Destination Saint-Georges-de-Didonne !

Saint-Georges-de-Didonne is a lovely small town located few kilometres away from the famous seaside resort of Royan. As attractive as its famous neighbour, Saint-Georges-de-Didonne offers great opportunities for holidays and relaxation! Here, there are various activities to do, a lot of accommodation and a beautiful seafront which is easy to explore thanks to the walkway along the beach. If you wish to spend holidays without using your car too much, you can opt for the bike and quickly get to Royan and around Saint-Georges.

All to the beach!

The star attraction in Saint-Georges-de-Didonne is the beach (well, it is you on the beach!). Here, we can swim, practice nautical and sporting activities, relax; tan or we can relax while walking for hours with the feeling of the water between the toes. The Grande Conche offers 3 km of sand; it is a pleasant bright and large beach. The tourists, due to its easy access appreciate it: car parks are available nearby. If you are looking for a bit of intimacy and nature, another bathing area is waiting for you, in the heart of the pine trees and maritime vegetation: The crique de Suzac, there is also the small beach at the harbour.

On the beach, many nautical activities are offered, you can practice (sometimes in the neighbouring communes):

• • Surfing
• • Sand yachting
• • Sailing
• • Sea kayak
• • Paddle boarding

The sea front, it is fab!

The sea front in Saint-Georges-de-Didonne has been developed with care, so everyone can enjoy it all year round. The Boulevard de la Côte de Beauté is bordered by the Velodyssée and which leads into the Sentier du littoral (littoral path), you can quickly reach Royan in this way, along the coast.

To amuse the kids, you can rent Rosalies: they are kind of bikes with 4 wheels, or terrestrial pedalos for several people. They have been around since the end of the 19th century and are often associated to the seaside towns. With Rosalies, there is no jealously, every one pedals! There are usually 4 wheels and from 3 to 8 seats. You can take the whole family and have a great time.

Une Rosalie, chez Cyclojet

What can we do? 10 ideas of activities

I have 10 suggestions for activities to do with your family or your friends. It’s impossible to get bored in Saint-Georges-de-Didonne!

• Go to the beach! OK, it is obvious and doesn’t count.
• Stroll in the beautiful pine trees of the Forest of Suzac, which is located to the south of the commune. You can go higher up to the Pointe de Suzac, which offers a beautiful panorama on the coast. It is a protected site, which is part of a coastal conservation programme: the Parc Naturel Marin de l'Estuaire de la Gironde et de la mer des Pertuis.

• Go for a walk at the Etang de la Briqueterie, which is part of a marshlands area on the commune. It is a municipal lake which allows to get away from the crowds on the beach, it offers a different panorama and a total change of scene. Fishermen also like it there.
• Another lake to discover with a picnic or for a stroll in a green setting: the Enlias lake. Concerts are organised there during the summer.
• Coming on holidays and enjoy one of the many cultural and musical festivals. Check the events calendar on the site of the Tourist Office. The Relais de la Côte de Beauté, also offers cultural events all year.
• Discover the heritage of the town: The 12th century Saint-Georges Church in the town centre. The Fort de Suzac, on the plateau above the forest of the same name: it was built during WW2 and bombarded by the Americans during the battles of liberation of the town. While walking in the streets, discover also: The logis de Lussinet, the Protestant Temple, the Hôtel des Postes...

• Go for a walk in the fishing village and at the stone built Phare de Vallières. There is a little garden nearby.
• Try the Saintongeaise cuisine and the regional specialties like the “Cagouilles” (snails), which are popular in Charente. Yummmm they are cooked with white wine.

Oysters are also to be savoured obviously. They are best consumed during the months with a “R”, did you know this was due to heat issues during the summer months, which made their transportation difficult. Nowadays they can be savoured all year, however they are still better outside the summer reproduction period. (There is a season for everything!). Do not miss the Pineau, the Cognac, the wine of Charente to accompany all of this and also the desserts and ice creams with “merveilles” (small

delicious donuts).

• Entertain the children with nautical activities but also a tree climbing adventure park close to the beach and a lovely mini-golf. There is also an equestrian centre and games for the children on the beach during summer time.
• Enjoy the pedestrian streets of the town centre to do some shopping, have a drink on a terrace and enjoy a nocturnal gourmet market from July.
• Go for a walk on the Route des Carrelets (fishing huts) to appreciate these typical type of constructions from the Charente Maritime.

The last word!

In Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, like everywhere on the coast, the population is multiplied by 10 during summer. Yes, you read it correctly by 10! The heliotropism, the good life in Charente explains this exceptional enthusiasm and this is the reason why many activities only open during the season and sometimes high season. There are however more and more shops, artisans and services providers available all year, so do not hesitate to come here on holidays all year. At that time, during the inter-season, it is very pleasant as you can enjoy a soft climate while being nearly alone in the world, on the huge beach all for yourself...

Have a great holidays in Saint-Georges-de-Didonne!

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