Saintes and Saintonge Tourist Office
The Saintes and Saintonge Tourist Office invites you to discover the remarkable history and heritage of Saintes, which has been awarded the ‘Ville et Pays d'art et d'histoire’ (City and Region of Art and History) label, on water rides and guided tours of the historic town (booking required).
The Saintes and Saintonge Tourist Office has been awarded the Tourisme & Handicap label for welcoming people with disabilities (hearing, mental, motor and visual).
2 place Saint Pierre
17100
Saintes
River cruise Balade des Gabariers
A 1-hour river trip aboard a gabare, a replica of a traditional 19th-century wooden flat-bottomed boat. Discover the history of the gabares and their colourful crews, who were essential to trade until the advent of the railways.
Included with the La Rochelle Océan Pass: your pass gives you access to 1 river trip in Saintes to choose from among 2 offered according to the seasonal calendar: Balade des Gabariers; Balade de la Charente.
Booking essential.
From the Charente to the ocean, gabares were used to transport precious goods: cognac, stone, salt, wool and cannons were all transported on these wooden boats.
Take advantage of this walk to discover the heritage of the town of Saintes from the river: the Arch of Germanicus, Saint-Pierre Cathedral, the Abbaye aux Dames and the old cognac houses.
Access by bus
Bus connection BUSS :
Sainte Claire stop - Lines A and C then walk to Place Bassompierre (about 3 minutes).
BUSS bus routes, timetables and traffic changes
PLEASE NOTE: BUSS buses are not included in your La Rochelle Océan Pass. You must pay for your tickets when you board.
Access by car
Nearest Q-Park car park :
Q-Park Centre-ville: 10 Rue Eugène Pelletan 17100 SAINTES
ADVANTAGE INCLUDED in your La Rochelle Océan Pass (adult fare only): get a €10 discount on the hire of a Yélomobile car.
Reach the sites included in your pass around La Rochelle with the yellow-topped Yélomobile car-sharing car: book in advance for 1 hour or several days and Yélomobile cars will make it easier for you to get around La Rochelle.
Details of prices and conditions of access to the Yélomobile service.
Access by train
The train journey from La Rochelle takes an average of 1 hour to Saintes. The SNCF station is a 15-minute walk from Place Bassompierre, the starting point for the Balade des Gabariers; you can also catch a BUSS bus (not included in your La Rochelle Océan Pass).
ADVANTAGE INCLUDED in your La Rochelle Ocean Pass: unlimited access to TER NOUVELLE-AQUITAINE trains between La Rochelle and Saintes.
In the application, press the ‘TER train transport’ button and then the button for your destination, i.e. La Rochelle < > Saintes. Generate your ticket by pressing the ‘Press here to validate your TER train ticket when boarding’ button. Your e-ticket will appear: it is valid for 2 hours. For your return journey, generate a new ticket by repeating the previous operation.
Find TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine train timetables easily.
Additional information
Departure from Place Bassompierre, 8km round trip.
Opening hours
From 8 May to 29 June: every Saturday and Sunday at 4.30pm. Plus bank holidays in May and June.
From 5 July to 17 September: every day at 4.30pm. Closed on Sundays.
Reservation
Reservations must be made by telephone with the Office de l'agglomération de Saintes et la Saintonge: 05 46 74 23 82, giving your pass number. Subject to availability.
Temporary closure
Public price
Adult : €8.00Child (6 to 11 years old) : €6.00
Teenagers (12 to 17 years old) : €8.00
Price with the pass
Adult : FreeChild (6 to 11 years old) : Free
Teenagers (12 to 17 years old) : Free
River cruise Charente cruise
A 1h30 river walk to discover the secrets of the River Charente. Take a trip down the river and back in time on this guided tour on the theme of history and biodiversity.
Included with La Rochelle Océan Pass: your pass gives you access to 1 river trip in Saintes to choose from among 2 offered according to the seasonal calendar: Balade des Gabariers; Balade de la Charente.
Booking essential.
Carentonus, the river deified by the Romans, was once essential to human activity. Today, the Charente is a tranquil river that shelters preserved flora and fauna on the outskirts of the town. Relax and enjoy, as the boat glides along the river's mirror, barely disturbing the reflection of the banks.
On this trip, you'll board the Saintes gabare, a replica of a traditional 19th-century flat-bottomed wooden boat.
Access by bus
Bus connection BUSS :
Sainte Claire stop - Lines A and C then walk to Place Bassompierre (about 3 minutes).
BUSS bus routes, timetables and traffic changes
PLEASE NOTE: BUSS buses are not included in your La Rochelle Océan Pass. You must pay for your tickets when you board.
Access by car
Nearest Q-Park car park :
Q-Park Centre-ville: 10 Rue Eugène Pelletan 17100 SAINTES
ADVANTAGE INCLUDED in your La Rochelle Océan Pass (adult fare only): get a €10 discount on the hire of a Yélomobile car.
Reach the sites included in your pass around La Rochelle with the yellow-topped Yélomobile car-sharing car: book in advance for 1 hour or several days and Yélomobile cars will make it easier for you to get around La Rochelle.
Details of prices and conditions of access to the Yélomobile service.
Access by train
The train journey from La Rochelle takes an average of 1 hour to Saintes. The SNCF station is a 15-minute walk from Place Bassompierre, the starting point for the Charente river walk; you can also catch a BUSS bus (not included in your La Rochelle Océan Pass).
ADVANTAGE INCLUDED in your La Rochelle Ocean Pass: unlimited access to TER NOUVELLE-AQUITAINE trains between La Rochelle and Saintes.
In the application, press the ‘TER train transport’ button and then the button for your destination, i.e. La Rochelle < > Saintes. Generate your ticket by pressing the ‘Press here to validate your TER train ticket when boarding’ button. Your e-ticket will appear: it is valid for 2 hours. For your return journey, generate a new ticket by repeating the previous operation.
Find TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine train timetables easily.
Additional information
Departure from Place Bassompierre, 12km round trip.
Opening hours
From 8 May to 29 June 2025: every Saturday and Sunday at 2.30pm. Plus bank holidays in May and June.
From 5 July to 17 September 2025: every day at 2.30pm except Sundays.
Reservation
Reservations must be made by telephone with the Office de l'agglomération de Saintes et la Saintonge: 05 46 74 23 82, giving your pass number. Subject to availability.
Temporary closure
Public price
Adult : €9.00Child (6 to 11 years old) : €7.00
Teenagers (12 to 17 years old) : €9.00
Price with the pass
Adult : FreeChild (6 to 11 years old) : Free
Teenagers (12 to 17 years old) : Free
Guided tour - The cathedral and the lower town
Follow the guide on a 1? hour walking tour through the charming alleyways and secret corners of the historic centre to discover the living history of Saintes.
Included with the La Rochelle Océan Pass: your pass gives you access to 1 guided or commented tour of Saintes to choose from among 4 offered according to the seasonal calendar: The Cathedral and the Lower Town; History and Secrets of the Upper Town; The church of Saint-Eutrope and the life of pilgrims; The Little Electrain.
Booking essential (except for the little electric train).
Discover the charm and history of Saintes on this tour: the ancient city gate, Saint-Pierre Cathedral, the old alderman's residence, the changes in the modern town and, to make sure you don't miss out on any of the local atmosphere, the tour ends with a visit to the market and local specialities.
Access by bus
Bus connection BUSS :
Sainte Claire stop - Lines A and C then walk to Place Bassompierre (about 3 minutes).
BUSS bus routes, timetables and traffic changes
PLEASE NOTE: BUSS buses are not included in your La Rochelle Océan Pass. You must pay for your tickets when you board.
Access by car
Nearest Q-Park car park :
Q-Park Centre-ville: 10 Rue Eugène Pelletan 17100 SAINTES
ADVANTAGE INCLUDED in your La Rochelle Océan Pass (adult fare only): get a €10 discount on the hire of a Yélomobile car.
Reach the sites included in your pass around La Rochelle with the yellow-topped Yélomobile car-sharing car: book in advance for 1 hour or several days and Yélomobile cars will make it easier for you to get around La Rochelle.
Details of prices and conditions of access to the Yélomobile service.
Access by train
The train journey from La Rochelle takes an average of 1 hour to Saintes. The SNCF station is a 15-minute walk from Place Bassompierre, the starting point for the guided tour of the Cathedral and the lower town; you can also take a BUSS bus (not included in your La Rochelle Océan Pass).
ADVANTAGE INCLUDED in your La Rochelle Ocean Pass: unlimited access to TER NOUVELLE-AQUITAINE trains between La Rochelle and Saintes.
In the application, press the ‘TER train transport’ button and then the button for your destination, i.e. La Rochelle < > Saintes. Generate your ticket by pressing the ‘Press here to validate your TER train ticket when boarding’ button. Your e-ticket will appear: it is valid for 2 hours. For your return journey, generate a new ticket by repeating the previous operation.
Find TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine train timetables easily.
Additional information
Departure from the Saintes and Saintonge Tourist Office, duration 1h30.
Opening hours
From 7 July to 17 September 2025: Wednesdays at 11am.
Reservation
Reservations must be made by telephone with the Office de l'agglomération de Saintes et la Saintonge: 05 46 74 23 82, giving your pass number. Subject to availability.
Seasonal closure
Public price
Adult : €8.00Child (6 to 11 years old) : Free
Teenagers (12 to 17 years old) : €8.00
Price with the pass
Adult : FreeChild (6 to 11 years old) : Free
Teenagers (12 to 17 years old) : Free
Guided tour - History and secrets of the upper town
Take a step back in time and retrace the history of Saintes with your guide. This 45-minute tour begins with a visit to the Saint-Louis belvedere and its exceptional panorama of the town and river.
Included with the La Rochelle Océan Pass: your pass gives you access to 1 guided or commented tour of Saintes to choose from among 4 offered according to the seasonal calendar: The Cathedral and the lower town; History and secrets of the upper town; The church of Saint-Eutrope and the life of the pilgrims; The small electrain.
Must be booked in advance (except for the little electric train).
From this promontory and its unrestricted view, discover the great hours of Saintes: the Gallo-Roman city, the Middle Ages marked by the construction of numerous churches, the classical city and the slate roofs of its town houses.
Access by bus
Bus connection BUSS :
Stop at Theatre - Lines A and C then walk to Place du Capitole (about 4 minutes).
BUSS bus routes, timetables and traffic changes
PLEASE NOTE: BUSS network buses are not included in your La Rochelle Océan Pass. You must pay for your tickets when you board.
Access by car
Free parking Place du 11 novembre, 230 spaces.
ADVANTAGE INCLUDED in your La Rochelle Océan Pass (adult rate only): receive a €10 discount on the hire of a Yélomobile car.
Reach the sites included in your pass around La Rochelle with the yellow-topped Yélomobile car-sharing car: book in advance for 1 hour or several days and Yélomobile cars will help you get around near La Rochelle.
Details of prices and conditions of access to the Yélomobile service.
Access by train
The train journey from La Rochelle takes an average of 1 hour to Saintes. The SNCF station is a 25-minute walk from Place du Capitole, where the guided tour starts; you can also take a BUSS bus (not included in your La Rochelle Océan Pass).
ADVANTAGE INCLUDED in your La Rochelle Ocean Pass: unlimited access to TER NOUVELLE-AQUITAINE trains between La Rochelle and Saintes.
In the application, press the ‘TER train transport’ button and then the button for your destination, i.e. La Rochelle < > Saintes. Generate your ticket by pressing the ‘Press here to validate your TER train ticket when boarding’ button. Your e-ticket will appear: it is valid for 2 hours. For your return journey, generate a new ticket by repeating the previous operation.
Find TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine train timetables easily.
Additional information
Departure from Place du Capitole, duration 45 min.
Opening hours
From 7 July to 17 September 2025: every Monday at 10am.
Reservation
Reservations must be made by telephone with the Office de l'agglomération de Saintes et la Saintonge: 05 46 74 23 82, giving your pass number. Subject to availability.
Seasonal closure
Public price
Adult : €5.00Child (6 to 11 years old) : Free
Teenagers (12 to 17 years old) : €5.00
Price with the pass
Adult : FreeChild (6 to 11 years old) : Free
Teenagers (12 to 17 years old) : Free
Guided tour - The church of Saint-Eutrope and the life of the pilgrims
Access by bus
Bus connection BUSS:
Reverseaux stop - Line A then walk to rue Saint-Eutrope (about 5 minutes' walk).
BUSS lines, timetables and changes to bus services
PLEASE NOTE: BUSS network buses are not included in your La Rochelle Océan Pass. You must pay for your tickets when you board.
Access by car
Free parking Place du 11 novembre, 230 spaces.
ADVANTAGE INCLUDED in your La Rochelle Océan Pass (adult rate only): receive a €10 discount on the hire of a Yélomobile car.
Reach the sites included in your pass around La Rochelle with the yellow-topped Yélomobile car-sharing car: book in advance for 1 hour or several days and Yélomobile cars will help you get around near La Rochelle.
Details of prices and conditions of access to the Yélomobile service.
Access by train
The train journey from La Rochelle takes an average of 1 hour to Saintes. The SNCF station is a 36-minute walk from Rue Saint-Eutrope, where the guided tour starts; you can also take a BUSS bus (not included in your La Rochelle Océan Pass).
ADVANTAGE INCLUDED in your La Rochelle Ocean Pass: unlimited access to TER NOUVELLE-AQUITAINE trains between La Rochelle and Saintes.
In the application, press the ‘TER train transport’ button and then the button for your destination, i.e. La Rochelle < > Saintes. Generate your ticket by pressing the ‘Press here to validate your TER train ticket when boarding’ button. Your e-ticket will appear: it is valid for 2 hours. For your return journey, generate a new ticket by repeating the previous operation.
Find TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine train timetables easily.
Additional information
Departure from Rue Saint-Eutrope, on the forecourt, duration 45 min.
Opening hours
From 7 July to 17 September 2025: every Monday at 11.15 am.
Reservation
Reservations must be made by telephone with the Office de l'agglomération de Saintes et la Saintonge: 05 46 74 23 82, giving your pass number. Subject to availability.
Public price
Adult : €5.00Child (6 to 11 years old) : Free
Teenagers (12 to 17 years old) : €5.00
Price with the pass
Adult : FreeChild (6 to 11 years old) : Free
Teenagers (12 to 17 years old) : Free