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Daytime

Saintes Daylight: Basilica, Gardens, and a Coffee Break

Saintes is best explored on foot in the quiet hours before the midday rush. Start at the layered history of the Basilique Saint-Eutrope, walk east to the river gardens, and grab a coffee nearby.

Best time: noneAbout 120 min

Timeline

  1. 10:00

    Basilique Saint-Eutrope

    Arrive at the Basilique Saint-Eutrope as it opens. Spend the first hour exploring the two superimposed churches and the nave stairs that connect the upper and lower levels housing the relics of Saint Eutrope.

  2. 10:45

    Fernand-Chapsal public gardens

    Walk 15 minutes east to the Fernand-Chapsal public gardens. Stroll through the French and English sections for views of the old town and the Charente river.

  3. 11:15

    La Musardière

    Head back towards the center (11 minutes walk) to La Musardière. It is an old decorated building in the heart of Saintes, perfect for stopping for good Italian chocolates, coffees, and hot or cold drinks.

Local tip

La Musardière is open from 10:00 on weekdays and Saturdays, so timing your coffee stop right after your garden walk ensures it is open and ready for you.

Check before you go

  • La Musardière opens at 10:00 on Monday through Saturday.

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Saintes (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

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