About Aulnay
Where Is Aulnay?
Aulnay-de-Saintonge, commonly referred to as Aulnay, is a commune in the Charente-Maritime department region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. The town sits on one of the paths of the 500 mile pilgrimage to Saint Jacques de Compostela.
Why Aulnay?
Aulnay is one of the larger communes and has everything you could need with very good links to large towns and cities nearby. The Aulnay Market on a Sunday is famous locally, with people traveling to Aulnay for the bars, stalls, and food on offer while the locals spend all day socialising, drinking and eating on the Square.
Aulnay also has The Church of Saint-Pierre d'Aulnay (also known as Église St Pierre). Thought to have been built between 1120-1140, it is an important Medieval Church which is on the route de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle. The Church is known to be one of the finest surviving Romanesque churches. It is also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There are no buses in the French countryside, so to visit other places nearby you will need a car.
Main Places To Visit
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Saint Jean d'Angély - 9 Miles (Train Station) |
La Rochelle - 49 Miles (Airport) |
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Other Places To Visit
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Melle - 16 Miles |
Rochefort - 33 Miles |
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What's In Aulnay
Bars & Restaurants
Le Relais d'Aulnay (Bar & Restaurant)
Otherwise known as The Relais, was awarded Trip Advisor's Travelers' Choice Award 2022 for it's amazing homemade pizzas, traditional english pub food with a french twist and a great drink selection. The Relais is located a few minute walk from the Square. Visit their website for more information.
Restro-Bistro Le Neuf (Bar & Restaurant)
Le Neuf which initially started as a family-run restaurant serves French meals with fresh, local produce and specials depending on the season. There is a terrace at the front for food and drinks and a beer garden at the back which is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and during the day on Sundays. Visit their website for more information.
Pub Saint Jaques (Bar)
The local sports bar! With a large flat-screen TV, the owner Pascal shows a variety of popular sports and serves a wide range of drinks.
La Concorde (Bar & Restaurant)
This is a French bar for the locals which is also a tobacconist and a betting shop. These style of bars are known as PMU's throughout France. Throughout summer, there is a small courtyard at the back with a patio grill serving simple but nice French food.
Amenities
The Church of Saint-Pierre d'Aulnay
The Church of Saint-Pierre d'Aulnay (in French, Église Saint-Pierre d'Aulnay) is an important Medieval church on the way to Saint-Jacques de Compostelle. The Church is thought to have been built in 1120–1140. Numerous oriental influences can be seen in its designs. Numerous mouldings of the Church are visible at the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine in Paris.
The Charente-Maritime Swimming Pool
The Charente-Maritime Swimming Pool is an outdoor swimming pool located in a pleasant setting close to the Square. It is open throughout the summer season, at various times. The Charente-Maritime Swimming Pool is equipped with a large sports pool, a paddling pool for the little ones and a water slide.
The usual opening times for the summer are
June: Wednesday and Sunday: 14:00 - 18:00
July & August: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday: 14:00 - 19:00
See here for more information and opening times.
Aulnay Football Pitch
On the same road, further up, as The Church of Saint-Pierre d'Aulnay is The Aulnay Football Stadium and some free-use football fields with full size goals. along with a concrete futsal pitch including basketball hoops. There are also two tennis courts, these can be booked through the Aulnay Tourist Office.
Escale Gourmande (Takeaway)
On a Wednesday from approximately 18:00 until late, this takeaway-van parks on the Square and sells gourmet burgers and french snacks.
Mr T's Fish & Chips (Takeaway)
On a Thursday from 18:30 to 20:30 this takeaway-van with a full English Fish & Chip Range parks on the square and will even deliver your meal to a local bar while you have a drink.
Vincenzo's Pizza (Takeaway)
On Tuesday from 18:00 to 21:00 and Friday 18:00 to 21:00 this takeaway-van parks near the Office de Tourism for takeaway pizzas, please note, you must book these for collection as they get very busy, especially on a Friday.
Other Local Stores & Services
O Donjon Des Gourmets (Bakery)
Bariteau Benoît (Bakery)
Intermarche (Supermarket)
Co-Op Aulnay-de-Saintonge (Local Shop)
Pharmacie Duperat Agussan (Pharmacy)
Optique Desjardin (Opticians)
A Fleur de Pot (Florist)
Cabinet Vétérinaire Les Carmes (Vets)
Doctors (English Speaking)
BS Coiff (Hairdressers)
Actuel Coiff (Hairdressers)
Tourism Office
Multiple Cashpoints
Photos Of Aulnay
