Royan
Royan - discover the main town on the Côte de Beauté and enjoy good times with your family
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Royan - is a pretty town on the Côte de Beauté in the Charente-Maritime region. Part of a community of communes, it is a well-known family seaside resort.
The town is famous for its long beach, the Grande Conche de Royan, lined with houses of remarkable architecture. Royan is located at the entrance to Gironde estuary. It's a well-known family seaside resort.
Royan was partially destroyed during the Second World War, but some architecturally interesting houses remain. The reconstructions of the 1950s are now well known.
Royan's different districts are remarkable: the Halles district, with all its shops, the seafrontwhere you'll find plenty of restaurants; The park district, calm and relaxing, with the large conche nearby, and the Pontaillac districtvery well known.
Royan's districts and monuments
Pontaillac district
Pontaillac in Royan is one of Royan's neighborhoods, located between the central town of Royan and the town of Vaux Sur Mer.
In the area, you'll find the beaches of Pontaillac in Royan and is considered a family beach that is also a surfing opportunity. It's one of Royan's best-known surfing spots. However, Pontaillac is also famous for its casino, which is located in the middle of Royan's Pontaillac beach, right in the sand. The promenade has been renovated, and restaurants and bars with terraces are located close to the beach.
Cordouan lighthouse
The lighthouse is located in the commune of Verdon sur Mer, not far from Royan, at the entrance to the Gironde estuary, on the Atlantic Ocean, This is the oldest lighthouse in France still in operation. It's the oldest lighthouse in France still in operation, a monument to the past that belongs to the French state, which entrusts its upkeep to us.
It is located on the Cordouan cliffs It is located on the Cordouan cliffs the rugged Cordouan plateau, more than 6 km from the coastline located on the property of the commune of Verdon sur Mer, in the Gironde department.
Today, it stands 68 metres high and is the most visible landmark in the Gironde estuary. With a diameter of 16 meters, it is one of the ten most impressive lighthouses in the world. It is white and built of limestone. It is located in Saintonge and along the Charente coast.
Notre Dame de Royan church
Notre Dame de Royan church a church located in Royan, Charente Maritime, on the Côte de Beauté.
It is distinguished by its elliptical shape 45 m long. It's easy to recognize because it's compared with vessels. It is also distinguished by its modern style, with the widespread use of rough concrete.
It is located right next to the site of the former neo-Gothic Notre-Dame church, built in 1874. It was destroyed in the 1945 bombings.
After the Second World War, the’architect Guillaume Gillet was chosen to build the new church with two engineers, Bernard Lafaille and René Sarget.
Royan Convention Center
Visit Palais des Congrès de Royan est one of the most important monuments on the waterfront of Royan. It has been listed as a historic monument since 2011. Architect Claude Ferret designed the Palais des Congrès. The architect was assisted by Pierre Marmouget and André Courtois.
The Palais des Congrès is located right on the waterfront, in the middle of the Foncillon beach between the Pointe du Chay and the port of Royan (yachting and fishing), near the Royan ferry, which spans the Gironde estuary and links up with the Pointe de la Grave, and the Ferris wheel.
The Palais des Congrès was built in the 1950s, from 1954 to 1957. It was renovated in the 1970s under the direction of architects Marc Quentin and Michel Legrand. The new stairwell fresco was commissioned from artist Nadu Marsaudon in 1977.
The monument has a cubist shape in reinforced concrete, and also has staircases on the outside in an oblique form. The existing glass wall was built in the 1970s. A cube with a transparent surface was added at the same time.
Royan market
Royan's central market is an extremely well known place in Royan in Charente Maritime and renowned for its architecture, and the fresh produce it offers. The market is open all year round, and you'll be amazed by the 1950s architecture.
It's possible to get lost for a few minutes on foot in this lively neighborhood, particularly in the alleyways, where the vendors are located. You can have a coffee nearby, or go shopping along boulevard Aristide Briand. The central market is located at 72 rue Pierre Loti, in the center of town and close to the seafront.
Planet Exotica
Planet Exotica or Planète Exotique in Royan is a zoological and botanical garden, The park is located in Royan, Charente Maritime, not far from the stadium, swimming pool and train station. The park covers more than 7 hectares and was created following a development plan initiated by the Pousseau marshes.
The park was formerly known as the “Gardens of the World”. It is home to over 250 species of reptiles and a wide variety of plants. The park is made up of different areas, each with its own theme, such as the reptile greenhouse, the dinosaur park and the Indian village, as well as the garden and plants and the mini-farm. There are also outdoor and indoor areas for children and the museum, collections, laboratory and nurseries.
Planet Exotica in Royan is the ideal park for parents with young children to visit. It's an excellent alternative to long hours spent on the Grande Conche beach or on the beaches of the Côte Sauvage. It's also a good alternative to La Palmyre zoo. Educational programs are organized throughout the day, and there's a fast-food area where you can eat on site.
To find out more, visit the park's website and that of its partner institutions. The park is open daily from February to December.
Things to see at Planet Exotica
The park has three zones dedicated to the study of animals, including the amphibian and reptile zone, the invertebrate and insect zones and the mammal zone.
Both zones are located indoors and offer the chance to observe and discover the best-known and strangest animals. The Mammal Zone is located outside, allowing you to explore Planet Exotica in a whole new light.
Planet Exotica's plant spaces are diverse. There are many areas to explore: the Japanese garden; the desert garden; the bamboo labyrinth; the tropical greenhouse; etc... Nature lovers won't want to miss out!
The dinosaur park is located outside, near the animal park and the plant area (Japanese garden). Here you'll find a host of almost life-size fake dinosaurs (be careful not to scratch them), sure to delight young and old alike. The Indian village is located outside, opposite the animal areas. In addition to the tippies, you can also watch the horse show in season. The park also boasts a nursery where you can observe newborn animals. Great fun for children and adults alike.
The park has two children's areas: one indoors and one outdoors. Both are sure to keep children entertained, with indoor games and an outdoor trampoline.
The Beaches of Royan
Discover the Beaches of Royan on the Côte de Beauté Conches, coves, long sandy beaches, hidden beaches. This section will help you discover the most beautiful beaches in and around Royan. Here's what you'll find:
Long sandy beaches
The best-known beach is la Grande Conche in the town of Royan. The beach at St Georges de Didonne is also a long, sandy, family-friendly beach.
Grande Conche Beach
Royan beach called the Grande Conche beach is located in Royan, Charente Maritime, and is without doubt one of the city's most beautiful beaches for families. There are plenty of beach activities like sand yachting, for example... Plage de la Grande Conche stretches over 2600 meters, and in high season there's plenty of room for everyone.
It's the ideal place to relax and sunbathe, alone or with the family. It's easy to get to in the town of Royan, either by walking or by parking in one of the many nearby parking lots.
From the beach, you can walk to St Georges de Didonne, and relax on its family-friendly beach. You can also walk to Royan town center for some shopping or an alcoholic beverage. You can also go to Meschers sur Gironde.
The beach at Saint Georges de Didonne
The beach at St Georges de Didonne is a long sandy beach in Saint Georges de Didonne, in Charente Maritime, on the Côte de Beauté. This beach is perfect for families. There aren't many waves. It's perfect for young children. There's plenty of opportunity for sailing and water sports. There are first-aid posts and toilets on the beach. Also in the immediate vicinity, you'll find the St Georges sailing club, a merry-go-round and shops (ice-cream parlors, bar-restaurants, etc.).
The shoreline of Saint Georges de Didonne extends from the Pointe de Suzac, with the former accrobranche, located near the estuary parks, to the center of the sea near the Vallieres lighthouse and the Saint Georges marina.
Beaches north of Royan
Further north, you'll find small conches - beaches framed by cliffs and rocks - such as plage de Foncillon, plage de Chay, plage de Pontaillac, plage de Nauzan and plage des bureaux in St Palais sur Mer.
Pontaillac beach in Royan
Pontaillac beach is a excellent sandy beach, 400 metres long. It is frequented and admired by locals and tourists alike. It is located in the commune of Pontaillac, just north of the town of Royan, within the boundaries of the commune of Vaux Sur Mer.
It's located in an urban area that includes the Casino de Royan and two restaurants in the central part, and on either side of the architecturally impressive houses and rocks that form the cliffs, where you can swim, with lifeguards on duty during July and August. But you can also try your hand at bodyboarding or surfing, as the area is recognized by surfers as a place to fall back in case of big waves. The promenade along the Pontaillac coast has been renovated and offers spectacular views over the region.
There's also a kids' club and a sailing and surfing club, and deckchairs are available for hire during the season. There's also a pétanque court to the west. Across the road is an 18-hole mini-golf course.
On the opposite side of the road, along the beach, you can stroll and enjoy the terraces of restaurants, bars and ice-cream parlors. Please note that pets are not allowed. It's easy to reach Royan's seafront from Pontaillac or Vaux Sur Mer beaches.
Nauzan Beach
Visit Nauzan beach in Vaux sur Mer is located along the magnificent Charente Maritime coastline, also known as Vaux sur Mer beach, in the communes of Vaux sur Mer and Saint Palais sur Mer. It is the longest and widest beach in the town of Vaux sur Mer.
This family beach is very popular during the summer months. It's actually an uninhabited cove surrounded by rocky cliffs.
It's famous for its waves, and there are plenty of surfers when the swell gets too big on this wild coast. The beach is supervised during the season and also has a sailing school. The left-hand side of the beach is reserved for water-based activities. There is also a children's activity during the high season.
The beach also has a promenade, where night markets and concerts are held. On the beach, you can discover the famous restaurant and bar “la maison blanche”, appreciated for its festive atmosphere. Les Conches is surrounded by a footpath that used to be the customs road.
Saint Palais sur Mer beach
The beaches of Saint-Palais sur Mer on the beach of splendor located in Charente Maritime, also called the office beach is located in the city centerIt's renowned for being the perfect place for shopping, leisure and recreation, but also for its landscape of cliffs, rocks and stunning houses, impressive for their architecture, most of which dates back to the Belle Epoque.
The beach is a beautiful sandy beach with lifeguard surveillance during the summer months, and offers all amenities accessible to the disabled: shower, toilet, swimming pool and kids' club, for example... However, dogs are not allowed and water sports are not permitted.
Close to the office beach are Plage du Platin and Pont du Diable, as well as Plage de Concie, also known as the immense coast. You'll have a great time with the whole family at Saint Palais sur Mer beach.
The beaches of the wild coast
Then there are the Grande Cote beaches: long beaches that are more vulnerable to the elements and swell. To the north are the shores of the wild coast, where swimming can be more risky.
The wild coast is the part of the coast starting from the Pointe de la Coubre, near the boundary of the commune of Les Mathes La Palmyre, and extending to the Pointe d'Espagne, near the town of Ronce les Bains, in the commune of La Tremblade.
This coastline features a 20-kilometre-long beach, with numerous dunes in the background, as well as the immense forests of La Coubre.
The wild coast lies at the western end of the Arvert peninsula, making it more vulnerable to swell and sea currents. It's a popular spot for windsurfing and kite surfing. It's worth mentioning that the wild coast is a dangerous area, particularly for swimming, which is not recommended, and for surfing, as the beach near the La Coubre lighthouse.
The sandy beach, which stretches from north to south of the Côte de Beauté, is divided into numbered sections and is located around 15 kilometers north of the town of Royan. It can be reached via the towns of Ronce les Bains, La Tremblade and also Saint Palais sur Mer or Vaux sur Mer. In the towns of Meschers sur Gironde, or Saint Georges de Didonne, the journey will be a little longer, especially in high season, when there's an abundance of tourism.
To get to the coast in its wild state, you can use the cycle path that runs through the Coubre forest and along the coast, or take advantage of the departmental road 25, which offers many views of the coast.
The wild coast
In fact, we should be talking about côte sauvage beach because the beach stretches for over 20 kilometers between the town of La Palmyre and the town of Ronce-les-Bains.
The beautiful beach is segmented into numbered sections, making it easy to find. The beaches are well known to locals for their distinctive features. For example, beach 46 has a parking area and is easily accessible via the dune. You don't have to travel far. Beach 46 is also known as a popular surfing spot, as is beach 44.
You can reach the beaches of the Côte Sauvage from the towns of Ronce les Bains, La Tremblade and Saint Palais sur Mer or Vaux sur Mer. If you start from Meschers sur Gironde, or Saint Georges de Didonne, you'll have a slightly longer journey time, and at the height of summer with the tourists, it can take a little longer.
The wild coast is located in the ocean and is not protected by islands or the entrance to the estuary like other Ryan beaches. It is therefore subject to currents and swells.
It's a popular spot for windsurfing, kite surfing and windsurfing (to a lesser extent).
Be aware that swimming on the coast's wild beaches can be risky due to currents and waves.
The beaches of the Gironde estuary
To the south, the beaches of the Gironde estuary are also situated between troglodyte caves and cliffs, ideal for families.
The Gironde estuary is an estuary in south-western France, forming the dividing line between the Charente Maritime department to the north and the Gironde department to the south. The Gironde estuary shares a common border with two rivers, the Garonne and the Dordogne. The banks of the Gironde have a rich and varied history, and constitute an important heritage, including historic buildings and sites and preserved natural areas. However, the estuary is a lively place, thanks to fishing activities and the transport of boats in the port of Bordeaux, as well as tourist activities such as beach and pleasure boats...
Nuns' Beach
Nuns' Beach is one of Mescher's best-known beachess. Located between the beaches of Les Vergnes and the Cadet conch, it boasts a sailing center and two bar-restaurants, including the famous Bikki Beach (formerly Tina's Cafe). Water sports activities include the Meschers sea circle.
Around Plage des Nonnes, you'll find Plage des Vergnes, and the smaller Plage de l'Arneche, as well as Anse de Cadet, where legend has it that Cadet was a pirate who was able to lure ships onto the rocks to steal their treasures.
Just a few minutes from the beach, it's also possible to visit the town center, which is centered around the local church of Meschers, where you can find the market as well as a number of stores and restaurants within walking distance. The area is very lively during the summer months.
From the church, it's easy to get to the port of Meschers and also to climb the Meschers cliffs to find the famous carrelets. Nearby are the Nonnes beach, the Vergnes beach and the small Arneche beach.
Arneche beach
Arneche beach is located near the coastal road that crosses the Gironde estuary between Meschers and Sainte Georges. It's a small cove, and access is not easy.
The beach is a tiny sandy beach in a cove surrounded by the limestone forest cliffs typical of the banks of the Gironde estuary.
It is located near Vergnes beach and Suzac beach, at the end of the Suzac forest.
Nearby, you'll find the famous Suzac beach. If you head towards Meschers, you'll find Plage des Nonnes and its famous bikki beach, as well as Anse Cadet, which is literally surrounded by soaring cliffs.
The path to the beach isn't easy, but you can get there via an uphill path, and you have to climb the steps to reach the sandy beach or the rocks.
Around Royan
La Palmyre
La Palmyre near St Palais sur Mer is a tourist area that forms part of the commune of Les Mathes- La Palmyre is located in the Charente Maritime region, north of Royan and at the entrance to the La Coubre forest.
In summer, it's a lively region, ideally located in the Bonne Anse bay, at the start of the wild coastline and its long sandy beaches renowned for their waves. La Palmyre is also the ideal place to start mountain biking in the forests of La Coubre.
It is possible to visit La Palmyre zoo, You'll also be able to make the most of our leisure facilities: La Palmyre golf course, sailing club, beach, etc...
From La Palmyre, you're just a few minutes from St Palais sur Mer, Pontaillac, Royan and the towns of St Georges de Didonne, Meschers sur Gironde, Talmont and the Gironde estuary.
Nearby is the famous La Coubre lighthouse, easily accessible by bike - by taking the cycle path in the direction of Ronce-les-Bains, which crosses the coast and the forest area of La Coubre - or by car, with the possibility of parking in the parking lot provided. At the La Coubre lighthouse, you can visit the museum and then relax on the nearby beach.
La Palmyre zoo near Royan is a wildlife park located in the Charente Maritime region of France.
La Palmyre Zoo is located in the commune of Les Mathes, and more precisely in the district (town) of La Palmyre, between the communes of Saint Palais sur Mer and the town of La Tremblade.
From Royan, you can take the coastal road through Pontaillac, Vaux sur Mer and Saint Palais sur Mer, then the D25 and choose the D25 G which bypasses the town of Royan.
When you arrive on the island of Oléron, from La Tremblade or Ronce-les-bains, you can take the coastal road that follows the wild coastline through the La Coubre forest.
There are two large parking lots near the zoo: the first is on the La Palmyre side and the second on the Saint Palais sur Mer side. Both are free of charge.
The zoo is home to over 1,600 animals of 110 species, including 28 primates. The zoo boasts over 200 births a year. You can see reptiles, mammals and birds. It's difficult to describe all the species of animals you can see, but we'll mention the alpaca and the Poitou monkey, the American bison and the cheetah, as well as the western lowland gorilla, the hippopotamus, the lynx and the wild dog, and so on...
Among the avifauna, let's not forget the macaw, ostrich, cockatoo, stork, crane, flamingo, ibis, Cape penguin, etc...
The reptile section includes the boa constrictor, the green anaconda, the Nile crocodile, the green iguana, the royal python...
La Palmyre is an ideal place to take parents with young children. It's a pleasant alternative to spending a long time on the beaches of the Grande Conche or the wild coast. It's also an excellent complement to the Planet Exotica park. Educational activities are planned throughout the day, and fast-food outlets allow guests to eat on site.
To find out more, visit the park's website or one of our partners.
La Palmyre Zoo is open every day from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm? the zoo is open all year round, including public holidays.
In 2022, to go to La Palmyre zoo near Royan, the cost is 19 euros for an adult and 15 euros for children aged three to twelve. Children under three are free.
Saint Palais sur Mer
St Palais Sur Mer is a charming waterfront town, overlooking the famous Cordouan lighthouse, and ideally situated between Royan, Pontaillac, Vaux-Sur-Mer and La Tremblade, Ronce-les-Bains. From St Palais Sur Mer, you can easily access the wild beaches of the coastline, and relax on the natural beaches and ocean waves.
The town of Saint Palais sur Mer stands out for its typical houses preserved from the Second World War, as well as its quiet, wooded neighborhoods. It boasts lively small town centers in summer, and is located close to the beach, which is the ideal place for the office.
Vaux sur Mer
Vaux sur Mer is a small coastal town located between Royan and, more specifically, Pontaillac and St Palais Sur Mer. It lies at the end of the Gironde estuary, on the “cote de beauté”, and boasts numerous beaches that are extremely popular in summer, some of them popular surf spots.
You can walk along the coast on the coastal path, or the Vélodyssée. There's also the market, which takes place on Place François-Courtot every Tuesday and Saturday in low season, and all day in August and July.
Meschers sur Gironde
The town of Meschers is famous for its spectacular cliffs and troglodyte caves, its small beaches typical of the region, and its family-friendly lifestyle. As the gateway to France's Gironde estuary and the Côte de Beauté, close to Royan and St Palais Sur Mer, and ideally located just a few blocks from Talmont sur Gironde and Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, you can enjoy its small beaches framed by cliffs, its family theme park, its small daily market in summer... But don't leave before visiting the carrelets, small huts built into the cliffs and spanning the Gironde estuary, which were once used for fishing.
Talmont Sur Gironde
Talmont sur Gironde is a village on the right bank of the Gironde estuary, close to the towns of Meschers sur Gironde and St Georges de Didonne. It is remarkable for its location on a peninsula. It was once a “fortified” town. It's a pleasure to stroll through the narrow streets lined with hollyhocks.
You can enjoy the typical little port overlooking the customs residence, as well as the church of Ste Radegonde overlooking the Gironde estuary and the cemetery, bursting with hollyhocks in season.
Talmont sur Gironde is an ideal place for a relaxing vacation, and also a gateway to explore the Gironde estuary and discover small villages like Mortagne sur Gironde, or visit the fortress of Blaye.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Royan
When is the best time to visit Royan?
The best time to visit Royan is from May to September. Summer is ideal for enjoying the beaches and water sports, while spring and early autumn offer a pleasant climate with fewer tourists.
What are the must-see beaches in Royan?
- Grande Conche Beach Ideal for swimming and families.
- Pontaillac Beach Perfect for surfers and casino enthusiasts.
- Chay Beach small and intimate.
- Saint-Georges-de-Didonne beach nearby, perfect for walks.
What sights should you see in Royan?
- Church of Notre-Dame de Royan a masterpiece of modern architecture.
- Central Market An emblematic place to discover local products.
- Planet Exotica A park with reptiles and exotic plants.
- Cordouan Lighthouse Lighthouse: accessible by boat, it is the oldest lighthouse in France still in operation.
What to do in Royan when it rains?
- Visit the Royan museum to learn more about local history.
- Explore Planet Exotica and its tropical greenhouses.
- Take advantage casinos and bars in Pontaillac.
- Relaxing in a spa or a wellness center.
What are the typical dishes to try in Royan?
- Oysters from Marennes-Oléron.
- The Charentaise mouclade (mussels with cream and curry sauce).
- Mussel écladesbaked under a bed of pine needles.
- Pineau des Charentesa sweet wine emblematic of the region.
What are Royan's annual events?
- Les Fêtes de la Mer in July.
- Violons sur le Sable Festivala classical concert on the beach.
- The Royan Vintage Festivalcelebrating the 50s and 60s.
- Night markets during the summer.
Can you visit Royan without a car?
Yes, Royan is a well-connected city by public transport, and it's easy to get around on foot or by bike. A network of buses and boats also makes it easy to explore the surrounding area, including Le Verdon-sur-Mer and Ile d'Oléron.
Where are the best places to go for a walk in Royan?
- The coastal path to admire the coastline.
- Estuaire Park for a panoramic view of the Gironde.
- The port of RoyanIt's a lively place, perfect for an evening stroll.
