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France
New Aquitaine

Saintes

The best traffic-free bike rides around Saintes

4.4

(817)

5,860

riders

348

rides

No traffic touring cycling routes around Saintes are primarily defined by the Charente River Valley, which winds through varied landscapes including vineyards, marshes, and forests. The region features gentle hills as it extends from the "Santone capital," offering a mix of flat riverside paths and slightly more challenging terrain. This area is characterized by its preserved natural environment, including wet woodlands and meadows, providing a scenic backdrop for cycling.

Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Saintes

  • The most popular…

Last updated: May 21, 2026

4.0

(9)

22

riders

#1.

La Flow Vélo: Saintes and Saintonge Loop

38.9km

02:34

170m

170m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

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Moderate

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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5

riders

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard

71.3km

04:10

310m

310m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Tips from the Community

Pussy et Gégé
December 15, 2024, Église Saint-Martin

There is no information on the WEB concerning the history of this church. According to the elders of the commune, this church dates back to the 12th century. According to the deliberations of the municipal council of the commune: - the church was rebuilt over the period from 1800 to 1847 following a fire. - the sacristy was enlarged in 1864 The church contains magnificent wooden statues and is adorned with multi-colored stained glass windows with geometric shapes.

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Gerd
October 12, 2023, Château de Crazannes

Note opening times

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Crazannes Castle is a castle located in the commune of Crazannes in the Charente-Maritime department of France. It is known for its medieval watchtower, which was built in the 12th century. Crazannes Castle was built in the 12th century and has been owned by several noble families over the centuries. It has been expanded and modified over time, and its architecture is a mix of medieval, Renaissance and classical styles. Crazannes Castle is also home to underground caves dug into the limestone rock, which have been used as wine cellars and to store food supplies over the centuries. Visitors can explore the caves and learn about their history through guided tours. Crazannes Castle is open to the public during the summer season and offers guided tours, contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year. It is also possible to rent rooms for private events such as weddings or receptions.

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Certain foundations of small elongated freestones bear witness to a building from the end of the 11th century or the beginning of the 12th century. The nave was taken over in the second half of the 12th century and reinforced by arcades. If the base of the bell tower is characteristic of Romanesque architecture, its upper part bears the mark of the first Gothic age. The octagonal stone spire crowns a bell chamber based on a similar plan, the sides featuring alternating single bays and twin bays. Finally, the north wall and the facade were redone in the 19th century, the first bay of the nave having been shortened in order to widen the road passing in front of the church41. Like the majority of churches in the region, the Saint-Pierre de Gémozac church is based on a plan in the shape of a Latin cross. It consists of a single nave with four bays covered with a pointed barrel vault, which was completely redone in the 16th century. Inside, arcades respond to the buttresses and serve to reinforce the structure of the building. As in some Romanesque churches in the region, the transepts are covered with cupolas. However, if the north brace has a dome on squinches, the south brace has the particularity of having a dome on pendentives. The two arms of the transept are extended by apsidioles: the oldest (12th century), that of the south transept, forms a vaulted hemicycle; the most recent is a rectangular chapel covered with ribbed vaults. A narrow arcade opens onto the first bay of the choir. This forms a set of two spans. The first is covered with quadripartite warheads, while the second is completed by liernes. The flat apse (13th century), pierced with a triplet, testifies to the Cistercian influence on the architecture of the time. The church of Saint-Pierre de Gémozac is part of the tourist inventory of the most beautiful churches of Saintonge and is often cited among the religious buildings worthy of a visit. In certain aspects, this church is indeed one of the beautiful Romanesque churches of the Saintonge type, among which are still the remarkable churches of Rétaud, Rioux or even Thaims, all located in its canton.

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The Château de La Salle certainly originated from the stronghold of Ozignac, which gave its name to the current hamlet of Louzignac, located near the castle. Located in the middle of a vast plain, the Château de La Salle is a classic building, sober, rigorous and of great coherence, which seems to have been erected in one go. Built on a north-east-south-west axis, it is accompanied, to the south-east, by a vast lateral courtyard lined with outbuildings, to which formerly corresponded, to the north-west, a tall forest which sheltered it from the winds. dominant. The set was preceded by a long straight avenue lined with trees whose layout is barely discernible today, but which is revealed by the first cadastral plan of Gémozac. It led to the forecourt which was further punctuated by two identical pavilions covered with tiles. Only the corner one remains. That of the north corner, although protected in 1990 as historical monuments, disappeared after being damaged by a fire. The castle itself is built in the axis of the forecourt, on a rectangular embankment surrounded on all sides by ditches cut in the rock, which allowed the extraction of part of the building materials. It is accessible by crossing an axial bridge with two arches. The ditches are protected by square section balusters, except in the northern part, where they have disappeared. Composed of a ground floor and a first floor, the residence of the lords of La Salle includes, on the arrival side, a main building at the back of the courtyard, framed by two symmetrical side wings. Of the same height, these three bodies of buildings are covered with a roof topped with Roman tiles, except on the two small sections placed on the side of the forecourt, where the flat tiles were used. To the south-west, on the side of the old parterres, the castle develops a more generously lit facade. Before certain openings were blocked, it had eleven bays, regularly organized from the axial bay which is marked by an elegant bridge-perron with three arches spanning the moat. Each of the two corners is marked by a fore body with three bays arranged in the extension of the side wings of the facade overlooking the forecourt (see the aerial view). The south-east side wing contains the old kitchen which is still covered with a semi-circular vault.

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This church, with few remains from the 12th century, was rebuilt in the 13th and 14th centuries, while the bell tower dates back to the 15th century. The façade was rebuilt around 1850. The nave, divided into five bays, was once covered with a vault and collapsed in 1756, destroying a chapel and a beautiful portal. This single nave features very elegant windows adorned with richly decorated capitals on the north façade. The flat-bottomed apse is pierced by a semicircular triplet whose small columns bear beautiful 12th-century capitals with ribbed palmette motifs. The east face of the bell tower bears traces of the former location of the nave roof, which is approximately 7 meters higher, as evidenced by the height of the northern buttresses. On the outside, on two capitals of the south wall, there is an illustration of the fable of the fox and the stork, an episode that can be found on the reused bas-relief decorating the facade of Saint-Symphorien de Crézac.

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A particularity is located in the gallery of arcature which overhangs the portal. Indeed it has three arched windows on one side of the central window and two semicircular on the other. Note that the two bays on the right occupy the same width as the three on the left. The bell tower, like many others in the region, has a pyramidal roof. Simple columns come to partition the two windows which cover each face. Inside the church, archival documents prove that the nave with two bays was originally vaulted with warheads. Unfortunately, this vault was destroyed during religious wars. Still according to archival documents, it would seem that at the beginning of the 20th century, a narthex, where the catechumens were held, leaned on its facade. Today, it has completely disappeared. The church was classified as a historic monument in 1913. The building underwent a complete restoration in 1935. To admire just next to the church a magnificent and majestic period residence.

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David W
January 19, 2023, Église Saint-Martin

The Church of Saint-Martin de Coucoury was built around the 11th century. It is a pretty example of a Romanesque church.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available around Saintes?

There are over 300 no-traffic touring cycling routes around Saintes, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a wide selection, with more than 160 easy routes, over 120 moderate options, and more than 50 challenging tours for experienced cyclists.

What kind of landscapes can I expect on these routes?

The no-traffic routes around Saintes offer a diverse range of landscapes. You can expect tranquil journeys along the Charente River banks, passing through the protected Natura 2000 site with its wet woodlands, reed beds, and pastures. Other routes may take you through vineyards, marshes, and forests, with some gentle hills as you move away from the city, offering scenic vistas.

Are there any family-friendly no-traffic cycling routes near Saintes?

Yes, Saintes is an excellent hub for family-friendly cycling. The section of La Flow Vélo between Saintes and Saint-Savinien, roughly 25 km, is particularly popular for its pleasant journey along the Charente River banks, making it ideal for families. Many of the easy routes available are also suitable for families.

What historical sites or attractions can I see along the routes?

Saintes and its surroundings are rich in history. Along your rides, you might encounter significant Gallo-Roman vestiges like the Arch of Germanicus and the impressive Gallo-Roman amphitheater. Medieval heritage is also prominent, with sites such as the Saint-Eutrope church, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Further afield, you could visit picturesque villages like Port-d'Envaux or the Crazannes Castle, which is featured on the Loop around Crazannes, its Castle and the stone sculptures route.

Are there any natural attractions or points of interest along the no-traffic routes?

Absolutely. The Charente River Valley itself is a Natura 2000 site, protecting rare species. You might spot wildlife like otters, minks, buzzards, and herons. Other natural highlights include the Suzac Forest and the Vergnes Cove, offering beautiful natural scenery to explore.

What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Saintes?

The region around Saintes is generally pleasant for cycling from spring through autumn. The Charente River Valley offers tranquil, bucolic getaways, and the weather is typically mild. Spring brings blooming landscapes, while autumn provides comfortable temperatures and beautiful colors. Summer can be warm, but riverside routes offer shade and opportunities for refreshing stops.

Can I find circular no-traffic touring routes around Saintes?

Yes, there are several excellent circular routes. For example, the La Flow Vélo: Saintes and Saintonge Loop offers a moderate 38.8 km ride. Another option is the Loop to visit 3 churches from Pisany, also a moderate 38.4 km tour. For a more challenging option, consider the Loop around Crazannes, its Castle and the stone sculptures, which is a difficult 90.3 km route.

Are there any unique experiences, like river crossings, on these routes?

Yes, some routes along the Charente River offer a unique experience with small, chain-operated ferries for river crossings, particularly at Rouffiac and Chaniers. This adds an enjoyable and memorable element to your touring cycling journey.

What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Saintes?

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 740 ratings. Reviewers often praise the tranquil riverside paths, the rich historical sites, and the diverse, well-preserved natural environment that makes for enjoyable, traffic-free cycling.

How accessible are these no-traffic routes by public transport?

Saintes is well-connected by train, making it a convenient starting point for many routes. The city's strategic location along major cycling routes like La Flow Vélo means that many trails are easily accessible from the town center or nearby train stations, allowing you to start your car-free adventure directly.

Where can I find cafes or accommodation along the no-traffic routes?

The routes, especially those along the Charente River like La Flow Vélo, often pass through charming villages and towns. You'll find riverside inns, cafes, and restaurants in places like Saint-Savinien, Cognac, and other smaller hamlets, offering opportunities for refreshments and overnight stays. It's always a good idea to check specific route details for amenities along the way.

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