Top reasons to visit Saintes
- Historic Architecture: Saintes boasts stunning landmarks such as the magnificent Saintes Cathedral, showcasing the city's rich heritage.
- Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including visits to amusement parks, golf courses, and scenic day trips.
- Charming Town Centre: Explore the historic town centre filled with lovely shops and a friendly atmosphere perfect for families.
- Picturesque Surroundings: Discover nearby villages and beautiful landscapes that enhance your holiday experience.
- Diverse Accommodation: Choose from a range of cosy bed and breakfasts and welcoming guesthouses for a comfortable stay.
Find great hotels in Saintes
Saintes offers a delightful selection of accommodations, from charming bed and breakfasts to welcoming guesthouses. Whether you're seeking a family-friendly environment, a pet-friendly retreat, or an adventurous getaway, you'll find a variety of options. Popular choices include the Ibis Saintes Hotel, Hôtel O'Nice, and Comfort Hotel Saintes, ensuring a comfortable stay in this historic town. Explore the local culture while enjoying the warm hospitality that Saintes has to offer.
- Premiere Classe Saintes: This budget-friendly hotel offers a golf-themed experience for enthusiastic travellers. Located in the heart of Saintes, Premiere Classe Saintes caters to those seeking an affordable yet engaging stay. Golf lovers can indulge in various activities, while pet owners will appreciate the pet-friendly policy, allowing certain pets on-site. Amenities include food and water bowls for pets, making it a convenient choice for guests travelling with their furry companions.
- Campanile Saintes: As a 3-star establishment, Campanile Saintes excels in providing a family-friendly environment. Situated in Saintes, this hotel is well-suited for family vacations, business trips, and pet-friendly stays. The property offers amenities tailored for children, including a breakfast option specifically for younger guests, ensuring a delightful experience for families. With a pet policy that accommodates various pets and essential amenities, it is an excellent choice for those travelling with animals.
- Hôtel ibis Saintes: With a commendable guest rating of 8.2 out of 10, Hôtel ibis Saintes stands out as an eco-certified option for environmentally conscious travellers. Located conveniently in Saintes, it caters to business guests and pet owners alike. The hotel features essential amenities, such as food and water bowls for pets and a pet policy that includes a deposit for animals. Its eco-friendly approach combined with modern facilities makes it a top choice for guests prioritising sustainability during their stay.
Where to stay near Saintes
Saintes, a charming city in Charente-Maritime, offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Explore the historic town centre, where you’ll find lovely shops and enjoy the fresh air. Families will appreciate the friendly atmosphere and numerous family-friendly activities. Nearby, you can discover picturesque villages and beautiful landscapes, making your holiday to Saintes a truly memorable escape filled with trendy vibes and local warmth.
- Les Gonds: Situated approximately 3km from Saintes, Les Gonds offers a delightful escape for those seeking outdoor adventures and romantic experiences. The city is known for its vibrant entertainment scene, including a nearby amusement park and golf courses that attract visitors year-round. While the peak travel months are May, July, and September, the charm of Les Gonds remains appealing throughout the year. Nearby attractions include a family-friendly beach and a historic castle, making it an excellent choice for families and couples alike.
- Fontcouverte: Located around 5km from Saintes, Fontcouverte is a charming city that beckons visitors with its rich cultural heritage and stunning outdoor landscapes. The city is particularly popular during the peak months of April and the summer season, offering a romantic ambience perfect for couples. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the multiple golf courses nearby, while history buffs can explore local castles and historic sites. The proximity to a family beach adds to the allure, ensuring a well-rounded experience for all visitors.
- Bussac-sur-Charente: Bussac-sur-Charente, also situated roughly 5km from Saintes, is an idyllic destination for beach lovers and those seeking entertainment-filled experiences. The city witnesses its peak tourism in March, July, and September, with a steady flow of visitors throughout the year. Bussac-sur-Charente boasts attractions such as a history museum and a historic house, along with beautiful beaches perfect for relaxation. Its romantic setting makes it an ideal spot for couples looking to unwind while enjoying the local culture.
Things to do in Saintes
Shopping
In Saintes, you can enjoy local shopping at the bustling Rue de la République, home to various boutiques and shops. If you're up for a drive, head to La Rochelle's E.Leclerc, located around 48km away, offering a larger selection of brands and products.
Recreation
In Saintes, the Spa du Château offers a serene environment with a range of treatments, including massages and facials, set within a historic backdrop. Nearby, the Thermes de Saintes features thermal baths and wellness therapies, providing a rejuvenating escape for relaxation and self-care.
Adventure
The Saintes River offers thrilling kayaking experiences, where you can paddle through scenic landscapes and spot wildlife. For cycling enthusiasts, the nearby cycling routes provide a chance to explore charming villages and vineyards, immersing you in the region's natural beauty.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Saintes offers charming options like Le Café de la Paix, where you can enjoy a drink in a relaxed atmosphere. For a lively evening, visit Le Luna, known for its vibrant music and dancing vibe. Experience local culture while mingling with friendly locals.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Saintes
To save money on your trip to Saintes, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January to February and November, when accommodation prices are lower. Tuesday is the cheapest day to stay, while Sunday tends to be the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels by sorting prices and filtering for eco-certified options. Additionally, look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for extra savings. Exploring free attractions in the area can also enhance your experience without straining your wallet.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Saintes are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Saintes is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Saintes is Sunday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can organise your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy savings by combining your hotel accommodation in Saintes with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in and around Saintes
Saintes is ideal for outdoor and family beach holidays, offering a wealth of attractions such as castles, historic buildings, and churches. This charming destination caters to those seeking cultural, family, and romantic experiences. Notable points of interest include the magnificent Saintes Cathedral, which is a must-visit for tourists exploring the rich heritage of the area.
- Cognac Museum of Arts: Located 24km from Saintes, this art museum offers a fascinating insight into the rich cultural heritage of the Cognac region. Visitors can admire a diverse collection of artworks and engage with various exhibitions that highlight the intertwining of art and local history.
- Abbaye aux Dames: Situated within Saintes, this historic building showcases stunning architecture and a serene atmosphere. As a former convent, it reflects the spiritual and cultural significance of the area, with beautiful gardens and intricate stonework to explore.
- Saintes Amphitheatre: Also within Saintes, this archaeological site is a remarkable Roman monument. The amphitheatre offers a glimpse into ancient entertainment, with its impressive structure and capacity to hold thousands, evoking the grandeur of its historical past.
Best time to go to Saintes
The best time to visit Saintes is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Saintes
Reaching Saintes, Charente-Maritime, is convenient with several major airports nearby. Bordeaux Airport (BOD-Merignac) is located 101km away and offers luxurious hotels such as Hôtel Les Sources de Caudalie and Le Palais Gallien Hôtel & Spa, both within 16km. Bergerac Airport (EGC-Bergerac - Perigord - Dordogne) is 137km from Saintes, with excellent options like La Chartreuse du Bignac, just 5km away. Limoges Airport (LIG-Limoges Intl.) is situated 142km from Saintes, featuring hotels like Novotel Limoges Le Lac, 8km from the airport. All airports provide accessible transport services to their respective hotels, ensuring a smooth journey for tourists.