a town of France, capital of an arrondissement in the department of Charente-Inferieure, on a hill on the left bank of the Charente, here crossed by a stone bridge, 43 miles S.E. of Rochelle. From whatever side it is viewed the town presents a very picturesque appearance. From the south it is approached through a fine avenue of trees; but in the interior it consists of irregularly-arranged, ill-built houses. The cathedral occupies the site of a church built by Charlemagne, and has an ancient portal and tower. Another fine old edifice is the church of St Entrope, which dates from the eleventh century. It is remarkable for a large and curious crypt. Two remains of the period of the Romans are still to be seen here: the amphitheatre, equal in size, but much inferior in beauty, to that of Nimes; and a triumphal arch of limestone, but of no great beauty, on the bridge. The latter bears inscriptions, recording it to have been built in honour of Germanicus, his father Drusus, and his uncle the Emperor Tiberius. Saintes is the seat of courts of law, a theatre, public library, college, museum, &c. Woolen fabrics, hosiery, leather, earthenware, &c., are manufactured here; and some trade is carried on in cognac brandy from the adjacent districts, as well as in corn and wool. Pop. (1856) 10,664.