What's On guide for visitors to Royan

and the surrounding area including La Rochelle, Ile d'Oléron & Ile de Ré

Asian Hornets in Royan

Posted on: February 22nd, 2019 by Editor

Asian Hornets in RoyanAsian Hornets are expected to become more common in Royan area in the next three weeks, as temperatures start to rise, and the animals come out of hibernation.[/caption]

Asian hornets (Vespa velutina) arrived in France in around 2004, and have now spread throughout much of the country.

Although their venom is not more powerful than that of normal bees or wasps, they are sometimes known to be aggressive towards humans even from a distance, and - like most insect stings - can cause fatal anaphylactic shock in allergic people.

What to look out for

Vespa velutina queens are up to 3 cm in length; workers up to 25 mm
Entirely dark brown or black velvety body, bordered with a fine yellow band
Only one band on the abdomen - the 4th abdominal segment almost entirely yellow/orange
Head black with an orange-yellow face
Vespa velutina is a day flying species which, unlike the European hornet, usually ceases activity at dusk

FESTIVAL PYRO-MÉLODIQUE

Posted on: August 1st, 2017 by Editor

This festival of fireworks and music looks like being a fantastic spectacle. It takes place on 15 August on the Grand Conche beach at Royan at 10:00 pm. Entry is free. (Grand Conche is the main beach at Royan.)

FÊTE DE LA MUSIQUE 2017

Posted on: June 1st, 2017 by Editor

Fête de la Musique in Royan

The Fête de la Musique is an open-air event taking place in the streets, squares, public gardens, courtyards and railway halls around Royan on 21 June 2017 starting at 6pm. The musicians are invited to perform voluntarily and all the events are free for the public.

Infos and inscriptions: service Culture et Patrimoine

La Grande Roue

Posted on: May 9th, 2017 by Editor

La Grande Roue is open on esplanade near to the port. You can easily see it from anywhere along the beach at Royan. At 40 metres high, it is not the London Eye but still good fun and a great view over the coast and Royan town. Opening times are May, June and September 2 pm to 8 pm on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. In July and August the big wheel is open everyday from open daily from 10 am to 1 am. Tarif €5

PARC A DIT JOUEZ !

Posted on: April 29th, 2017 by Editor

Park said Play

Outdoor family entertainment: giant games, wooden games, board games for all, early childhood space: toys and motricity, inflatable structures and more...

Entry free.

Sunday, July 30, Saturday 5 and Sunday August 6 from 2 to 7 pm in the gardens of Parc de Royan, Avenue Emile Zola.

The markets in Royan

Posted on: April 9th, 2017 by Editor

The main market in Royan is an event not to be missed. Fresh foods of every description and the chance to join in the hustle and bustle of French Life. Located in Rue Pierre Loti, at the end furthest from the sea. The market is open daily from 7 am to 1 pm and extends into the nearby streets on Wednesday and Sunday.

There is a much smaller food market (which the locals believe only they know about!) called Marché du Parc in rue des Semis. Open from Tuesday to Sunday including public holidays from 15 June to 15 September
7h00-13h00.

[If you are interested in visiting other markets, the Guide has details of the best regular markets in nearby towns and of antiques and brocante markets which take place on particular dates throughout the year.]

UN VIOLON SUR LE SABLE 2017

Posted on: March 29th, 2017 by Editor

This annual festival of classical music takes place outdoors on the main beach at Royan each July and attracts tens of thousands of spectators over a four day period. It is undoubtedly the most popular and important 'spectacle' of the Royan tourist season and is certainly not to be missed.

You can book tickets for the formal seating (price about 30 euros per person) from the ticket kiosk on the seafront or online. Alternatively you can simply turn up and find a spot on the beach or the promenade to watch the spectacle free of charge on what will, hopefully, be balmy, starry summer evenings!

In 2017 the performances take place on 22, 25, 28 and 30 July and if you are in Royan at this time you really must see it.

Dogs on the beach at Royan?

Posted on: March 28th, 2017 by Editor

interdit-chien

We sometimes get asked about dogs being taken onto the beach. The situation is that dogs are not allowed on the beaches at Royan during the summer (more precisely 1st April to 15 October). This is apparently on 'public hygiene' grounds and you are likely to find this a fairly common situation on many beaches in France nowadays.

Mosquitoes

Posted on: March 5th, 2017 by Editor

It may come as something of a surprise but the area inland from Royan can suffer badly some years from mosquitoes - the large areas of standing water in the Marais provide a breeding ground for these insects. Mosquities can be seen in the area from early Spring depending on weather conditions.

A website has been set up which gives up to date information (in French) about the levels of mosquitoes in each region. This link is the page for Charente-Maritime which includes Royan. The French for mosquito is les moustiques.

It is probably a good idea to go prepared if you are sensitive to mosquito bites particularly if you are staying in the countryside inland from Royan.