Pons: Best Things to Do
SIGHTSEEING
Pons is obviously a nice destination to go sightseeing in historical sites. Église Saint-Vivien is a tourist attraction that mostly visited by travelers. This 12th-century church becomes one of the city's landmarks. You will find the Romanesque style with nice stained glass from its architecture. The church facade, stained glass window, outside view, and its baptistry are worth to enjoy.
Église Saint-Vivien
DOWNTOWN
Start your trip to the central square of Pons, Place de la Republique street. This area has several cultural sites with its historical story. Head to Donjon médiéval or known as Keep of Pons, a fantastic medieval tower with its exhibits. Designed in a 19th-century style, this tower looks impressive from the outside. Enjoy the Romanesque secular architecture and its excellent stonework. Do not forget to climb up to the top of tower to see the stunning city view.
Donjon médiéval
SHOPPING
Hunting souvenirs or gifts for your family is a must when you travel to another city. La Poupetterie is one of famous stores that offering hand-made souvenirs. There are plenty of original and cute stuff that you can buy as gifts. They sell unique accessories and home decor.
La Poupetterie
FOOD & DRINK
Since located in Poitou-Charentes area, seafood becomes an important part of cuisines in Pons city. Food made from oysters, sea bass, and mussels is easy to find in the city's restaurants. The iconic food you should try is Mouclade that made from mussels cooked with cream, saffron, white wine, and curry spice. The famous drink is Pineau, a great fortified wine made from adding unfermented grape.
CULTURE
Since located in Southwestern French, Pons city is culturally and architecturally diverse from other France region. The culture of Southwestern France is influenced by Spain and North Africa. While Pons has numerous national heritage sites that exist from the 12th century.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Pons city is between May and September. At this period of time, you will experience the loveliest weather that make you comfortable to explore the city.
HOTEL
Saint James House can be a perfect choice to stay in Pons city. This unique small hotel is a lovely homely place to stay that looks like a typical Frech house. This accommodation offers a sensational swimming pool, a sun terrace, and also a small garden. Les Balcons de la Seugne can be another option to experience 19th-century stay. Located in a scenic area near downtown, it offers visitors a relaxing and comfortable environment. This is one of the excellent starts to explore this interesting region of France.
Saint James House
Les Balcons de la Seugne
RESTAURANT
For your culinary experience, visit creperie Saint Jacques as one of the best restaurants in the city. It is a typical French restaurant that serves plenty of delicious menus. This restaurant also has homemade pancakes and waffles as its desserts. Another recommendation is La Florentine. This restaurant is located in Gemozac, about 10 km from the city. It offers you Italian dishes and also pizza. For vegan lovers, this restaurant is where you should go because they also provide plenty of veggie menus.
creperie Saint Jacques
La Florentine
CAFE
Get relax after exploring the entire city at Cafe du Donjon. This cafe set in a great square with beautiful buildings and garden. It is where you go when craving for the best steak in town. They also serve extensive and mouth watering menus for you. Or head to Le Donjon à Pizz' to enjoy various fabulous pizzas. This cafe is popular for its well cooked pizza at reasonable price.
Cafe du Donjon
Le Donjon à Pizz'
BAR AND NIGHTLIFE
Pons does not provide lots of bars and nightlife entertainments to visit. But you can go to Bar Tout Va Bien as one of the best bar in the city. Besides offering cocktails and beers, there is also an interesting tea-room inside. If you want to have some alcohol drinks with several food menus, go to Le Français. This is a mix of bar and restaurant located in the historical donjon medieval castle. It offers typical French food as well as plenty of selection of beers.
Bar Tout Va Bien
Le Français
INTERESTING PLACE
Hopital des Pelerins is one of the popular destinations in Pons city. This place was a hospital and now it changes to a museum. It is also listed as a UNESCO heritage site. The graffiti made by pilgrims are laid on the walls, reflecting what it was in the past era. Other historical sites to visit is Castle Plassac. It is located in Plassac, about 13 km outside the city. This medieval castle was first built in 1340 completed with park and garden.
Hopital des Pelerins
Castle Plassac
INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOT
Pons has few stunning spots for your instagram worthy. The Castle of Riddles is a great choice for you who love to captured historical sites. It is a magnificient castle of Italian Renaissance that famous for the first Escape Games in Charente Maritime. You can also explore the city's surroundings such as Basilique Saint Eutrope de Saintes. This masterpiece church was first built in 1081 bringing the Romanesque architecture. The great shape and its history on each sides will makes you amazed.
The Castle of Riddles
Basilique Saint Eutrope de Saintes
