Saintonge (French pronunciation: [sɛ̃tɔ̃ʒ]) is a small region and historical province on the Atlantic coast of France. It is within the département Charente-Maritime, west and south of Charente in the administrative region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine.Saintonge gets its name from the ancient Gallic tribe of the Santones who lived in this area. The capital is the city of Saintes.