 p.m. July and August : the Saintes area (map B6).
ing trophy gallery etc. In the 10 a.m. to 12.30 a.m. and Interior: carved capitals.
park: perfectly preserved 17th 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. In the village, see the Freussin
© SI de Trizay
-century dovecote, stables, Closed 25th December and
a chapel, outbuildings etc. 2 7 spring and wash-house.
from January to March.
Closed Mondays except in Tel. +33 (0)5 46 90 15 94
summer. April, September and Sainte-Radegonde
October: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Crazannes stone (map D7) Romanesque church
In May and June: 10 a.m. to Overrun by lush vegetation, (11th and 12th-centuries). 9
noon and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. this old stone quarry forms © Philippe César
In July and August: 10 a.m. a maze steeped in history,
where Nature reigns supreme. Trizay Abbey (11 12 -c.)
th/ th
to 7 p.m. everyday Guided tours from March to The church has an outstanding “Les Jardins de
Tel. +33 (0)5 46 91 73 23 15th November. Advanced polygonal layout (map B6). Compostelle” (gardens),
Les Lapidiales (map E7) booking recommended. Multifoil bays let light into (the Gardens of Compostela)
500 metres from the village, The history of the quarry the chapter house which has is a flower garden
the old stone quarries are and the techniques used to ribbed vaulting. overlooking Bois Fleuri
the setting for sculptors extract the stone are illus- lake. It is a modern garden
© Jean-Christophe Chaudron
The priory also includes
in residence from May to trated in tableaux and films an undercroft, dorters, vast covering 2 hectares inspired
September. They sculpt on in the museum. refectory and the Prior’s by Hispano-Moorish designs
the working faces on subjects Guided tours from 1st April in 6 sequences – the rose
evoking the four elements: to 1st November along the bedchamber, decorated with
3 murals, medieval garden. Dis- garden, the spring, the
water, earth, air and fire. Quarriers’ Trail (10 flights of
steps, 280 steps). Booking covery trail with a 3D model grottos, the grand canal, the
© G. Ecale
recommended. Follow Genny 8 of the 12th-century monastery knot gardens and the cloister.
the Common Genet’s Trail for and a kids’ sightseeing game Fountains and water features
a visit without a guide in booklet form. Modern Art add a decorative touch to the
(no flights of steps). Open: exhibition all the year. various basins and ponds.
15th June to 14th September: 1. Port-d’Envaux
Open daily April to October:
daily 10 a.m. to noon and 2. The Château de Panloy 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (ticket
2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. to buy to the Abbey).
1st April to 14th June and 15th 3. The Château de Crazannes
to 30th September: daily 10 4. Crazannes Quarry The nearby church in
a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 7 Monthérault is one of
p.m. 1st October to 1st Novem- 5. The Lapidiales in Port-d’Envaux
the earliest examples of
ber: Wednesday, Saturday and 6. The church in Geay Romanesque architecture
Sunday : 10 a.m. to noon and in the Saintes area.
2 p.m. to 5 p.m. 7. Medieval garden of Trizay
Tel. +33 (0)5 46 91 48 92. 8. Trizay Abbey INFORMATION
Access via the D 119 and Tourist Office, Abbey,
© J. Villegier
© S. Vesque
9. Bois fleuri lake in Trizay Tel. +33 (0)5 46 82 34 25
5 RN 137 roads or from the
motorway service area 4
at Crazannes.
6 7
Way of life Art de vivre
Touring to the West The Romanesque Church
of Sainte-Gemme
of Saintes (contd.) Sainte-Gemme had been a
daughter-house of La Chaise-
Dieu since the 11th-century
but the church and monastery
were not built until the
12th-century. Don’t miss
the narthex in the church
(the entrance is decorated
2 with flowers and foliage),
© Pays Saintonge Romane
the Romanesque carvings,
the monastery buildings,
the ethnography museum,
1 the mediaeval sculpture
Dessin N. Sweeney collection and the 3D models
of the priory in the Middle
© Michel Garnier
Pont-l’Abbé-d’Arnoult The Romanesque church Ages. Church open daily.
(map B7). The church in in Saint-Sulpice d’Arnoult 7 Priory open May to November,
St. Peter’s Priory (12th has an entrance decorated Sundays only, 2 p.m. to
and 13th-centuries) was a with birds and bunches of 6.30 p.m. Advance booking
daughter-house of the abbey grapes. Wildlife park and kids’ play required at other times.
in Saintes. Superb carvings park in Sainte-Gemme
decorate the main doorway The church dedicated to A 7-hectare park in which to The mediaeval castle
and two arches. The town St. Nazaire in Corme-Royal see animals from all over the of Nieul-lès-Saintes
gate adjacent to the church Altered and fortified in the world coupled with a play park comes to life every summer
was once part of the 13th- 15th-century (map C9), it was specially designed for children for music camps, concerts,
century town walls. The once part of an ancient priory with a roundabout, playground etc. (map D8).
priory buildings are visible (12th-century). The West Front and pony rides. Open April Guided tour by the owner
from the exterior. is carved with parables of the to 1st November: Wenesday, of the drawbridge, towers,
Wise and Foolish Virgins, the Saturday, Sunday and public curtain walls, battlements,
Virtues and Vices, two saints, holidays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
© Michel Garnier
mediaeval chamber and
a man carrying weapons and Open daily during the summer underground chamber by
an abbess. On the coving of 3 8 and public holidays. appointment only on
The vegetables the doorway, Christ is show- Tel. + 33 (0)5 46 94 70 33 Wednesday and Saturday
of the Arnoult valley ing the Gospels. afternoons from 13th July
This is the ”vegetable garden of Interior: the stoop was The 12th-century to 24th August from
Saintes”, popular for the quality carved out of an old capital St. Martin’s Church in
of its produce, especially the
2.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.
turned upside down. It is Nieul-lès-Saintes Tel. +33 (0)5 46 93 71 48
”mojhette”, a semi-dry white decorated with acanthus
haricot bean that can be seen has a doorway carved with
on all the region’s markets from
leaves. figures dancing and playing
August onwards. musical instruments. Inside
In La Clisse, the capitals it has an early roof of
in the church date from the intersecting ribs. Romanesque
© Michel Garnier
Early Romanesque period. capitals in the church in Saint- 1. The West Front in Pont l’Abbé
Between the church and the 4 Georges-des-Côteaux, at the 2. A close-up of the West Front in
town hall, a pleasant walk transept crossing. Carvings of Corme-Royal
through woods leads to a lions, dragons and wickerwork 3. The Romanesque church of Saint-
“gariote”, a small drystone patterns. Sulpice-d’Arnoult
building of a type used for- 4. The church of La Clisse
merly as field shelters for 5. “Gariote” in La Clisse
© Pays Saintonge Romane
farm workers. (map C9) 6. A vegetable grower’s greenhouse
in the Arnoult Valley
Information 7. The mediaeval castle of Nieul-
Tourist Office, 9 lès-Saintes
© Pays Saintonge Romane
3, avenue André Malraux, 8. The children’s petting farm
17250 Pont-l’Abbé d’Arnoult, in Sainte-Gemme
tel. + 33 (0)5 46 74 57 85 9. The Romanesque church of
6 5 Sainte-Gemme
8 9
Charente Saint-
Savinien Saint-
nant
Way of life Hilaire-de-
Matha Art de vivre
Villefranche
Touring to The Romanesque church Le pineau des Charentes
A. 10
Rouillac
in Tesson (map E11)
D.728
Legend has it that pineau des
SAINTES
the South
Pisany
St-Romain-
de-Benet
the West Front includes Charentes is the fruit of the vine
Rétaud a carving of two figures, and the result of pure chance.
Chermignac Chare
nte
COGNAC
a pilgrim with a stick and a During the grape harvest in 1589,
Meursac Jarnac
D.1
a wine grower mistakenly filled
42
D.1
Tesson
bandit holding an axe. They
Seugne
36
N. 1
Hiersac
Corme-Écluse Rioux
of Saintes are
5 with grape must a barrel that
Ch
37 nt e
Thaims are a reminder of the dangers already contained cognac.
St-André-
de-Lidon
D.6 Segonzac that lay along the road to He noticed that there had been
D.732
Tanzac
Châteauneuf- Santiago de Compostela. Near no fermentation so left the barrel
sur-Charente
the churchis a 15th-century
14
Gémozac to one side in his wine cellar.
D.1
Hosanna Cross. A few years later, when he was
de
In Chermignac, The Romanesque church
l
aG
Archiac about to empty the barrel, he
the doorway to the church isSaint-Genis-in Meursac Château Guynot estate.
i ro
discovered a clear, delicate liquid
nde
carved with imaginary animals A Gothic chevet stands next
de-Saintonge Enjoy a tour of the cellars, with a mild, fruity flavour.
and monsters; interior: four
-Vivien- to the Romanesque naveBarbezieux- distillery, 18th-century ice Pineau des Charentes was born.
G
Saint-Hilaire
édoc
brackets carved with figures (map C11). The chancel leads house, tree-filled parklands It can be white, red or rosé and
I R
JONZAC
of lovers, acrobats, musicians to a monolithic crypt. and 18th-century vaulted is drunk chilled, as an aperitif
O
© Pays de Saintonge Romane
© Pays de Saintonge Romane
and a thinker (map E10). Mirambeau Romanesque belltower cellar. Open 10 a.m. to or dessert wine.
N
Baignes-
D
15th-century Hosanna Cross. in Thézac. Sainte-Radegonde 12.30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to
E
LESPARRE- In Pisany, 17 -century
th 6. p.m., Monday to Friday,
The Romanesque church
MEDOC
covered market (map C10).Brossac 2 6 September to June.
Saint-Ciers-
of Notre-Dame de Rioux sur-Gironde Montendre Saturdays and Sundays
Its design is very similar to The Romanesque church,
Montlieu- with advanced booking.
the layout of the church in in Thaims, la-Garde Tel. +33 (0)5 46 91 93 71
Rétaud (map D11).
Pauillac is built on the site ofMontguyon
a
The Saintonge-style main Gallo-Roman villa of which St. Peter’s Church
doorway
aint-Laurent- is topped by a traces can still be seen in
Double in Gémozac
Médoc
Madonna and Child set in an
BLAYE theSaint-
crypt
Savin
(map C11). The spire towers over the
almond-shaped mandorla. A ”small museum” in the vineyards (map E13).
In the chancel is a painted chancel contains marble from The 19th-century mansions
© Pays de Saintonge Romane
wooden group sculpture the Roman villa, Dr o
nn
were built for cognac and
e
(16 -century) representing
th
including a picture of Epona, pineau merchants.
St. Catherine’s mystical the goddess who protected Prehistoric collections are
marriage. The chevet is 3 7
stables. Opposite her is on display in the media
particularly ornate. Bacchus, set against a grape library.
harvest. One of the carved The wine growers open the doors
The Romanesque church capitals represents the Holy of their domain. Come to
in Rétaud is a skilful Women at the Tomb. discover them!
combination of stonework, The alcohol abuse is dangerous for the health.
geometric patterns, Consume in moderation.
colonnettes inspired by the Romanesque churches
Ancient Greeks and Romans, in Tanzac: late 13th and
and carved brackets, across early 14th-century murals;
all three levels of the chevet Jazennes; Villars-en-Pons:
1. The church of Rétaud
(map D10). superb Romanesque capitals;
2. The church
also in Saint-Simon-de- of Notre-Dame de Rioux
Pellouaille.
3. The Holy Woman at the Tomb
Capital of church in Thaims
4. St. Catherine’s mystical
marriage, Church of Notre-
8 Dame de Rioux
© Dessin N. Sweeney
5. Cognac cellars
6. Funerary tower
© J. Villegier
Information in Saint-Romain-de-Benet
Gémozac, 7. Murals in the church of Tanzac
4 Tel. +33 (0)5 46 94 50 16 8. Brackets of Retaud’s church
1
10 11
Way of life Art de vivre
Touring to 31
D.1
D1
Touring to
4 1
Migron
9
1
2
the East
D.12
D.1
Le Douhet Ecoyeux
N.150
D.1
Vénérand
the East
Burie
14
D.121
SAINTES Fontdouce
D.7
31
D131
La Chapelle-
des-Pots N141 St-Césaire
of Saintes of Saintes Chaniers St-Sauvant
Cha Dompierre/Chte
rente Chérac
Seugne
D.6
Rouffiac D.732
(contd.)
N. 1
Colombiers
Chaniers
37
Montils
Life in this old village of
stone houses on the banks
The church in Colombiers This is a cool, restful area
of the Charente is still
The four capitals in the best seen by bike, on foot or
dependent on the river.
crossing, beneath the bell by canoe, with the guidebook
A ferry crosses it here from
tower, form one of the most (”topo-guide”) available from
May to October (map G10).
© M. Garnier
1 4 outstanding sets of Roman- Saintes tourist office.
The chevet on St. Peter’s
esque sculptures in the
Church (11th-12th-centuries)
Saintes area (map G11). The visitors’ centre (Mai-
was fortified in the 15th-
century. At the top son de la Seugne) in the
are roofed battlements. small town of Courcoury
A capital is sculpted hosts a permanent exhibition
Dessin N. Sweeney
on the flora, fauna and tradi-
© Conseil Général de la Charente-Maritime
with a representation of
Alienor d’Aquitaine. Canoeing tional arts, crafts and trades
Days and courses for in the valley.
The apsidal chapels contain beginners at the Canoe/
14th-century Byzantine Town Hall,
Kayak Club in Dompierre-
frescoes. sur-Charente.
tel. +33 (0)5 46 93 18 23
This school has been 6
The royal mill awarded two stars by 3 Romanesque churches
on the Bain the French canoe/kayak The chapel “Notre-Dame”at in Berneuil, La Jard
Built in the 17th-century on federation. ”La Font Loreau” 300 metres and Montils.
Colbert’s orders, 800 metres It provides quality services further along the D 234 road
upstream from Chaniers, in many areas – hospitality was built by a wine producer
equipment, premises,
The mediaeval village
it now attracts anglers, activities, canoeing between 1995 and 1997, of Saint-Sauvant
rowers and family groups. itineraries, etc. (map H10). using mediaeval building The fortified Romanesque
Tel. +33 (0)5 46 91 15 47 techniques. It is open daily church overlooking the
In Dompierre-sur- and is used by pilgrims on village (map G9) and the
Charente, (map H10) their way to Santiago de 12th-century Saracens’ Tower
the last hand-operated ferry Compostela. were once part of the fortifi-
© E. Florange
© M. Garnier
crosses the river, watched cations.
over by a Romanesque 5
The Seugne Marshes
church. The river divides into
1. The ferry in Chaniers Interpretive Trail through countless arms (called
2. The mill on the Baine the Seugne Marshes ”Seugnes” here), forming a
3. Chaniers Starting from the church in Les Gonds strip of greenery dotted
Dessin N. Sweeney
4. Notre-Dame Chapel, built between 1995 (map F10), this signposted 6-kilometre with mills or small harbours
and 1997 in Colombiers walk takes visitors through the various such as the one in Courcion
types of landscape in the Seugnes delta
5. The Seugne Marshes including natural meadows, fields of (map F10).
6. Colombiers, a 12th-century capital crops, alluvial ash groves, trees on the
in St. Maclou Church river banks and poplar groves.
7. Saint-Sauvant
7
© M. Garnier
2
12 13
Way of life Art de vivre
In Fontcouverte, the golf The Gallo-Roman
Touring to the East course still includes a few aqueduct of Saintes
piles from the bridge built In the late 1st century BC, the
in the Coran Valley for the aqueduct. The spring Gallo-Romans founded a town,
© Publicis Atlantique
that supplied the water to Mediolanum (Saintes), at the
“Les Bujoliers”, a museum The Fontdouce Abbey the aqueduct can be seen in end of a road designed by
near Saint-Bris-des-Bois 1
in Saint-Césaire (map G9). La Font Morillon; Romanesque
Agrippa that began in Lyon. As
A traditional Saintonge house Founded in 1111, its soon as the town was founded,
church in the village (map F8). it was more than likely the first
with furniture and items land stretched from the
Angoulême area to Aunis capital of the vast province of
dating from the 19th-century The fountains in Vénérand Aquitaine. The construction of
including a superb collection where the Benedictine monks
worked the salt marshes A delightfully cool spot in infrastructures such as the baths
of headdresses (“coiffes”), summer (map G8). A Roman and public fountains, and the
its original distillery and (map H8). Tours of the desire for a comfortable lifestyle,
chapter house with its pipe in the 17th-century mill.
its “bujours” (ceramic The wash-house at the foun- generated huge requirements
twelve-span ribbed vaulting, for drinking water. Bridges and
laundry tubs). tain in La Roche dates from
the remains of the abbey aqueducts were designed to carry
Also: collection of pottery church, the scriptorium, the 19th century. The village
© Pays de Saintonge Romane
water to the town.
illustrating the history of the chapels and locutory. church is Romanesque. Two aqueducts were built
ceramics in the Saintes area Visit with your family and try in succession, the first in
since the Gallo-Roman period «The Search for the Missing St. Martial’s Church Fontcouverte (late 1st century BC)
and a room explaining the Manuscript» and «Murder in 2 5 (12th–15th centuries) in carrying water from a spring in
geology of the Coran Valley. Fontdouce». Le Douhet (map G7). has an La Font Morillon and a second
In the hamlet of April to June then September ornate Romanesque doorway. (mid 1st century AD) that
Inside are murals dating brought water from two springs,
“Les Bujoliers” adjacent and October: open daily, in Le Douhet and Vénérand.
to Saint-Bris-des-Bois. 10.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m., from the 14th, 18th and 19th
Visit daily, 2.30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. centuries. Nearby, in Ecoyeux,
Explore on foot using the PR 3,
with advanced booking. July and August: open daily, a fortified Romanesque 8 and 9 signposted hikers’ paths.
Tel. +33 (0)5 46 91 98 11 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday church dating from the 15th
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. century (map G7).
Paleosite Open all year for groups with
in Saint-Césaire advanced booking.
© Musée des Bujoliers
(map G9), Interactive Numerous special events
Prehistory Centre. throughout the year.
Its scientific patron is Tel. +33 (0)5 46 74 77 08. 3
Professor Yves Coppens.
Shows on a giant screen,
3D animation, facial morphing, The Cognac Museum
arm wrestling with Neanderthal in Migron (map I8)
and a full scanner, etc. Tour of the distillery,
provide an interactive, herb garden, vineyard and
emotional trip through time. winegrower’s museum.
There is so much to do and
Special prehistory events
see. Enjoy a game that reveals
© Pays de Saintonge Romane
throughout the year.
the secrets and aromas of
Along the outdoor path, cognac, visit an exhibition
visitors are given a view of on Havana cigars, chocolate
© J.P. Galand
everyday life in the villages and coffee, watch an 4 6
settled by Neanderthal Man, audiovisual presentation or
homo sapiens etc. in the form take a beginner’s course on
of life-sized tableaux. cognac tasting. End the visit
1st April to 5th May and July with a tasting session. Romanesque churches in Migron, Burie, 1st aqueduct
and August: 10.30 a.m. to Open daily 1st April to 31st Le Seure, Saint-Césaire, Saint-Bris-des- 2nd aqueduct
7 p.m. every days. September from 10 a.m. Bois and Villars-les-Bois.
May, June and September: to 12.30 p.m. and 2.30
10.30 a.m. to 7 p.m.: The Coran Valley Interpretive Trail
p.m. to 6.30 p.m. November 1 and 2. Paleosite in St. Césaire
From Saint-Bris-des-Bois to Saint-Sauvant,
© Pays de Saintonge Romane
Closed Monday and Tuesday. to march: please check 3. Musée des Bujoliers
information panels have been erected along the
In October, open only tour times. Guided tours trail to describe the anatural environment and 4. Panorama on the vineyard of Villars-les-Bois
during public holidays, by the winegrower. landscape, the wild fauna and flora, local crafts 5. Chapter house of Fontdouce Abbey
Saturday and Sunday. Tel. +33 (0)5 46 94 91 16 and leisure activities, and the culture and history 6. The Roman Fountain in Vénérand
Tel. +33 (0)5 46 97 90 90 and +33 (0)6 18 06 39 26 of the local people. 7. The Cognac Folk Museum in Migron
14 7 15
Family Ecotourisme Famille
Country recreation Seasonal recreation
What takes your fancy? Riding Join the colourful crowds
Walking, riding or cycling? Many of the riding stables at local markets.
Testing the fishing in a and pony clubs offer sport Tickle your tastebuds
local stream? Cruising along and recreation for experienced with local flavours. Get out of your shell
© C. Breschi - Abbaye de Fontdouce
a river? Taking a dip in a riders and beginners: riding In short, “chill out”! and take part in local
© M. Garnier
swimming pool? Relaxing for beginners, day treks, rid- festivities.
on the banks of a lake? ing holidays. Monthly fairs
They’re all great ideas. Information
Information Corme-Royal: 4th Thursday.
and brochures
Walking Tourist Offices. Gémozac: 3rd Friday. Calendars of events are available
Usually indicated by white Pont-l’Abbé-d’Arnoult: from Tourist Offices.
and yellow markings, the Freshwater angling 3rd Monday.
footpaths form circular walks With its lakes, marshes,
where you can go at your own ponds and rivers such as Saintes: 1st Monday.
Daytime and evening sight-
speed, in a group or with your the Antenne, Arnoult, seeing tour of the Sain-
family. Some of them are con- Bourru, Boutonne, Bramerit, Markets tonge area
nected to the network of long- Brédoire, Briou, Bruant, Their stalls are heaped with
distance waymarked footpaths Charente, Coran, Dandelot, all sorts of mouthwatering Evening Tours
(GR’s) that have red and white Escambouille, Loubat, Né, products and essential, In July and August, guided
markings. Nie, Padome, Rochefollet, or unusual, items. tours of churches and villages
Roi, Saudrenne, Seudre, punctuated by artistic
Seugne, Soie, Sonnoire, Chaniers: Wednesday.
Information, ramblers’ performances
Sureau and Trézence, Corme-Royal: Thursday.
guides with maps
Tourist Offices, the Saintes area is famous Gémozac: Friday. “Romanesque outings
for its Category 1 and for food lovers”,
Comité Départemental Pisany: Friday.
© Ph. Foussard
de Randonnée Pédestre, Category 2 angling. In September and in
Pont-l’Abbé-d’Arnoult: October. Daytime guided
Tel. +33 (0)5 46 26 34 77.
Open-air Friday. tours of churches and
Ramblers’ guides are also on sale
swimming pools Port-d’Envaux: Thursday. villages with tasting
© M. Garnier
in bookshops and at newsagents’.
Whether you swim like a fish Rioux: Thursday sessions on farms selling
or just like jumping about local produce.
in the water, you’ll find an Saintes: daily except Monday.
open-air pool to suit you Saint-Georges-des-Côteaux:
in Gémozac, Meursac, Pont- Wednesday.
l’Abbé-d’Arnoult, Saintes, Saint-Porchaire: Wednesday
Saint-Césaire.
© Pays de Saintonge Romane
and Saturday.
Beaches with amenities
in Port d’Envaux and
Chaniers.
Recreational lakes
in Trizay, Cadeuil, Saint- The strength of a goats’
Césaire, Rioux. milk cheese, the sun-
drenched aromas of
seasonal fruits, the soft-
ness of a golden honey, Programme
the character of a local and information
© M. Garnier
© Pays de Saintonge Romane
wine…, the terroir of Tourist Offices, Saintes and
© E. Devaud - Pays Vals de Saintonge
Roman Saintonge is to www.payssaintongeromane.fr
be savoured.
Find farm producers in the
guide “A la découverte des
produits et des producteurs
fermiers” (Discovering farm products and producers)
in Tourist Offices.
Web site: www.producteursfermiers.fr
16 17Légende
Art de vivre (patri
www.art-de-vivr
A vélo
Bien-être
Loisirs Nature
www.ecotourism
Loisirs en Famille
Tourist Offices
Différentes versions
+33 (0)5 46 30 29 29 - Creation by IGS-CP - 2020 edition
PARIS Saintes
NANTES TGV
(1h30)
A10
Place Bassompierre, 17100 Saintes
Tel. +33 (0)5 46 74 23 82
NIORT
accueil@saintes-tourisme.fr
FUTUROSCOPE
FUTUROSCOPE
(2h15)
LA ROCHELLE
POITIERS
Scan and find all the
www.saintes-tourisme.fr
(2h50)
ANGOULEME
(2h15) tourist information
BORDEAUX in English about
Trizay Poitou-Charentes.
Abbaye, 17250 Trizay
Tel. +33 (0)5 46 82 34 25
tourisme.trizay@wanadoo.fr
www.abbayedetrizay17.fr
Escanéa y
encuentra todas
10-32-3010 - Realisation & editing by
Pont-l’Abbé-d’Arnoult (in summer) las informaciones
3, avenue André Malraux en español para tu
17250 Pont-l’Abbé-d’Arnoult estancia en Poitou-
Tel. +33 (0)5 46 74 57 85 Charentes.
contact@tourisme-pontlabbedarnoult.fr
Poitiers www.tourisme-pontlabbedarnoult.fr
La Rochelle Niort Port d’Envaux (in summer)
point informations touristiques
Saintonge Romane Mairie, 1 place des halles
Pour la brochure en
Tel. +33 (0)5 46 91 73 31
Angoulême
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