Romanesque Saintonge - Saintes

At the heart of Romanesque Saintonge, Saintes is a truly outstanding historic town on the peaceful banks of the Charente. Founded by the Romans, "Mediolanum Santonum" was capital of Aquitaine in the 1st century. Remains of its prosperous past include an arch (the Arc de Germanicus), an amphitheatre (the best preserved on the Atlantic coast), thermal baths and an aqueduct. Saintes is steeped in history with some very fine examples of Romanesque art: the Abbaye aux Dames and church of Saint Eutrope. A river cruise along the Charente is a lovely way to see this rich heritage and experience the relaxed rhythm of life in the capital of the Saintonge.