Viva Saintes — Sites en Scène
Multidisciplinary festival celebrating the Gallo-Roman heritage of Saintes
About Viva Saintes
Saintes in Roman Times
Viva Saintes - Sites en Scène transforms Saintes into a living Gallo-Roman city for three days in mid-August. Led by the character of Caius Rufus, an important figure in Saintonge history, the city rediscovers its ancient identity through performances, activities, and festivities.
A Multidisciplinary Program
The festival offers live performances (theater, dance, circus), historical reenactments, concerts ranging from classical to DJ sets in the arena, and Gallo-Roman themed activities. The days feature workshops and demonstrations, while the evenings transform heritage sites into party venues.
Sites en Scène in Charente-Maritime
Viva Saintes is part of the Sites en Scène program, a major summer cultural event in Charente-Maritime that takes over 32 emblematic locations in the department with a varied program: street arts, theater, concerts, circus, and comedy.
Viva Saintes — edition 2026
In 2026, the Sites en Scène summer event in Saintes will be held under the theme « Dance with History », on August 13th and 14th, with street arts in the city center and major evenings in the Gallo-Roman Arenas.
Following previous editions of Viva Saintes, the 2026 edition of Sites en Scène takes the title « Dance with History » and takes over the heart of Saintes on August 13th and 14th, 2026. For two days, free street art activities will take place in the city center and public garden, before two major evenings in the exceptional setting of the Gallo-Roman Arenas.
On Thursday, August 13th, a Nostalgia Evening (free, by reservation) will animate the Arenas. On Friday, August 14th, the Feder Evening welcomes the DJ from Nice to the turntables for an electro concert in the Roman amphitheater (paid, by reservation). Food trucks and a bar will be on site.
The event is organized by the City of Saintes, in conjunction with the Charente-Maritime departmental Sites en Scène program.
Programme Viva Saintes 2026
Thursday, August 13th, 2026
- Day — Street art activities in the city center and public garden (free access)
- Nostalgia Evening at the Gallo-Roman Arenas (free, by reservation)
Friday, August 14th, 2026
- Day — Street art activities in the city center and public garden (free access)
- 10:00 PM — Feder Evening at the Gallo-Roman Arenas (doors open 7:30 PM) — DJ Feder concert, paid, by reservation
Highlights Viva Saintes 2026
- Live performances and Gallo-Roman reenactment
- Concerts and activities
- DJ sets at the arena
- Festivities in the historic sites
Prices Viva Saintes 2026
Practical information — Viva Saintes
Practical Information
Locations
Various heritage sites in Saintes: arena, gardens, historic center
Access
- By train: Saintes station
- By car: city center parking lots
- By bus: lines serving the city center
Program
- August 14: workshops and activities + DJ sets at the arena
- August 15: performance "La Naissance de Rome" + DJ sets at the arena
- August 16: banquet and free Nostalgie concert at Bassompierre
Prices
- Free entry for most activities
- Some performances are ticketed
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Where does it take place — Viva Saintes
Arènes gallo-romaines et centre-ville de Saintes