Another great walking day for the second half from St Jean d'Angely to Saintes (total of 32.2 km for the two days)--it never went above the low 70s. Although I glimpsed a short history of Saintes last night, seeing the Roman ruins here and there made it come to life. I arrived a bit after noon and had nearly four hours to squeeze lunch and sightseeing in before the pilgrims' refuge opened up. Incidentally, now just after 5:00 PM, all six bunks are taken--I got the last lower one.
First, I took a look at the old Abbey that has long ago been decommissioned as an Abbey. The church is still used but the quarters now serve as a hotel and facilities also provide for the EU's musical research center--first two pictures, followed by Roman victory arches at the bridge once allowing Romans to cross over the Charente River. Next, I visited the cathedral that has also been decommissioned as the cathedra of the bishop, but is still used as a church. I still had time, so I marched up to the amphitheater. Its condition had badly deteriorated over the two millennia but still gives good insights into the big picture of what goes on in an amphitheater.
I have been spoiled being the only one at most pilgrim facilities. Definitely came close to not having a lower bunk! The last two bottom pictures show St. Eutrope and just behind it a small refuge for pilgrims.
