Saint-Jean d'Angély in gold saintonge

The town of Saint-Jean-d’Angély boasts with a great cultural heritage. The town centre, build around the royal abbey, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, invites you for a stroll to explore this charming place

The town, built on the site of a roman villa on the banks of the River Boutonne, was a major stopover on the road to Santiago de Compostela.

Abbaye Royale : The Royal Abbey in Saint Jean d'Angely ( 17th-18th centuries) now houses the Centre of European Culture. from the towers there is superb view of the abbey  and town. Panoramic view with viewing tables ( accessible in summer). guided tour of abbey in July and August. 

A walk starting at the tourist Office. Guide with map, sailed 1€ at the tourist office. See the narrow medevial streets and timbered houses, the Pilori Foutain (16th century), the Clock Tower ( 15th century) and the private mansions built in the 18th and 19th centuries. 

Musée de Saint Jean d'Angély: This museum boasts France's only public collection of memorabilita connected with the epic journeys made by Citroën vehicules in Africa in 1920's, including the first half-track vehicule to hav crossed the Sahara Desert. Other collections include French Art Deco, regional furniture, religious scultures, and European weapony (swonds and guns). Temporary exhibitions. Tel +33 5 46 25 09 72 . The entrance of the Museum is free! 

European Centre of Culture: The  European Centre of Culture has revived the traditions that brought people together during the great days of pilgrimages by hosting thousands of young people and adults from every country in Europe to European culture and citizenship events.The Centre organises conferences and seminars, as well as craft-related vocational courses open to all. It is also a place that artists may use for their artistic residencies. 

La Tour de l'Horloge: The town's belfry, the 15th century Clock Tower, provides an interesting view othe town, with a permanent exhibition showing its importance in urban development. Other exhibits relate to the prison, the symbol of civi liberties and military architecture. Guide tour in july and august. It's free. 

The Atlantys pool complex: open 7 days a week. Leisure, sport pools-cardio training space. Gym, 54-metre water slide, saunas, steam room, jacuzzis, children's padddling pool, river and underwater jets, diving board, recliners, patio, beach volley, http://atlantys.e-monsite.com/

The municipal leisure complex in Saint Jean d'Angely: on the border of the Boutonne River is a lush green area popular with walkers andthosewho enjoymore active forms of recreation.It includes picnic tables, a restaurant and games areas on the banks of a lake. In summertime, supervised swimming-pool, pedal boats, stand paddles and canoes for hire, minigolf, catering, music.

Canoeing down the River Boutonne: Tha canoe club in Saint Jean d'Angely (Kayak Club Angerien) hires out canoes, kayaks and pedal boats.It's also organises various trips on the River Boutonne for families or groups.https://www.facebook.com/canoesaintjeandangely/

The Boutonne Valley: Well-known with anglers for its many different species of fish, it flows over a distance of 70 km through the valleys of Saintonge area. Upstream from Saint Jean d'Angely, its banks are dottted with small buildings from days gone by e.g.mills, wash-houses, locks, etc...There is pleasant sightseeing road, a bike road,  from Saint Jean d'Angely to Dampierre sur Boutonne via Courcelles, Antezant la Chapelle, Saint Pardoult and Nuaillé sur Boutonne.

All informtions come from the Saint Jean d'Angely's tourism office and visit-poitou-charentes.com