AULNAY

About Aulnay What's In Aulnay Places To Visit Find Us

Where Is Aulnay?

Aulnay-de-Saintonge (more commonly known as Aulnay) is a charming rural commune located in the Charente-Maritime department of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in southwestern France. Nestled amidst rolling countryside and sunflower fields, Aulnay sits along one of the historic pilgrimage routes to Saint-Jacques de Compostelle (the Way of St. James), a 500-mile journey walked by pilgrims for over a thousand years.

Surrounded by fertile farmland and gently undulating landscapes, the village is known for its tranquil atmosphere and sense of timelessness. Whether you're driving through or pausing for a countryside walk, the area’s natural beauty is undeniable with a patchwork of fields, vineyards, and quiet hamlets.

Aulnay's location also places it within reach of the Atlantic coast, cities and several regional parks, making it a great stop for those looking to explore both cultural heritage and nature and bustling city life in the same trip.

Why Aulnay?

Despite its peaceful setting, Aulnay is one of the larger communes in the surrounding area and offers all the essentials (including shops, bakeries, restaurants, medical services, schools and more) while maintaining the slow pace of rural French life. Its central location makes it an excellent base for exploring Cognac, Saint-Jean-d'Angély, and even La Rochelle, with good road connections to each.

Aulnay is particularly well known for its Sunday market, a bustling weekly event that draws people from all over the region. Visitors come to enjoy fresh local produce, handmade goods, lively bars, and delicious food stalls. The Square becomes a social hub where locals and visitors alike gather to eat, drink, and spend the day catching up with friends, a quintessentially French experience.

In addition to its market, Aulnay supports a lively cultural scene. Small festivals, brocantes (vintage markets), and communal gatherings throughout the year celebrate everything from regional food to music and historical traditions. It’s the kind of place where newcomers are welcomed warmly and where life is centred around community.

Aulnay's Architectural Gem

The town’s crown jewel is the Church of Saint-Pierre d'Aulnay (Église St-Pierre), a Romanesque masterpiece built between 1120 and 1140. Recognized as one of the finest surviving examples of its kind in Europe, the church features intricate carvings, symbolic medieval motifs, and remarkable stonework. It is not only a spiritual stop for pilgrims but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its architectural and historical significance on the Saint-Jacques de Compostelle.

Visitors can admire its beautifully sculpted capitals, weather-worn but expressive gargoyles, and the profound sense of history the church exudes. Step inside and you’ll find a serene atmosphere, a perfect place for quiet reflection or simply appreciating craftsmanship that has survived nearly 900 years.

The church is also a favourite among history lovers and architecture enthusiasts, who often consider it a hidden treasure in comparison to the more frequently visited cathedrals of France.

Getting Around

While Aulnay is well-connected by road, public transport in the French countryside is limited, there are no local buses, so a car is essential for visiting surrounding towns, vineyards, or coastlines. The peaceful isolation is part of Aulnay’s charm, offering a true escape from urban bustle while still placing you within reach of larger cities.

For cyclists and walkers, the quiet country roads and well-maintained trails are ideal for exploring the region slowly. You'll pass vineyards, sunflower fields, small streams, and sleepy villages that haven't changed much in generations.

The nearest train station is in Saint-Jean-d'Angély, providing links to larger hubs such as La Rochelle, Bordeaux, or Paris. From there, it's a short scenic drive to the village, one that captures the essence of rural Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

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. (CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE)

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 Stadium

On the same road further up from The Church of Saint-Pierre d'Aulnay is The Aulnay Football Stadium and some free-use football fields with full size goals, a concrete futsal pitch (including basketball hoops) and there is also two tennis courts. The tennis courts 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 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.

Other Local Stores & Services

O Donjon Des Gourmets (Bakery)
Boulangerie de Centre (Bakery)
Intermarche (Supermarket)
Co-Op Aulnay-de-Saintonge (Local Store)
Pharmacie d'Aulnay (Pharmacy)
Orthodontiste à Colombes (Dentist)
Optique Desjardin (Opticians)
A Fleur de Pot (Florist)
Mobile & Computer Repair Store
Gift & Crafts Store
Brocante Store
Vétérinaire Les Carmes (Vets)
Doctors (English Speaking)
BS Coiff (Hairdressers)
Actuel Coiff (Hairdressers)
Tourism Office
Multiple Cashpoints
Electric Vehicle Charging Points
Fuel Station
And More...

Places To Visit

Saint Jean d'Angély - 9 Miles

Nearest town to Aulnay with several supermarkets and restaurants/ shops. A recommended restaurant ‘Le Scorlion’ is well worth a visit for a special meal.

Cognac - 22 Miles

Home of the large Cognac houses (including Hennessy, Remy Martin & Martell) and situated on the river Charente. You can book a tour at one of the Cognac houses, and maybe enjoy a cocktail in the roof top bar.

Saintes - 23 Miles

A lovely roman town with some beautiful architecture. It boasts a large Roman amphitheater, as well as some nice shops and a good selection of bars and restaurants. It is situated on the river Charente.

Coulon - 24 Miles

Considered to be the capital of the area known as the Green Venice, you can hire a boat here or just sit and and enjoy the scenery in one of the local cafes / restaurants.

La Rochelle - 49 Miles

Beautiful and lively city situated on the coast and its many shops and restaurants are scattered around the port.

Poitiers - 52 Miles

A university city of art and history. Lovely architecture including cathedral, churches and picturesque streets with half timbered houses.

Talmont (sur Gironde) - 60 Miles

Small but very pretty village on the coast, not too far from Royan. Once voted prettiest village in France, this place has some very photogenic streets lined with shops, cafes and restaurants.

Île de Ré - 63 Miles

A stunningly beautiful island reached via toll bridge from La Rochelle. Scattered with beautiful villages and beaches, the best way to explore is by bike (you can hire them pretty much anywhere there) since it isn’t a big island. The biggest village there is St Martin de Ré, and the island is famous for its salt production and lovely seafood.

Other Places To Visit

Towns & Cities

Dampierre-sur-Boutonne - 5 Miles
Melle - 16 Miles
Saint-Savinien - 18 Miles
Niort - 21 Miles
Jarnac - 24 Miles
Rochefort - 33 Miles
Angoulême - 40 Miles
Île d'Oléron - 52 Miles
Bordeaux - 81 Miles

Restaurants

Le Scorlion (St Jean d'Angely)
Les Sources du Moulin (Migré)
Restaurant 29 (Saintes)
Le Dallaison (Saintes)
Shalimar (Niort)