The antic arenas

Discover the historical heritage of the city of Saintes during a stay or weekend

This superb place transports us to the time of the 1st century after Jesus-Christ and the time of the gladiators. Classified as a historical monument in 1840, it is no longer composed of its superstructures but these vestiges still testify to its splendor of the time. A place not to be missed during your stay in Saintes and which will not leave you indifferent!
 

The arenas of Saintes

The arenas of Saintes are the other name of the Gallo-Roman amphitheater of Saintes, in particular due to its great capacity of places. Considered as the best preserved amphitheater in France, but also the oldest and largest ancient show building in the West, its very large capacity allowed it to receive at the time more than 15,000 people who cheered the fights, that is to say the entire population of the city of Saintes.

At the time, it was a source of entertainment with its main program being gladiatorial fights, which sometimes proved to be fatal.

The amphitheater was also used by the people to provide themselves with food, thanks to the hunts but also to the fights of men against various wild animals.
 

An incredible architecture

For those who are curious to know how big the Gallo-Roman amphitheater of Saintes is, its dimensions are 126 meters long and 102 meters wide.

On average, 15,000 people could attend the fights or other entertainment, but this number could also increase to 20,000 people in total.

Entertainment in the arena

There is no season to visit the Gallo-Roman amphitheater of Saintes, but you should know that if you decide to visit the tourist heritage of the city of Saintes in summer and go to the arena, you will have the opportunity to attend concerts. Throughout July and August, concerts are organized there.

During the National Archaeology Days and the European Heritage Days, several activities are presented, such as visits, theater and concerts.
 

Opening hours and prices

The Gallo-Roman amphitheater of Saintes is open every day from 10 am to 7 pm from May 2nd to September 30th.
For the period from October 1st to April 30th, it is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 12:30pm and from 1:30pm to 5pm and on Sunday from 2pm to 5:30pm.
The bullring is closed on January 1, May 1, November 1 and December 25.

The entrance fee for an adult is 4,00€ and free for children under 18. You can also rent an audio guide for 3,00€, available in French and English.

Staying in Saintes to enjoy the city's heritage

Located less than 2km from the Gallo-Roman amphitheater of Saintes, the Hotel Saintes Ouest Recouvrance offers comfortable rooms for 1 to 3 people to organize your stay in peace.

Don't wait any longer and check our room availability online now, you are sure to get the best rate directly.