Saintes is a town and commune in France, in the Charente-Maritime département, of which it is a sous-préfecture.

FACTS AND FIGURES

• Population: 25,500
• In Roman times, the town was called Mediolanum Santonum. It was founded in about 20 BC
• Is located on the banks of the Charente River, between La Rochelle and Bordeaux
• Is a market for grains, brandy, and leather; telecommunications equipment is manufactured

SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS

• The Arch of Germanicus, a triumphal arch
• Ruins of the Roman amphitheatre
• Saint-Eutrope church
• Museum archéologique