Saintes and Saintonge, composition and cinematogrpahy by Mr. C. Gilbert. Saintes is a city of very old origins, going back to the times of Roman domination. Church of St Peter's, former cathedral. The Roman arch dates to 21AD and was palce in the middle ro a roman bridge which crossed the Charente and was destroyed in 1843. It was removed when the bridged was demolished and the arc was rebuilt nearby. Portal of the Abbaye-des-Dames (12th century). Saintes had the honor of counting among its inhabitants the great artist Bernard Palissy (1510-1589). It was at Saintes that he made his researches and discovered the secrets of cermics; here are a few examples of his work. Former Hotel of the Chamber of Notaries (18th century). The Gallo-Roman arenas, constructed in the 2nd century AD, and recently rediscovered, must have contained 20 to 25,000 spectators. This grand amphitheatre had 74 arcades, of which a few still stand. Oxen carts are still used throughout the region. Gate of the Castle of Crazannes, from the 15th century. The Saintonge is a fertile and charmign land. Some parts of groves recall Normandy. Old memories. Old costumes. End