Library's garden

Located in the town centre, this beautiful garden is surrounded by an old Jacobin's monastery that is now the public library. Between the vegetation and the water, this place is a haven of peace. The Dominican arrived in Saintes during the 13th-14th century. The chapel is dated of the 15th century, but only the eastern part remains, the nave was demolished. In 1883 and then in 1914, the eau-de-vie trader M. Martineau became the owner. Thanks to his contacts in the artistic circle, he asked some famous earthenwave workers and glass-makers. So the ensemble represents the 19th century style and the Art Nouveau style. The Jardin Martineau includes many shrubs and perennials. By taking the main alley we discover, along the way, a circular basin embellished with a rockery fountain. Decorated with fish, the basin is delimited from the path by an old-looking stone pavement. It is also adorned with rockery all along the shrubs. Old benches, made of steel and wood, are positioned on either side of the pond. This south-facing space enjoys the most intense sunlight, which is accentuated by the reflection of the sun on the white stone of the facades.