Hôtel des Arènes The Originals City

Looking for an unusual visit? Head to the Crazannes quarries. Here, from the 1st century AD until 1948, the eponymous stone, as white as it is durable, was extracted for the construction of Roman roads and monuments, Romanesque churches, forts, and ports, including the famous Fort Boyard and the Cologne Cathedral. Since the quarries closed, nature has reclaimed the area, gradually covering the deep gorges with a carpet of exotic greenery (ferns, vines...) and poetic blooms (orchids).

Overlooking the estuary of the Gironde and carved into limestone cliffs, the "holes" of Meschers are among the must-see sites in Charente-Maritime. Formed by nature, they served as places of refuge and habitation since prehistoric times. Later, they were used to hide smuggled salt, to celebrate Protestant worship, and became a hideout for pirates and smugglers until the 19th century, when the bourgeoisie of Bordeaux, fond of sea bathing, transformed them into second homes.

Located 15 km south of Royan and overlooking the estuary of the Gironde, the village of Talmont seems unchanged since its establishment in 1284 by Edward I of Aquitaine (an Englishman!). Its original bastide layout remains intact, and the magnificent Romanesque church of Sainte-Radegonde, fortified with ramparts, still watches over the 100 souls who inhabit this village, which has been awarded the label of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France®. Talmont is best explored on foot to fully enjoy its tranquility, beautiful Saintonge houses with colorful shutters, and its impressive century-old lime tree.

The capital of Saintonge will delight lovers of ancient monuments. Did you know that among other Gallo-Roman remains, the city boasts an amphitheater built long before the Colosseum in Rome? With its extraordinary dimensions, it could accommodate over 15,000 spectators, which was the entire population of the city at the time. Among the other attractions in Saintes is the Cité Musicale, located in the former Abbey of Ladies. Serving as a training center for musicians from around the world, a performance venue, and a space for musical creation, the Cité offers a unique experience, particularly with its Musical Carousel, which provides a one-of-a-kind ride unlike any other in the world.