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Saint Georges de Didonne – Things to see and do in Saint-Georges-de-Didonne
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Looking for the perfect destination for your next holiday? Do you want to combine the pleasure of the sea, the beauty of nature, the richness of the heritage and the delights of gastronomy? Consider Saint Georges de Didonne, a charming seaside resort nestled in Charente-Maritime, not far from Royan, on the sublime Côte de Beauté.
This little paradise will enchant you with its unique location : between the majestic Atlantic, the Gironde estuary and the splendid forest of Suzac. Its extensive sandy beaches, impressive cliffs, its emblematic lighthouse and its port full of character make Saint-Georges-de-Didonne a must-see place.
Come and explore its fascinating history, marked by the audacity of the port’s pilots, the tumult of the Wars of Religion and the prestige of the 19th-century villas. Treat yourself to the pleasure of tasting the local specialties: succulent crabs, juicy plums and traditional Charentaise tarts.
Through this guide, we invite you to discover all the charms of Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, a city that promises to captivate your heart. Let’s discover it together!
The town of Saint-Georges-de-Didonne has a fascinating history, dating back to the Neolithic period. The fortified camp of Boube is an eloquent remnant of this. The Gallo-Roman era saw the erection of villas in Vallières and Suzac, leaving its mark on the landscape. The Middle Ages then elevated the town to the status of an influential lordship of Didonne, with the lords even being granted the title of princes of Saintonge.
The Château de Didonne, now in ruins, was the scene of decisive clashes between the English and the French, as well as between Catholics and Protestants. It was around the Cluniac priory and the imposing Romanesque church that the village of Saint-Georges took off, welcoming pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela.
The commune of Saint-Georges-de-Didonne enjoys a privileged geographical position, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean, the Gironde estuary, and the Suzac forest. This location offers a panorama of diverse landscapes, from fine sandy beaches to steep cliffs, marshes and vineyard hillsides. The Pointe de Vallières, overlooking the mouth of the Gironde, is home to the Vallières lighthouse, erected in 1901, an unmissable symbol of the city.
The Suzac forest, covering an area of 400 hectares, represents a protected ecosystem of great richness in terms of fauna and flora.
The oceanic climate of Saint-Georges-de-Didonne translates into mild winters and temperate summers. The distribution of precipitation throughout the year favours peaks in autumn and winter. With an average annual temperature of 14°C, which can reach 26°C in August and 5°C in January, the local climate is an undeniable asset for tourism.
This mild climate, coupled with the natural, historical and cultural riches of the region, attracts many holidaymakers in search of relaxation, adventure and gastronomic discoveries.
Discover the charm of Saint-Georges-de-Didonne with its carefully landscaped waterfront, offering magnificent views of the ocean and estuary. The Grande Plage, stretching over nearly 3 km of fine sand, is ideal for relaxing, while the more secret beach of Vallières, surrounded by cliffs, promises privacy and beauty. These beaches, supervised during the summer, are perfect for lovers of water sports such as sand yachting, stand-up paddle or jet-skiing.
Erected between 1898 and 1902, the Vallières lighthouse stands proudly above the port and the Gironde estuary, offering a breathtaking panorama. This historic monument, 36 m high and with 144 steps, is a must-see in the city. In the surrounding area, the port of Saint-Georges-de-Didonne is a real picturesque corner where you can watch the comings and goings of the boats and discover the remains of the pilots’ houses.
The Pointe de Suzac, located on the border with Meschers-sur-Gironde, is a haven of peace for nature lovers and hikers. Protected and rich in biodiversity, it offers landscapes where Mediterranean and Atlantic species rub shoulders, as well as vestiges of its military past such as the Fort de Suzac or the blockhouses of the Second World War.
Saint-Georges-de-Didonne is home to a rich historical and architectural heritage. Be sure to visit the Church of St. George, a jewel of the twelfth century and witness to the history of the pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela. The ruins of the Château de Didonne, remnants of a powerful medieval lordship, as well as the charming streets of the town centre, lined with seaside villas and Charente houses, will also seduce you.
Saint-Georges-de-Didonne is an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced provider, you will find what you are looking for among the many offers offered by local clubs and service providers.
You can enjoy water skiing, jet-skiing, sand yachting, stand-up paddle boarding, surfing, kayaking or Polynesian canoeing. You can also take advantage of boat trips to discover the Gironde estuary, the Cordouan lighthouse or the
troglodyte caves
of Meschers.
Saint-Georges-de-Didonne also offers you the opportunity to discover its varied and contrasting landscapes on foot or by bike. You can take the coastal path, which runs along the beaches, cliffs, the port and the lighthouse of Vallières, and which will offer you breathtaking views of the ocean and the estuary. You can also explore the Suzac Forest, a protected natural area, which is home to a diverse fauna and flora, as well as traces of the site’s military past.
Finally, you can stroll through the narrow streets of the city centre, where historical monuments and seaside villas rub shoulders.
Saint-Georges-de-Didonne invites you to discover its covered market, open all year round under the covered market, offering quality local products . You can find seasonal fruit and vegetables , fresh fish, meat, cheese, bread, pastries, flowers and regional specialities, such as crabs, melt-in-the-mouth plums or Charentaise tarts.
In the summer, the market extends outside, on the market square, the market street and the rue d’Alger.
Saint-Georges-de-Didonne also offers a rich and varied cultural agenda , allowing you to enjoy shows, concerts, conferences, exhibitions, cinema or theatre throughout the year. In particular, you will be able to attend the Créa Cinéma Le Relais, offering films followed by debates or conferences, hosted by the Unipop association. You can also take part in the annual events that punctuate the life of the city, such as the carnival, the egg hunt, the Royan U Côte de Beauté marathon, the Comedy and Salt Water festival or the kite festival.
It is clear that Saint-Georges-de-Didonne has all the elements to conquer your heart. If you are looking for moments of relaxation, cultural immersion, adventures in the heart of nature or a gourmet getaway, this charming seaside resort will meet all your expectations.
Treat yourself to the pleasure of discovering its beautiful beaches, its iconic lighthouse, its lush forests, its rich heritage, its vibrant market, variety of activities and events available all year round. Don’t wait any longer, plan your visit to Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, a multifaceted place ready to welcome you!
Is it good to live in Saint-Georges-de-Didonne? According to the feedback of its inhabitants and visitors, this city charms with its mild climate, its many sports and cultural activities, as well as its reputation for having the most beautiful urban beach on the coast of beauty.
However, its attractiveness is tempered by a high share of retirees and second homes, factors contributing to less dynamism and rising living costs.
The markets of Saint-Georges-de-Didonne enliven the city with their diversity:
The splendid beach of Saint-Georges-de-Didonne stretches for more than 2 km. Close to the city centre, it is designed for the comfort of visitors, while towards the Pointe de Suzac, it becomes wilder and more natural.
The city of Saint-Georges-de-Didonne is led by Mr. François Richaud, elected in 2020 for a six-year term.
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