Saint Jean d'Angely
Looking for a unique vacation destination? Discover Saint Jean d'Angely, a jewel of history and culture in the heart of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.. This town, with a population of over 6,000, is located in the Charente-MaritimeThe Boutonne river waters the area, making it perfect for relaxing walks.
Its historical heritage is impressive, with the Royal Abbey, a UNESCO-listed site on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route. Admire its towers, cloister, abbey church and European cultural center.
Saint Jean d'Angély also shines with its dynamism, offering a wide range of activities for nature, sport, gastronomy and culture lovers.
Our practical guide will help you explore Saint Jean d'Angely and the surrounding area, showing you the must-sees and must-dos. Ready for an adventure?
Explore the historical heritage of Saint Jean d'Angély
Saint Jean d'Angély, a town with a remarkable past, is home to precious testimonies to its illustrious history. Discover three of its architectural gems:
The Royal Abbey: an architectural gem
The jewel in Saint Jean d'Angély's crown, the Abbaye Royale, founded in the 9th century to house the skull of Saint John the Baptist, has stood the test of time, reinventing itself after each destruction. The structures we admire today, built in the 17th and 18th centuries, are distinguished by their classical elegance. Explore the magnificent façade, flanked by two towers, the peaceful cloister, the majestic abbey church, and discover the European cultural center it now houses. This monument is also famous for being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marking an essential stage on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.
The Clock Tower: symbol of the city
Emblematic of Saint Jean d'Angély, the Clock Tower, built in the 15th century, fulfilled multiple functions: belfry, town gate and even prison. Its wrought-iron campanile, dominated by a bell dating from 1748, offers a breathtaking view of the town and its surroundings. The tower also houses an exhibition dedicated to the history of Saint Jean d'Angély and its key figures.
Mansion houses: a dive into history
A stroll through the old town of Saint Jean d'Angély will take you back in time, past the facades of medieval and Renaissance half-timbered houses. You'll be enchanted by the townhouses, witnesses to the prosperity of the merchant families of yesteryear. Be sure to visit Hôtel de Menou, Hôtel de la Gabelle, Hôtel de la Salle and Hôtel de Villevert, all remarkable for their magnificently ornate facades, sculpted portals and unique windows.
The best leisure activities in Saint Jean d'Angely
In Saint Jean d'Angély, a town rich in history, nature and entertainment take pride of place. Whether your heart is set on relaxation, sport or culture, this town has a lot to offer.
Discover our selection of must-do activities during your visit:
Nature and hiking: discovering the landscapes of Angers
Nature lovers will be seduced by the diverse and lush landscapes that characterize the area around Saint Jean d'Angély. Take to the hiking, biking or horse-riding trails to explore the wealth of local flora and fauna, admire the vineyards, waterways, forests and marshes. Don't miss the Val de Boutonne lake, a haven of nature perfect for walking, fishing and water sports.
Aquatic activities at the Atlantys complex
For a moment of freshness and fun, head to the Atlantys aquatic complex, easily accessible from the town center. Offering a multitude of activities to suit everyone, the center features a sports pool, a play area with slide, a wellness area equipped with sauna, hammam and jacuzzi, as well as a cardio-training area and a relaxation area with deckchairs and solarium. Various courses are also on offer, including swimming, aquagym, aquabike and aquazumba.
Cultural events and local festivities
Saint Jean d'Angély is a dynamic town offering a wide range of cultural and festive events all year round, to suit all tastes. Take part in shows, concerts, exhibitions, conferences or workshops organized in emblematic venues such as the Abbaye Royale, the Musée des Cordeliers, the media library, the cinema or the theater. Soak up the local atmosphere at events such as the medieval festival, music festival, Christmas market and carnival.
Practical tips for a successful stay in Saint Jean d'Angély
For a memorable experience in Saint Jean d'Angély, discover our tips on gastronomy, accommodation and transportation. This town offers a multitude of options to suit all expectations and budgets.
Where to eat Gastronomy and local specialities
Saint Jean d'Angély, a gourmet town, invites you to explore the delights of Charentais cuisine and Saintonge specialties. Taste fresh quality produce, including Marennes-Oléron oysters, Échiré butter, Charentais melon, as well as cognac and pineau des Charentes. Local specialties include farci poitevin, mouclade, tourteau fromager and angélique de Niort.
Your choice of catering will vary according to your preferences and budget. The covered market, open Wednesday and Saturday mornings, offers local produce and takeaways. The town's many restaurants offer traditional, regional or international cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. For quicker, more economical meals, you'll also find crêperies, pizzerias, brasseries and snack bars.
Accommodation: options to suit all budgets
When it comes to accommodation in Saint Jean d'Angély, you'll find a wide choice of hotels, gites, B&Bs, campsites and vacation rentals to suit your comfort and budget. Enjoy a stay in a pleasant, peaceful and authentic setting, just a stone's throw from the town center and tourist attractions.
Getting around Saint Jean d'Angély and surrounding areas
A variety of transport options are available to explore Saint Jean d'Angély and the surrounding area, to suit your preferences. The city center is easily accessible on foot or by bike, making for a pleasant stroll. Buses serve the town's main sites of interest and the surrounding localities. For greater flexibility, you can also rent a car or scooter, or take a cab. Take advantage of the many hiking trails to immerse yourself in the Angers countryside and nature.
Conclusion
Saint Jean d'Angély is a haven for travelers in search of adventure and discovery. Whether your passion lies in history, a love of nature, gastronomic delight or cultural enrichment, Saint Jean d'Angély promises to fulfill all your expectations. It boasts a remarkable historical heritage, a wide range of leisure activities, a richly flavored gastronomy and comfortable accommodation.
Saint Jean d'Angély is also ideally situated for exploring the other wonders of the Charente-Maritime region. Don't let this opportunity pass you by, plan your stay in Saint Jean d'Angély now for a memorable adventure!
FAQ
What are the main tourist attractions in Saint-Jean-d'Angély?
In Saint-Jean-d'Angély, must-see tourist attractions include:
- The Cordeliers museum, featuring local history and temporary exhibitions.
- The Clock Tower, dating from the 15th century, offers a panoramic view of the city.
- The Saint-Jean-Baptiste church, the only vestige of the Benedictine abbey founded in the 9th century.
How do I get to Saint-Jean-d'Angély from Paris or Bordeaux?
To reach Saint-Jean-d'Angély from Paris or Bordeaux, here are the options:
- By train: Take the TGV to Niort, then a TER to Saint-Jean-d'Angély. The journey from Paris takes around 4 hours, and from Bordeaux around 2 hours.
- By car: Saint-Jean-d'Angély is on the E5 freeway and then the E60, taking around 4 hours from Paris and 1h30 from Bordeaux.
- By plane: Fly to Bordeaux, take the train to Saintes, then a TER to Saint-Jean-d'Angély, for a total journey time of around 8 hours from Paris.
Where are the best places to stay and eat in Saint-Jean-d'Angély?
Quality accommodation and dining options in Saint-Jean-d'Angély include:
- Hôtel Le Saint Jean, a 3-star hotel in the historic center, offers comfortable rooms, free parking and a gourmet restaurant.
- Le Domaine de la Laigne, a self-catering cottage in a verdant setting, offering accommodation, outdoor pool, spa and games room, located 10 km from the town.
- La Goule Benaise restaurant, famous for its traditional cuisine based on local produce.
- L'Atelier des Saveurs, a modern restaurant offering inventive cuisine, with menus from €19 and a varied selection of wines.
What cultural and sporting activities are available in Saint-Jean-d'Angely?
Activities in Saint-Jean-d'Angely are diverse, for example:
- Visit the Musée des Cordeliers and its unique collections linked to the Citroën expeditions.
- Explore the historic heritage, such as the Tour de l'Horloge and the Abbaye Royale.
- Going for a walk along the Boutonne river, with water sports activities.
- Take part in creative hobbies at the École de Musique or the Au Fil des Tissus boutique.
- Participate in annual cultural and festive events, such as the Escapade Balade Gourmande and the Festival International de Musiques Métisses.
