In which quarter house in Saintes?

Did you plan to discover this charming city twice millennia of South-West France? Then discover the best areas to sleep in Saintes!

Located in Charente-Maritime in the South West of France, Saintes is the second town of the department after La Rochelle . Traversed by the river Charente, the city has grown on its left bank. It was an important city during the Roman period, before becoming the capital of the province of Saintonge under the Old Regime. Prefecture of the department of Charente-Inferior during the territorial reorganization of 1790, it was supplanted by La Rochelle in 1810. Despite its relegation to the rank of sub-prefecture, it remains a departmental chief justice, as well as an important communications hub and a major economic centre in the centre of Charente.

Thanks to its Gallo-Roman, medieval and classical heritage, Saintes has also become a busy tourist city, considered a city of art and history since 1990. Because culture is well present in the beautiful city: museums, theatre, cinemas, festivals and even a centre for musical research and practice in the Abbey to the Ladies! So where to sleep in Saintes to enjoy a pleasant stay?

Well choosing your accommodation in Saintes is important to spend a nice holiday. So to help you prepare your trip, we list the best neighborhoods to stay in Saintes!

Saint-Pierre

Located on the left bank, the Saint-Pierre district is the cradle of the city, its true historic centre. To enjoy its unique atmosphere, we recommend this area for your accommodation in Saintes.

With a preserved area of 65 hectares, you can admire during your walks in the small streets, buildings and houses of medieval, renaissance or classic epochs. Saint-Pierre Cathedral is of course the emblematic building of this neighborhood, it covers from its aura the Old Town of Saintes. Also enjoy your stay in Saint-Pierre to discover Musée de l’Échevinage , as well as the Roman Baths of Saintes in the North of the neighborhood!

Saint-Eutrope

To stay in Saintes, the Saint-Eutrope district is also perfect! Situated slightly west of Saint-Pierre, it houses the superb Saint-Eutrope Basilica , which dominates the neighborhood since the Middle Ages. From your accommodation in Saintes you can also discover the remains of a Clan priory and charming old houses built on the hillside. The valley of the Arènes stretches below, where the remains of the Roman amphitheatre are located, a beautiful walk and a beautiful park known as “Para des Arènes”.

Saint-Pwa

Located on the right bank , the roots of this neighborhood dates back to Antiquity: it is structured around the main road to access to the ancient Roman city. It was once connected to the rest of the city by a bridge before which the arch of Germanicus was built, a sublime work still admirable today. If the bridge disappeared to give way to the bridge Bernard-Palissy in 1879 during the development of the neighborhood, Saint-Prais retained a very palpable historical atmosphere: a part of the neighborhood was considered as a saved area, especially around the church Saint-Paller and the sublime abbaye aux Dames , the largest Benedictine abbey of women in the region!

Saint-Paller is thus an excellent place to sleep in Saintes, rich in architectural and historical wonders. In addition, if you come to this beautiful city twice a thousand years by train, we recommend you choose your accommodation in Saintes in this neighborhood: the Gare is very close to Saint-Paller. So you will not have to carry your suitcases through the suitcase if you are staying here!

In the area, don’t hesitate to discover the charming cafés and restaurants of the Gambetta which leads to Saint-Pierre, as well as to relax and stroll in the beautiful public garden Fernand Chapsal!