Background

Musée Échevinage: A Fine Arts Gem in Saintes

Explore fine arts from the 15th to 20th centuries in Saintes' historic former town hall, a cultural treasure in the heart of the city.

★★★★★4.3 (116)

Housed in Saintes' former town hall, the Musée Échevinage showcases a collection of fine arts, primarily paintings from the 15th to 20th centuries, including sculptures and Sèvres porcelain. The building itself, with its 16th-century belfry and 18th-century facade, is a historical monument.

Plan your visit

A brief summary to Museum Échevinage

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

📍
29 ter, Rue Alsace-Lorraine, Saintes, 17100, FR
Tuesday
10 am-6 pm
Wednesday
10 am-6 pm
Thursday
10 am-6 pm
Friday
10 am-6 pm
Saturday
10 am-6 pm
Sunday
10 am-6 pm

Explore places near Museum Échevinage

    See all →

    Unlock the Best of Museum Échevinage

    Find tickets, tours with entry, and experiences available for this location.

    Buy tickets

    No tickets available

    Book tours with entry

    No tours with entry available

    Book tours without entry

    No tours without entry available

    Getting There

    Walking

    The Musée Échevinage is located in the heart of Saintes, on Rue Alsace-Lorraine, a pedestrian street. From Place Saint-Pierre, walk along Rue Alsace-Lorraine, heading towards the belfry. The museum will be on your left. The walk is short and straightforward.

    Public Transport

    The BUSS network serves the city of Saintes. Several bus lines stop near the city center. From the Gare de Saintes SNCF, take line A towards Les Côteaux and get off at La Poste. From there, walk along Rue Alsace-Lorraine to reach the museum. A single ticket costs €1.10.

    Taxi

    Taxis are available in Saintes. From the Gare de Saintes SNCF, a taxi ride to the Musée Échevinage will take approximately 5-10 minutes. The estimated fare is between €8 and €15, depending on traffic and time of day.

    Local tips

    Visit on a weekday to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience.
    Check the museum's website for information on temporary exhibitions and special events.
    Combine your visit with a stroll along Rue Alsace-Lorraine, the main pedestrian street, to explore the historic city center.

    Discover more about Museum Échevinage

    The Musée Échevinage, located in the heart of Saintes, France, offers visitors a journey through artistic movements from the 15th to the 20th centuries. Housed in the city's former town hall, the museum's building is a historical landmark, featuring a belfry dating back to 1587 and an 18th-century facade. The museum's collection includes paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and Sèvres porcelain. Visitors can admire works representing various artistic trends, such as Orientalism, neoclassicism, romanticism, realism, and regionalism. The museum also features works by painters from the Saintonge and Bordeaux schools, including Louis-Augustin Auguin. Notable paintings include 'Allégorie de la terre' by Jan Brueghel, 'Marmiton with his mullets' by Joseph Bail, and 'Bord de Charente near Port Berteau' by Gustave Courbet. One of the museum's unique features is a dedicated space for works on the theme of children, presented in a playful way. The building's architecture, with its octagonal belfry and monumental portal, adds to the charm of the museum experience. The Musée Échevinage is a must-see for art enthusiasts and those interested in the history of Saintes.
    Mobile App
    Get the app

    Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

    Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.

    File:Entrance La Rochelle old harbor.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

    More about Poitou Charentes

    Discover Poitou-Charentes: Experience medieval towns, coastal beauty, and exquisite gastronomy in this enchanting French region.

    Tell me more about Poitou Charentes

    Select Currency

    Choose the currency you want prices to display in.