Located in the heart of Charente-Maritime, between Bordeaux and La Rochelle, the town of Saintes is a must-see destination for those who want to discover a region rich in heritage, nature and family activities. A former Gallo-Roman city, Saintes charms visitors with its remarkably well-preserved monuments and lush green landscapes that invite both relaxation and adventure.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, a holiday or a spontaneous getaway, the region offers a wealth of activities for young and old alike: tree climbing, go-karting, interactive museums, animal parks, cruises on the Charente river… There’s something for everyone!
To help you choose, here are our top 10 best activities to do with your family around Saintes, with no age or season restrictions.
1. Fontdouce Adventure Park – Tree climbing & nature for the whole family
Just a few minutes from Saintes, Fontdouce Adventure Park immerses visitors in a wooded world where fun meets discovery. Safe and varied, the 13 tree-climbing courses allow children aged 3 and up to experience the thrill of the air, while adults enjoy more technical courses with zip lines and aerial workshops.
But Fontdouce is not just about tree climbing. The site also offers a wide range of outdoor activities: archery games, bubble football, outdoor laser games, electric scooter rides, and interactive rallies to discover nature in an original way.
To extend your outing, a visit to the nearby Fontdouce Abbey is the perfect way to round off your adventure.
Practical information:
- Open: April to November, weekends and school holidays
- Age: from 3 years old
- Duration: depending on activities (30 minutes to 3 hours)
- Prices: from €8 (children)
- Location: Saint-Bris-des-Bois (20 minutes from Saintes)
- Bonus: picnic area, birthdays, stag/hen parties
2. Saint-Césaire Palaeosite – In the footsteps of Neanderthals
The Paléosite is a fascinating place for children who are passionate about dinosaurs, history or science. Built on a major archaeological site, it offers an immersive experience combining 3D films, interactive workshops and life-size reconstructions. Here, visitors can relive the daily life of prehistoric humans: an introduction to cave art, spear throwing, fire-making techniques, and more.
The vast outdoor area offers a real spectacle with Neanderthal camps, recreated prehistoric animals and even a mammoth graveyard that never fails to impress younger visitors. A must-see for an educational and fun outing.
Practical information:
- Open: April to November
- Age: from 4-5 years old
- Duration: half a day
- Prices: approximately €10 for adults / €7 for children
- Location: Saint-Césaire (20 minutes from Saintes)
- Bonus: special activities during the school holidays
3. La Palmyre Zoo – One of the most beautiful zoos in Europe
Located just over an hour from Saintes, near Royan, La Palmyre Zoo is one of France’s most renowned zoos. Set in the heart of the Coubre forest, it covers 18 hectares and is home to over 1,600 animals. It’s the perfect place to learn about different species, watch the keepers at work or simply enjoy the beautiful green surroundings.
Families particularly enjoy the sea lion and parrot shows, as well as the numerous shaded areas that are perfect for picnic breaks.
Practical information:
- Open all year round
- Age: suitable for all audiences
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours (or full day)
- Prices: €20 per adult / €15 per child
- Location: La Palmyre – Les Mathes (1 hour from Saintes)
- Bonus: picnic area, entertainment, dining area
4. Abbaye aux Dames – Music and heritage
A true jewel of Romanesque heritage, the Abbaye aux Dames is now a cultural hotspot where history meets music. Visitors can enjoy a unique immersive tour thanks to Voyages Sonores, a 3D audio experience that transforms a stroll into a sensory exploration.
The Carrousel Musical, meanwhile, delights young and old alike with its unique combination of carousel and musical instruments.
An ideal place to introduce children to music, architecture and history while having fun.
Practical information:
- Open all year round
- Age: from 5 years old for the carousel
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Prices: approximately €9 / free for children under 6
- Location: Saintes town centre
- Bonus: concerts, music workshops, unique shop
5. Park 1920 – Bowling, laser tag & fun
Located in Saintes with nearly 2,600 m² of indoor activities, Park 1920 is the perfect solution for a rainy day or for sharing a fun time with the family. The complex offers a multitude of options: laser tag, bowling, fluorescent mini golf, racing simulators, karaoke rooms, children’s play areas, and more.
It’s a place where everyone can find something to enjoy, whether it’s for a quick outing or a full afternoon of fun.
Practical information:
- Open all year round from Tuesday to Sunday
- Age: bowling from 3-4 years old, laser tag from 7 years old
- Duration: 1 hour to half a day
- Prices: €6 to €9 depending on activity
- Location: Les Coteaux shopping area – Saintes
- Bonus: birthday packages for children & stag/hen parties
6. Saintes Karting – Thrills and spills
For speed enthusiasts, Karting de Saintes offers a dynamic 700-metre circuit, accessible to both children and adults. The vehicles are adapted to each age group: 160cc karts for young drivers, 270cc models for the more experienced, not to mention two-seater karts so that younger children can enjoy the experience in complete safety.
An ideal activity to challenge yourself as a family and come away with wonderful memories of the race.
Practical information:
- Open all year round (weather permitting)
- Age: from 7 years old (with minimum height requirement)
- Duration: 10 to 15 minute sessions
- Prices: from €14 per session
- Location: Saintes
- Bonus: private sessions for groups, stag/hen parties, birthdays
7. Terra Aventura – Connected treasure hunt
With Terra Aventura, set off on a real modern treasure hunt! Thanks to the free mobile app, families can solve puzzles while exploring the most beautiful places in Saintes. The ‘Méli-mélo à Mediolanum’ trail offers a walk full of surprises among Gallo-Roman monuments and historic alleyways.
An educational, fun and completely free activity that appeals to all generations.
Practical information:
- All year round
- Age: from 5-6 years old
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours per route
- Prices: free of charge
- Location: in Saintes and surrounding area
- Bonus: fun, cultural and free!
8. La Ferme de Magné – Meet the animals and enjoy rural leisure activities
Located 20 minutes from Saintes, La Ferme de Magné is a true haven of peace surrounded by nature. This animal and leisure park offers a unique immersion into the world of farming, with over 200 animals to observe! Camels, llamas, ostriches, wallabies and zebus rub shoulders with chickens, goats and other farm residents.
On the programme: pony rides, pedal go-karts, inflatable structures, a plant maze and play areas, all in a green and secure setting. It’s the ideal place for a Wednesday afternoon, a school trip or an original birthday party with family or friends.
Practical information:
- Open from February to November, every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Age: suitable for all audiences
- Duration: 1½ to 2 hours
- Prices: €9.50 for adults / €7.50 for children (aged 3–12)
- Location: Route de Marennes, Sainte-Gemme
- Bonus: themed restaurants on site and snack bar in summer
9. River cruise on the Charente – Gentle waters and beautiful scenery
Climb aboard the Bernard Palissy III, Europe’s only solar-powered boat, for a peaceful cruise along the Charente River. Guided cruises allow you to discover the fauna, flora and villages of the Charente region at your leisure. Depending on the schedule, you can choose between a discovery tour, a late afternoon cruise or a sunset cocktail cruise.
A relaxing and exotic activity that will appeal to the whole family. Three types of cruises are available:
- Discovery cruise: departure at 8:30 p.m. with a stopover in Chaniers for lunch
- Afternoon cruise: departure at 4 p.m., non-stop trip to Port-d’Envaux
- Apéro cruise: departure at 7.30 pm with Charente aperitif!
Practical information:
- From April to October
- Age: suitable for all audiences
- Duration: 1½ to 2 hours
- Prices: approximately €12 for adults / €7 for children
- Location: boarding at the port of Saintes
- Bonus: themed cruises or aperitifs in summer
10. Gallo-Roman amphitheatre – A leap into the past
Impressive in size and well preserved, the Gallo-Roman amphitheatre in Saintes takes visitors on a journey back in time. Children are often fascinated by this site, which could once accommodate more than 15,000 spectators. In summer, activities and guided tours offer the chance to learn more about gladiators, Roman life and the history of the city.
Practical information:
- Open all year round
- Age: from 4-5 years old
- Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Prices: approx. €4 for adults / free for children under 18
- Location: Saintes
- Bonus: self-guided or guided tours, summer activities
With its ancient heritage, outdoor activities, fun tours and unusual experiences, Saintes and its surroundings offer a multitude of family activities to fill your weekends, holidays or impromptu outings.
Whether you want to enjoy a sporting adventure, discover local history or enjoy peaceful moments by the water, each activity promises wonderful memories in Charente-Maritime.
Ready for your next family getaway?
