Things to Do around Saintes

Saintes offers a variety of outdoor activities, including Touring cycling, Hiking, Road cycling, Jogging, Mountain biking, and Gravel biking. The region features more than 2,600 routes, with an average rating of 4.46 stars from over 38,000 visitors.

The national cycling route La Flow Vélo passes through Saintes, offering a gentle journey along the Charente River. A popular section runs 15.5 miles (25 km) between Saintes and Saint-Savinien, following the riverbanks. Another bucolic section of 23.7 miles (38.2 km) connects Cognac to Saintes, utilizing small roads and towpaths. More information is available in the Cycling around Saintes guide.

The Val de Saintonge offers numerous hiking trails, including sections of the Ways of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle (Voie de Tours, GR655). A notable trail is the "Stone Trails between Crazannes and Port d'Envaux," a moderate 6.7-mile loop through ancient quarries. The Saintes and Saintonge Tourist Office lists 18 hiking trails. Explore more in the Hiking around Saintes guide.

Yes, sections of La Flow Vélo, particularly the 15.5-mile (25 km) route between Saintes and Saint-Savinien along the Charente banks, are easily accessible for families. The region also offers easy hiking options. For specific routes, consult the Easy hikes around Saintes guide.

Trails in Saintes often feature the Charente River, which is classified as a Natura 2000 site protecting rare species. The Prairie de La Palu, a 120-hectare protected meadow, is located within Saintes. Other natural landscapes include marshlands, wet woodlands, reed beds, and vineyards.

Outdoor routes in Saintes often pass by significant historical sites. These include the ancient Gallo-Roman amphitheater, the Arch of Germanicus, and medieval religious monuments such as Saint-Eutrope Basilica and the Abbaye aux Dames. The city's rich Roman and medieval heritage provides a historical backdrop for activities.

Saintes offers dedicated routes for mountain biking, with 250 MTB tours available. The terrain can vary, providing options for different skill levels. For detailed information on routes, refer to the MTB Trails around Saintes guide.

Gravel biking is an available sport in the Saintes region. The diverse landscapes, including countryside roads and towpaths, are suitable for gravel riding. Specific routes and information can be found in the Gravel biking around Saintes guide.

Yes, bicycle rental services are available in Saintes. A Velodie bike station is conveniently located near the Saintes train station, providing access to bikes for exploring the region's trails.

Jogging routes in Saintes combine historical charm with natural beauty. Popular options include the "Amphitheater Loop," an easy 2.8-mile (4.5 km) path along the Charente River, and the "Arch of Germanicus – Saintes Cathedral Loop," a moderate 5.8-mile (9.3 km) route through historical areas. More routes are detailed in the Running Trails around Saintes guide.

The Saintes region features more than 2,600 routes on komoot. These routes cover various sports, including touring cycling, hiking, road cycling, jogging, mountain biking, and gravel biking, catering to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts.

Routes in Saintes have received an average rating of 4.46 out of 5 stars from over 38,000 visitors on komoot. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users who have explored the region's outdoor offerings.

Komoot offers several guides for Saintes, including Cycling around Saintes, Hiking around Saintes, Road Cycling Routes around Saintes, Running Trails around Saintes, MTB Trails around Saintes, Easy hikes around Saintes, and Gravel biking around Saintes.

The official website for Saintes is ville-saintes.fr. For direct inquiries, the Saintes and Saintonge Tourist Office can be reached by phone at +33 (0)5 46 74 23 82.