|
|
Royan – a phoenix town
The town of Royan, which is located on the Atlantic coast of France, just north of the Gironde estuary, is something of a “phoenix” town. It has risen triumphantly from its own ashes (it was almost totally destroyed in the second world war) to become the holiday capital of the Gironde region. Sad though it is that there is so little of the historic town left, Royan is at the same time a shining example of the modernist style of architecture. And the environment (despite liberal usage of concrete in the structures!) is actually extremely pleasant and conducive to fun and relaxation.
|
How would you like your beaches, sir?
Royan, unusually, offers a great choice of beaches. This is one of the few places where you can choose the traditional pleasures of the long, sandy beach (the south facing Grande Conche stretches for some 2,650 metres) or the secluded delights of the many little bays that nestle, secretively, between the rocky crags that characterise the Atlantic coast. All offer safe bathing, and you can take you pick from the sheltered to the windswept. Royan is situated on the stretch of Atlantic coastline that is known as the Coast of Beauty... and it has not gained this name for nothing!
|
Royan’s fishing port and marina
Royan has a lively fishing port, and the little fleet still leaves daily to trawl the ocean for its treasures that will find their way onto the restaurant tables that evening. Royan is also renowned for its superb sailing and water sports centre, the Nautical Space, which offers some three and a half hectares of safe sailing waters amongst other sea related entertainments!
|
Water sports galore
Royan is truly dedicated to water sports, and along its beaches you can find expert instruction in all manner of sports including sailing, catamaranning, water skiing, surfing, windsurfing, parascending, hydroplaning and kayaking. Highly trained technical advisers are also on hand who will tell you about prevailing weather and sea conditions, advise on safety issues and generally ensure that you have good and safe time.
|
Other activities on offer
If, by any chance, you should find yourself in Royan and not want to partake in sea and beach sports... what else can you do? Well, there is an excellent golf course and a salt water swimming pool. There are tennis courts, lovely walking trails which also serve horse riders and cyclists, and around and about the glorious countryside and pretty villages of the Charente-Maritime, all yours to discover.
|
Royan town offers excellent shopping and more
Amongst all the glory of the beaches it is still worth remembering that Royan town has a lot to offer too. Here you can find exceptional shopping, with supermarkets, designer boutiques, surfing stores and a superb covered market. There are restaurants and cafés and bars of all shapes, sizes and persuasions, and two casinos waiting to part you from your cash! Culture buffs can find lots to interest them, with a great and varied programme of events ranging from concerts to sailing regattas and art exhibitions. Among the sites of interest locally is the Cathedral of Royan, constructed in Modern style between 1955 and 1958.
|
How to get there
Reaching Royan from the UK is simple, thanks to the proximity of two airports, La Rochelle and Bordeaux, and the fact that there is a railway station in the town that links to larger TGV lines at Bordeaux and Poitiers. La Rochelle is served by Ryanair, flybe and easyJet, while Bordeaux is served by British airways, flybe, bmibaby, Aer Lingus and easyJet. If you are driving down from the northern ferry ports you will need to allow around eight hours.
|
Property prices and availability in and around Royan
Royan is a popular resort, so property prices are higher than in less well known places further inland. However, when compared to other seaside resorts in France, such as those on the Côte d'Azur, and in parts of Brittany, prices are still reasonable and allow the possibility of finding a bargain.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
HOTELS IN ROYAN
* online booking & great prices
* up-to-the-minute availability
* unbiased hotel reviews
* full confirmation with directions |
|
 |
|
4/5