On a recent trip to the Charente, I paid a visit to Abbaye aux Dames, the abbey of the women, in Saintes. This convent, first consecrated in the 11th century, turned out to be a highlight of the trip, once I found the office which is rather hidden away. We paid a few euro extra for the audio guides and the rewards were rich as we strolled at our own pace, through the exterior, then through the church, then the medieval gardens and then back to the convent, taking it all it before climbing up to the belfry from where we enjoyed fantastic views over the town, especially up towards St Eutrope and St Peter's (the other main church in Saintes). You can combine this visit with the Arc Germanicus, a well preserved Roman arch, just down at the end of the street and on the banks of the river, close to the Town Park. read more

Abbaye aux Dames - Arts & Entertainment Near Me - Saintes, 17