Commune of Charente-Maritime, Saujon takes place in the suburbs of Royan, on the borders of the peninsula of Arvert. It is located about sixty kilometers from the tourist town of La Rochelle, not far from the first seaside resorts of the Côte de Beauté.
Occupied since prehistoric times, the territory of Saujon has enjoyed great prosperity since the Gallo-Roman era. Stronghold under the reign of Charlemagne, the town joined the Angevin empire Plantagenet in the course of the twelfth century. Strongly affected by the wars of religion, it must wait until the nineteenth century to regain some economic prosperity, especially through its port and the arrival of the railway.
Today, Saujon has an important tourist vocation, without however denying its thermal activity. Its proximity to some of the most beautiful sites in the region and its important architectural heritage make it a must-see city.
Built in the second half of the 17th century, the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church has a very sober style, with few decorative elements. Renovated in the 1960s, it nonetheless reveals four Romanesque capitals from an old church destroyed during the Revolution. They represent the Holy Women, the prophet Daniel, the weighing of souls by St. Michael, and the bearer of fish and the bearer of hue. Inside the bell tower, we can discover three bells, one of which is classified as an historic monument.
Built in the second half of the 15th century, the castle of Saujon became the property of Cardinal Richelieu at the beginning of the 17th century. It was at this time that the building was completely rebuilt to become a pleasure home. The castle will be remodeled during the nineteenth century.
While passing Saujon, do not miss to go to the port of Ribérou at the bottom of the estuary of Seudre. Created in the eleventh century, it has always been one of the nerve centers of the economy of the town. Both a fishing port and a marina, it also offers many water activities such as canoeing.
Since the end of the nineteenth century, Saujon has experienced a significant thermal activity with the opening of a reception center. With its neo-classical facade, the building is inspired by the architecture of the temples of Greek antiquity. Surrounded by a huge park, he is known for his treatment of psychosomatic syndromes such as insomnia, stress, anxiety or spasmophilia.
While walking in Saujon, you will also be able to admire the old mining which shelters today the Office of Tourism. Of neoclassical architecture, it takes place not far from the old halls.
To enjoy the surroundings, head for the Train des Mouettes which will take you to La Tremblade.
The covered market is open on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Every second Monday of the month, the city organizes a fair.
In June, the town celebrates the festival of music with several concerts.
Between July and August, several activities are offered by the city such as concerts, picnic evenings, plays, outdoor cinema sessions or a night craft market.