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.
Seasonal 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.
Seasonal 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 3 offered according to the seasonal calendar: The Cathedral and the Lower Town; History and Secrets of the Upper Town; 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.
Departure from the Saintes and Saintonge Tourist Office, duration 1h30.
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.
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
Visite guidée - Histoire et secrets de la ville haute
The Saint-Louis belvedere offers an exceptional panoramic view of the town and river. Take in the view and retrace the history of Saintes.
After taking in the breathtaking view, the tour continues with a stroll through the neighborhood and its hidden paths, discovering the gladiators of Antiquity, the pilgrims of the Middle Ages, and many other characters who have left their mark on the city, past and present.
The tour ends at the market, where you can meet the producers.
Please note: no ticket sales on site. Book online or at the tourist office.
From 07/07 to 20/09/2024, every Friday between 11 am and 12.30 pm.
Access by bus
Correspondance bus du réseau BUSS :
Arrêt Sainte Claire – Lignes A et C puis marcher jusqu’à la Place Bassompierre (environ 3 minutes de marche).
Lignes, horaires et modifications de circulation des bus BUSS
ATTENTION : les bus du réseau BUSS ne sont pas compris dans votre La Rochelle Océan Pass, il convient de vous acquitter de vos titres de transport lors de votre montée à bord.
Access by car
Parking gratuit Place du 11 novembre, 230 places.
AVANTAGE INCLUS dans votre La Rochelle Océan Pass (tarif adulte uniquement) : bénéficiez de 1h gratuite sur la location d’une voiture Yélomobile.
Rejoignez les sites inclus dans votre pass aux alentours de La Rochelle, avec la voiture en autopartage Yélomobile à toit jaune : sur réservation, pour 1h ou plusieurs jours les voitures Yélomobile facilitent vos déplacements à proximité de La Rochelle.
Détail des tarifs et conditions d’accès au service Yélomobile.
Access by train
Le trajet en train depuis La Rochelle dure en moyenne 1h jusqu’à Saintes. La gare SNCF est située à 27 minutes à pied de la Place du 11 Novembre, départ de la visite guidée Histoire et secrets de la ville haute ; coresspondance possible en bus du réseau BUSS (non compris dans votre La Rochelle Océan Pass).
AVANTAGE INCLUS dans votre La Rochelle Océan Pass : bénéficiez d’un accès illimité aux trains TER NOUVELLE-AQUITAINE entre La Rochelle et Saintes.
Dans l’application, appuyez sur le bouton « Transport train TER » puis sur le bouton de votre destination soit La Rochelle < > Saintes. Générez votre billet en appuyant sur le bouton « Appuyer ici pour valider votre billet train TER lors de la montée à bord ». Votre e-billet apparait : il est valide 2h. Pour votre retour, générez un nouveau billet en renouvelant l’opération précédente.
Retrouvez facilement les horaires de trains TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
Opening hours
Du 7 juillet au 20 septembre : tous les vendredis à 11h.
Reservation
For one of the guided tours of Saintes, booking is essential by telephone: 05 46 74 23 82
Seasonal closure
Public price
Adult : €7.00Child (6 to 11 years old) : Free
Teenagers (12 to 17 years old) : €7.00
Price with the pass
Adult : FreeChild (6 to 11 years old) : Free
Teenagers (12 to 17 years old) : Free