At the heart of the Saintonge Valleys stands the charming historic town of Saint Jean d'Angély. An important place of worship in its own right, Saint-Jean-d'Angély was also a major stopping place on the Santiago de Compostella pilgrim way. The town became prosperous in the 18th and 19th centuries thanks to its river traffic and brandy trade. The medieval half-timbered houses and many townhouses in the narrow, winding streets of the old town bear witness to its illustrious past. Much favoured by fishermen, the sparkling river Boutonne winds through the Saintonge
Valleys.