Saintonge facts for kids
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 Modern map showing the extent of the historical Saintonge province |
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 Location of Saintonge in France |
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| Country | France | ||
| Time zone | CET | ||
Saintonge is a small region and historical province on the Atlantic coast of France. It is within the département Charente-Maritime, west and south of Charente in the administrative region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Saintonge gets its name from the ancient Gallic tribe of the Santones who lived in this area. The capital is the city of Saintes.
The Saintonge was the center of the French Huguenots. Today, the region is famous for its production of the grapes that are used to produce cognac and Pineau des Charentes. Corn and fruit are also produced here. Salt was produced here which was considered at the time the best in France.
It was the birthplace of the explorer Jean Allefonsce and Samuel de Champlain who founded Quebec.
Saintongeais is spoken in the former provinces of Saintonge, Aunis, and Angoumois
Images for kids
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Saintonge jug (1275–1350) exported to London. Now in the Tower of London.
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Saintonge polychrome dish in the style of Bernard Palissy, mid-1500s, excavated in London. London Museum.
