Library's garden

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.