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Commune in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
Photo: Cobber17, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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Front de Mer
The seafront is a 600 m long built extension of the Grande-Conche beach, a transition between the city and the beach, and the liveliest part of the city during summer. This set of buildings were built in the "tropical modernist" style described in Understand above. The ground floor of the buildings forms a long shopping arcade with a variety of shops, restaurants, bars and cinemas. In the bar Le Regalty, famous French rock singer Alain Bashung (1947-2009) performed for the first time in 1963.
Port de Royan
After being destroyed in WWII, the port was rebuilt in 1965, enlarged in 1983 and 1993, and renovated in 2008. It's one of the most important marinas between Nantes and Arcachon and has space for 1000 boats, a fishing port and is the starting point for ferries across the river. It's lined by shops, restaurants and bars making up the Les Voûtes du Port mall. On Facebook.
Marché central
The central market, in the shape of an inverted seashell, was designed by Louis Simon and André Morisseau and opened in 1957. It served as a model for the CNIT building in the La Défense district of Paris.
France's oldest lighthouse, constructed between 1584 and 1611, and the tenth-tallest traditional lighthouse in the world. It's been nicknamed the "Versailles of the sea" and the "King of lighthouses and lighthouse of kings". In 2021 it was listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site. You can get in by your own boat or by tour - see the Do section for tour operators.
Phare de la Coubre
The Coubre lighthouse was built in 1905 at the mouth of the Gironde estuary. At a height of 64 m, it's the highest lighthouse on the Charente coast. More than 300 steps lead up to the top, from where there are fantastic views over the Coubre pine forest, Royan with surroundings, Oléron island and the coasts of Médoc. On Facebook.
Royan's Church of Our Lady was inaugurated in 1958 as the masterpiece of architect Guillaume Gillet. A "cathedral of concrete" both literally and figuratively, with a height of 36 metres it's higher than its more famous namesake in Paris. The building seats 2000 persons and is completely made of reinforced concrete and features modernist stained glass windows, including the work Assumption of the Virgin by Claude Idoux. It's organ is one of the largest in western France.
The oldest building in Royan, built in the 11th century. While it has not been entirely ruined during the times the town was destroyed, it has been damaged, repaired, rebuilt and modified. First built in Romanesque style, when it was repaired after the WWII bombings it became more simplified as there was a lack of money to reconstruct the finer details. The crypt below the bell tower houses an ossuary.
Another example of the "tropical" style, the church was designed by Jean Bauhain in 1952 who was inspired by the Saint-François de Pampulha in Belo Horizonte. Interesting features include the large ceramic tympanum depicting Virgin Mary and the stained glass windows by glass master L.Gouffault.
Protestant church designed by architects Marc Hébrard, René Baraton and Jean Bauhain and built between 1953 and 1957. This church too received its inspiration from Saint-François de Pampulha in Belo Horizonte. It houses an organ built by the Schwendekel factory.
A Neo-Gothic church built in 1891, that miraculously escaped the bombings of the Second World War. The interior is in mostly "Belle-Époque" style (statues, frescoes, organ) and it has an Art Deco high altar. The stained glass in the choir represents Virgin Mary surrounded by angels.
Plage de la Grande-Conche
A 2.6 km long magnificent beach of fine sand, this is the largest and most central of Royan's beaches. It ranges from the marina to the tip of Vallières, and is shaped like a shell, hence its French name translates to the Great Shell Beach. In season beach chairs and tents in yellow, blue and white (the colours of the city) are set up along the beach, and lifeguards patrol the beach from mid-June to early September from 11:00 to 19:00. Also events take place on the beach, most notably the "Un violon sur le sable" festival and the fireworks show on August 15.
Plage de Foncillon
Right in the heart of the city below the congress palace. In 1819, when Royan first became a resort, this beach was assigned as a beach for ladies only. Nowadays it's open to everybody, and popular with families as there are hardly any currents. Here too there are beach chairs and tents for rent.
Plage de Pontaillac
Once upon a time this was the beach for the upper class who went there wearing suits and gloves. After WWII however it has become a beach among the others and can get really busy. It's also popular with surfers, and there's a surf school and surf shops nearby. The casino sits right on the beach. Tents and beach chairs for rent.
Plage du Chay
A small and intimate beach with extremely fine sand set between two cliffs. The path leading to the beach from the centre has nice views over the Garonne estuary.
A botanical park of 7.5 ha near the Carel university. It has an impressive collection of orchids in a huge greenhouse, perhaps even the most extensive in Europe. The exterior comprises an English, Japanese and a Tuscan garden. Other exhibits include a large 1800 year old olive tree, a "labyrinth" of rainforest vegetation, an aromatic garden and a rose garden. On Facebook.
The Estuary Park is an extension of the protected Suzac Forest, and presents the fragile ecosystem of the region. There's a museum and guided parks tours. Set on a cliff, it offers amazing views of the surroundings. On Facebook.
The town of Meschers is famous for the Matata and Régulus caves. Dug out in cliffs next to the river, they were inhabited until the early 20th century. The Matata caves feature a museum showcasing underground life throughout the centuries, and a hotel and a crêperie. On Facebook.
Stand-up comedy festival going on for several weeks in February with both known and unknown talents performing. The shows seem to be just in French, though.
An event dedicated to skateboarding, BMX biking, inline skating, street football and similar "urban sports".
One of the biggest events in town, the "violin on the sand" festival can be considered the Woodstock of classical music, big enough to be broadcasted on national television. Established in 1987, it takes place in July for three days when up to almost 100 000 visitors come to sit on the beach to enjoy classical music. Performances include a wide range of music from baroque pieces to traditional songs. On Facebook.
Spectacle pyrosymphonique du 15 août
On 15 August each year, the biggest fireworks show on the French Atlantic coast takes place here, likewise gathering up to 100000 viewers on the beach. Each year the show is accompanied by a different music theme.
A local version of the fête des lumières in Lyon, ongoing since 2008. Light art and shows light up the streets of the town at nighttime. The main light and sound show is shown on the walls of the Notre-Dame church.
Tours to the Cordouan lighthouse, the lighthouses in the north of the Gironde estuary (Saint-Georges-de-Didonne passing Cordouan, Le Verdon and La Coubre) and discovery tours of the estuary. On Facebook.
Different circuit tours on the estuary, some with and others without stops. There are tours to the Cordouan lighthouse, Pointe de Grave and Port-Médoc, Meschers and its caves, Saint-Georges Bay and just to see the sunset on the sea. On Facebook.
Thalassotherapy (sea water therapy) center with massage, sea water bathing, solarium, spa, hammam, and gym. On Facebook.
Decorated in Middle Eastern style, the hammam offers warm baths and warm rooms and different treatments such as scrubs, wraps and massages. On Facebook.
Spa and "fish pedicure" (ichthyotherapy).
The main stadium, seating 7500 people on the grandstand is another grand building from the 1950s, nevertheless it was left partially unfinished. Its football field is the home of the local team RVAFC, moreover there are many indoor halls where handball and basketball games and boxing matches take place.
Two fields, used mainly for football, rugby and archery.
The home of the local rugby team RSR (Royan Saujon Rugby).
The heart of the Toutvent sports campus, the Espace Cordouan features a sports field, a boxing ring, and a weightlifting room.
One of the most important tennis complexes in the region, set next to the sea on the Chay cliff. It has 14 tennis courts (three of which are covered), lodging and a conference room.
Part of the La Triloterie sports campus, it has three clay courts.
Has three courts with artificial grass surface, three with acrylic Greenset surface, and two clay courts.
Squash center founded in 1983 with seven courts, three of which has movable walls. On Facebook.
Set in a pine forest, it's one of the largest golf courses in southwestern France. It features a 6-hole practice course, a 9-hole pitch and putt course and 18-hole green.
A mini golf course right in the middle of a public garden.
The Basque Country isn't far away and Royan has a fronton (court) for the Basque sport pelota, inaugurated in 1933.
Covered swimming pool, 25 m long and divided into 6 aisles.
A base for sea activities where you can rent many kinds of sea sports equipment. On Facebook.
Founded in 1993, this is the main surfing club of Royan. On Facebook.
Surfing school with certified teachers. You can learn surfing, bodyboarding and stand up paddle boarding here. On Facebook.
Opened in 2012, the city's skate park has a surface of about 870 m2 and a lot of different surfaces.
Part of the national Edenya gym chain.
Gym with equipment for weight lifting and muscle building as well as cardiovascular training, plus different fitness courses. On Facebook.
Gym, fitness and bodybuilding.
A 40 m high Ferris wheel in the port, first set up in 2010 (and set up there every year), with 144 seats. Offers great views of the city, its landmarks and the estuary. On Facebook.
A merry-go-round built in the same style as the rides that visitors could enjoyed in Royan's former version (before WWII). It's decorated with pictures of famous sites on southwestern France.
A park with different activities for children, such as tree climbing, adventure trails where one can learn about nature and plants, orientation and survival. On Facebook.
Covering more than 18 hectares of pine forest, it's one of the largest private zoos in Europe with 130 species and more than 1600 animals. The zoo is in the nearby resort of La Palmyre in the commune of Les Mathes. On Facebook.
Amusement park open every evening during high season. On Facebook.
At the entrance of Oléron island, this is a waterpark with attractions like water games, an artificial lagoon, a surfing area, huge slides and a wave pool.
A distant successor to the La Restauration casino established in 1880, it's the only casino in Royan nowadays. It features gambling machines, poker and table games. There are three restaurants (with sea views), four bars and a disco. Casual clothing during the day, more formal in the evening. On Facebook.
Different shows all around the year.
On Facebook.
On Facebook.
Pizzas, sandwiches and kebabs. House special pizzas include Périgourdine (with foie gras), Tropicale (chicken and pineapple) and Kebab (kebab meat, pineapple and mozzarella). On Facebook.
Pizzas and other snacks. Decorated with football paraphernalia and is a meeting place for Girondins de Bordeaux fans.
Sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers and kebabs. Discounts for students.
Popular takeaway pizza and sandwich place, also has pastas and salads.
Takeaway pizza.
Burger place at the seafront.
In business since 1977, serving different sweets from nougat to licorice and lollipops. On Facebook.
Artesanal ice cream, crêpes and waffles.
Indian and Pakistani restaurant - curry, tandoori, samosas, chicken and lamb tikka and similar dishes. On Facebook.
Moroccan restaurant with couscous and tagine dishes.
Fusion cuisine, outdoor seating.
Facing the sea with a large outdoor seating area, this place is a bar, brewery and restaurant. Seafood and local dishes on the menu.
Italian restaurant; mainly salads, pasta and pizzas on the menu.
Restaurant, brewery and ice-cream parlor. It specializes in moules frites, prepared in many different ways as well as many different salads. Outdoor seating with direct view to the marina and its boats.
On the Grande-Conche beach, divided into a Tiki-Nord and Tiki-Sud part and has outdoor seating. There's a buffet of vegetables and appetizers, and entrecôte, seafood and pizzas on the menu.
Asian buffet where you can eat as much you like of Chinese, Japanese and Thai dishes.
Seafood restaurant with local seafood specialties and moules frites.
Part of a national chain, this restaurant specializes in barbecued meat, ribs and hamburgers. On Facebook.
Both "land food" and "seafood" - the menu changes daily according to the day's catch and the mood of the chef.
Experimental takes on traditional cuisine with dishes such as spinach tiramisu with smoked salmon and filet mignon confit with garlic milk.
Mainly seafood from mussels to oysters but also has barbecued meat dishes on the menu. Outdoor seating option. On Facebook.
One of the main night spots of Royan, in the shopping arcades with view to the marina. Different theme nights, sushi bar. On Facebook.
At the Pontaillac seafront, this is a bar frequented by youth, tourists and surfers. Large outdoor seating, lot of drinks, and ice cream too.
Small bar in the Parc district, near the public gardens and tennis club. Varied clientele.
The nightclub of the casino with eclectic atmosphere and themed nights.
Three-star camping at the edge of the Parc district, some 900 m from Grande-Conche beach and 1.7 km from Saint-Georges-de-Didonne. On Facebook.
Three-star camping area. There's an "aquatic space" with a solarium, artificial lagoon, a heated pool and toboggans. On Facebook.
Four star camping area in a small forest of 4 ha. Heated pool, tennis and sports area. The Pontaillac beach and the casino are 300 m away. On Facebook.
Small hotel with 22 rooms of which 8 have a sea view and 8 a view to the estuary.
Two-star hotel with Wi-Fi, 150 m from Grande-Conche beach.
Small three-star hotel facing Grande-Conche beach.
In a 1930s building, the hotel has 40 rooms with flatscreen tv's and private bathroom. French, English and Spanish is spoken.
previously Hôtel Foncillon
Three-star hotel with 28 rooms. The hotel has a bar, Internet space, Wi-Fi and a souvenir shop. There's public parking nearby. On Facebook.
formerly Grand Hôtel de Cordouan (ex-Novotel)
A few metres from Chay beach, this hotel has 83 air-conditioned rooms with balcony, three of them adapted to disabled guests. It has a restaurant, bar and swimming pool.
Supermarket specializing in organic products.
Supermarket.
Neighborhood supermarket.
Neighborhood supermarket.
The largest retail centre of Royan, with a 6000 m2 hypermarket. Shops and parking in two storeys. Café, technology centre, filling station.
Discount supermarket.
Another large retail centre with a hypermarket of 3000 m2 and a lot of smaller stores.
Supermarket.
Supermarket.
Supermarket (former Carrefour), featuring a filling station.
Supermarket.
By train
Royan is served by a couple of regional express (TER) trains from Angoulême and Niort every day, and intercity trains in the high season.
By plane
In nearby Médis there's an airfield for general aviation.
By boat
TransGironde ferries sail across Gironde from Le Verdon-sur-Mer. The crossing takes about 20 minutes.
By bus
Local buses connect from La Rochelle, Rochefort and Saintes. The latter has train connections from for instance Bordeaux and Nantes.
By bike
The city is on the long-distance biking route EuroVelo 1 between Norway and Portugal. The route comes in from north and goes to the pier and continues by ferry across the river (see by boat above).
By foot
Long distance hiking route (grande randonnée) GR4 connects Royan with Grasse near Cannes.
By bus
Carabus operates local buses with dozens of lines going to the surrounding countryside and a couple in the city. The website has a route map.
By bike
In the 21st century the city has built a biking route network and has been promoting this form of transport. So biking is also a feasible way for getting around.
By car
Getting around by car is generally hassle-free but traffic jams are certainly possible in central Royan, around the beaches and in the Pontaillac district from mid-June to mid-September when there's…
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