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IN SHORT
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In the heart of Charente-Maritime, Saintes and Saintonge emerge as historical jewels, witnesses to a rich and captivating past. Imagine yourself wandering down cobbled streets where the echoes of Romans and knights seem to whisper around every corner. From ancient remains to medieval chapels, each stone recites a portion of history just waiting to be revealed. Let yourself be taken on a fascinating journey through 2,000 years of momentous events, intertwined cultures and living traditions, where each step brings you a little closer to the vibrant soul of this unforgettable region. Ready to explore this exceptional heritage?
Discovery of Saintonge
Just 30 minutes from the famous Atlantic Coast, Saintonge stands like a historical treasure unknown, ready to reveal its secrets. With its ancient tombs, its villages full of charm and its panorama sculpted by the Charente river, this region deserves a special place in the hearts of history and culture enthusiasts.
By venturing here, you will be immersed in a real living history book which traces 2000 years of fascinating stories. Every street corner, every stone, tells a story, and every walk along the river invites you to take a contemplative break.
The magnificence of Saintes
Saintes, formerly a Gallo-Roman capital, has managed to preserve its heritage and fascinate those who pass through its doors. A paradise for lovers of architecture and art, it thrills its visitors to the rhythm of ancient remains.
- The arenas : This breathtaking amphitheater, built between 40 and 50 AD, could accommodate more than 15,000 spectators. Classified as a historic monument in 1840, it remains one of the best preserved in Gaul.
- The Arch of Germanicus : Erected to honor Emperor Tiberius, this arch is a marvel of Roman engineering and a strong symbol of Romanization in the region.
- The Aqueducts : Engineering masterpieces that demonstrate the ingenuity of the ancients, these aqueducts provided water to the city, transforming Saintes into a thriving center.
And that’s not all ! THE Archaeological Museum offers a unique immersion into the life of the inhabitants of yesteryear, enhanced with restitutions and interactive technologies for the curious.
Explore Charente
The Charente, winding through enchanting landscapes, is a call to discovery and the sweetness of life. Whether you choose to cycle along its banks or sail aboard a boat, the experience is simply magical.
- A bicycle : The “Flow Vélo” allows you to travel nearly 400 kilometers through nature, uniting a passion for cycling and peaceful discovery of heritage.
- On a boat : Options range from electric motorboats to traditional barges that let you glide gracefully through the waves.
Walks along the Charente offer a unique perspective on the natural beauty of the region, while allowing you to recharge your batteries in the heart of preserved nature.
An adventure in the great outdoors
Don’t miss visiting the Valley of the Koran, a classified area Natura 2000, where biodiversity is rich and the landscape is breathtaking. Accessible on foot, this nature reserve invites you to immerse yourself in places of peace, decorated with damp woods and flourishing meadows.
For outdoor enthusiasts, this valley represents a place of choice, whether for hiking, mountain biking or simply enjoying a moment of tranquility surrounded by nature.
A call to exploration
Saintes and Saintonge, with their historical and natural heritage, have so much to offer the curious and the adventurous. By immersing yourself in this cultural setting, you will discover not only vestiges of the past, but also splendid landscapes which will leave you with indelible memories.
So, let yourself be guided by your passion for history and nature, and embark on a unforgettable experience through this region full of charm and discoveries.
