Introduction
This guide provides a wealth of local knowledge and information about Royan, France and the surrounding area to ensure you make the most of your visit.
Use the links on the left to browse through Out & About, the directory of things to do and to see, or check out Background Briefings to get 'on the ground' local knowledge on topics such as the the best beaches or local cuisine!
Royan - a seaside resort ...
Royan has a long history as a seaside resort and benefits from a micro-climate on a par with the Mediterranean coast. It was one of the very first resorts in France to arise from the newly discovered fashion for sea-bathing at the start of the 20th century. It became very fashionable and wealthy visitors from Paris would set up home for the summer. The sight of a family dining on the beach with maids waiting at table was quite common and some very beautiful Belle Epoque houses were built during this time. Unfortunately much of this was destroyed during the Second War. Royan has however recovered from this setback and is once again very much the place that the French choose when they go on holiday.
Royan - beaches ...
Fantastic Atlantic coast beaches stretch for several kilometres either side of the town and are arguably the finest in France. They offer a choice ranging from child-friendly beaches near the town to the wild unspoilt beauty of the Cote Sauvage where you can find tranquility even in the height of the season. A walk down to the wide expanse of beach at the Cote Sauvage through the fragrant forest of Holm Oaks and Parasol Pines stays in the mind forever.
Plus ...
La Rochelle, Bordeaux, Cognac and Saintes are all close by as are vineyards, oyster beds, the Gironde and small fishing ports. Great restaurants and friendly people.
Ten Things to do on a visit to Royan:
Visit the atlantic coast beaches – the Grande Conche and the Front de Mer in the centre of the town, the superb stretches of informal sandy beaches of La Grande Cote but also the wild expanse of the Cote Sauvage.
Take the ferry from Royan across the Gironde to the vineyards and chateaux of the Medoc
Visit the Zoo at La Palmyre, probably the finest zoo in France
Walk along the seafront and admire the Belle Epoque villas that still remain as glimpse of what Royan was like in 1900.
Go to the village of Talmont and stand by the church that is perched on a cliff top and watch the early evening sun set into the Atlantic Ocean.
Visit Saintes – Roman history plus a sophisticated town where you can wander along the banks of the Charente river.
La Rochelle – arguably the prettiest city in France – great shopping, an ancient port and enough good restaurants to keep you busy for a month or more.
The market in Royan is the best in Charente-Maritime, if not France, and is open most days. Just wandering around seeing stalls offering an amazing variety of fish, meat, cheese, fruit and vegetables is a fantastic experience.
Eat oysters – the area around Royan is famous for producing oysters and mussels.
Cycle along the coastal path which stretches for miles and varies from seafront promenade (with its own cycle lane) to tracks through the pine forest.
Cognac and Pineau tasting – Royan is within the Appelation Cognac Controlee area and there are lots of local distilleries that offer tastings.
You can find out about all of these and much much more in this Guide. Enjoy your visit!
