Vals de Saintonge are an important stopover on the Way of St James from Tours.
The Way from Tours leads eventually to Galicia, where the Apostle James is thought to be buried. It crosses parts of Vals de Saintonge, a way of pilgrimage and also of discovering the territory, passing by two sites shown on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Along the way, you’ll pass:
AULNAY-DE-SAINTONGE
A privileged halt for pilgrims starting from Tours en route for St James of Compostella. The Saint-Pierre church, a real jewel of Poitevin Romanesque art has sculpted decoration of an exceptional quality – here everything is harmony and serenity. To add to this unmissable visit, discover the medieval garden behind the church. A site on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
SAINT-JEAN-D’ANGÉLY
In the heart of the Boutonne valley, Saint-Jean-d’Angély is a major stopover that surprise and seduces the visitor with its rich and varied heritage. Wander through the historic centre and the unmissable Abbaye Royale rebuilt between 1623 and 1789 by the Saint-Maur congregation of Benedictine monks; it’s a site on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Next to the abbey, the two towers, the remains of an unfinished abbey church rise elegantly skywards. The view from the top of these two towers of the sub-prefecture of Charente-Maritime is sumptuous.
Drive on towards Saintes…
FENIOUX
The first church was built in Carolingian times, but the current edifice was rebuilt in the 11th century with a delightful Romanesque portal. The Lantern of the Dead is sited on the former cemetery and is a rare symbol of the Romanesque period. It is a symbol of eternal light and the glorification of the dead, consisting of a cluster of 11 columns topped with a spire and a lantern.
LA FRÉDIÈRE
On its own in beautiful countryside, this 12th century church has conserved a few capitals on the façade. The apse was reinforced in the 14th century with thick buttresses. The pilgrims’ cross beside the path indicate the route.
JUICQ
Set in a valley, the church is flanked on the west by two flat buttresses. The façade ends in a gable pierced by two openings, one for the bell. It’s a perfect spot for meditation …