Entre l'océan et Cognac

A warm welcome to your home away from home in Saintes!

From our peaceful haven, we—Monika and Serge, a Franco-German couple—invite you to journey through over 2,000 years of history in the Saintonge region. As our only guests, you will enjoy personal interaction with us as your hosts, while also benefiting from complete privacy. Whether it’s a guided morning meditation with Monika or insider tips on regional gastronomy and culture from Serge, we look forward to making your stay in the heart of the Charente truly unforgettable.

Saintes, the former capital of the Roman province of Gallia Aquitania, has held the “Ville d’art et d’histoire” (City of Art and History) label since 1989—an award of excellence granted by the French Ministry of Culture for its outstanding heritage. The Atlantic Ocean and its beaches are just 40 km away; within an hour’s drive, you can reach the islands of Oléron and Ré, as well as the cities of La Rochelle and Bordeaux.

Our home offers a peaceful and relaxing setting with a garden, while being only 800 meters from the historic town center, which you can reach on foot along the Charente River. Alternatively, you can take the local bus. The house is located 2.5 km from the A10 motorway exit and 2.2 km from Saintes SNCF train station.

The living areas, built in the style of the 1960s, are located on the first floor and accessed via an external staircase (unfortunately not suitable for guests with reduced mobility). You can choose between a double room or a twin room, with a private bathroom and separate WC. Families or groups of friends can book the second room at a reduced rate, sharing the sanitary facilities.

We are happy to treat you to a delicious homemade breakfast, with vegetarian or vegan options available upon request. Same-sex couples are welcome.

Monika, originally from Berlin, worked as a social educator and family coach. She offers a morning meditation session and, if you wish, more in-depth guided meditations.

Serge, who grew up in the Saintonge region and is a former director of an adult education center, will gladly advise you on discovering the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Saintes, Charente-Maritime, and the Charente. Personalized guided tours can also be arranged upon request.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Photo Gallery

Accommodation & Amenities

Room options: 1 double room (140 cm bed) or 1 twin room (or both). Access via external staircase (not barrier-free). Heating available.
Privacy: Private bathroom with shower, hairdryer, complimentary toiletries, washing machine, and separate WC.
Shared living area: Spacious living room with dining and seating area, balcony, TV, DVD/CD player, books, and games for children and adults.
Refrigerator, coffee machine, kettle, and tableware available for use. Coffee and tea included; additional beverages available for a fee.
Outdoor area: Sunny garden with picnic area and garden furniture.
Extras: Wi-Fi throughout the house, fans, iron
Safety: Smoke detectors, fire extinguisher, motion sensors.

Prices

Prices per night including breakfast and tourist tax:
1 person: €75 | 2 persons: €80
3 persons: €145 | 4 persons: €150
Payment: Cash on arrival or in advance via PayPal or bank transfer
Invoice/receipt available on request.
Cancellation: Free up to 14 days before arrival; thereafter 25% owned. For stays of 4 nights or more: binding contract with 25% deposit.

Services

Vehicle & luggage: Free private parking; garage for bicycles/motorcycles (with e-bike charging); luggage storage.
Shuttle: Free transfer to Saintes SNCF station (upon arrangement).
Languages: German, French, and English spoken.
Special: Complimentary morning meditation with Monika or insider tips on culture and gastronomy from Serge. Guided tours and meditation sessions available as add-ons.

House Rules

Check-in: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm (hosts will welcome you personally whenever possible) | Check-out: by 10:00 am
Breakfast: Traditional; vegetarian or vegan on demand (7:00 am – 9:30 am)
Non-smoking house: Smoking and vaping are not permitted.
Neither pets nor parties are allowed.
We kindly ask you to keep noise to a minimum after 10:00 PM.
Visitors are welcome during the day only.

Activities & Surroundings

Nearby: Charente River (kayaking, canoeing, SUP, boat trips – 5 minutes), hiking, “Flow Vélo” cycling route, horseback riding, tennis, golf, mini-golf, swimming pool, hot air ballooning.
Culture in Saintes: Concerts, music festivals, markets (6 times a week with local and seafood specialities), numerous restaurants and bars in the old town (within walking distance or accessible by bus).
Sightseeing: Gallo-Roman amphitheater, Church of Saint-Eutrope (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Roman baths, Abbaye aux Dames, Saint-Pierre Cathedral, Germanicus Arch, museums (archaeology, fine arts, regional heritage).
Excursions: Château de la Roche Courbon, Paléosite, Atlantic coast (Marais d’Yves nature reserve), Parc Aventure de Fontdouce.
We are happy to share our personal advice with you! More information can be found on the official Saintes tourism website (link).

Accessibility

Address: 21 rue des Santones 17100 Saintes (click here for a link to Google maps)
Bus: “rue des Santones” stop (260 m)
Train/Car: Station (2.2 km), A10 motorway (2.5 km)
Airports: La Rochelle (78 km), Bordeaux (120 km)