The Royan Top 10: the best things to do during your holidays in Royan!

Royan is a popular seaside destination offering a unique blend of retro charm and modernity. Known for its fine sandy beaches, remarkable architecture and lively atmosphere, Royan is a dynamic city that is full of activities for visitors. In this article, we present the 10 essentials not to be missed during your stay in Royan.

Opening photo credit: AdobeStock / Bernard GIRARDIN

1 - Relaxation on the beaches of Royan

Start your holiday by going to relax on the magnificent beaches of Royan. Whether you prefer Grande Conche beach with its fine sand and iconic 1950s architecture, or the wilder beaches of the Côte Sauvage, you will find your little corner of paradise to enjoy the sun and the Atlantic Ocean.

2 - Visit of the Notre-Dame de Royan church

Whether you like religious buildings or not, this one will not leave you indifferent. Its architecture is absolutely unique. Admire the Notre-Dame church, a masterpiece of modernity. Rebuilt after the Second World War, this church surprises with its original design and bright interior. Be sure to climb to the top to enjoy a panoramic view of the city!

3 - Promenade on the seafront and at the port

Royan's seafront is a favorite place for walking. Take in the stunning views of the ocean and beaches as you stroll along the boardwalk. Kids love the rides and coin-operated machines next to the gift shops! Stop at one of the many cafes or restaurants to taste local specialties while admiring the scenery. Push to the port of Royan with its wooden grating, stroll to admire the boats.

4 - Go shopping one morning at the central market

Soak up the lively atmosphere of Royan by visiting the central market. You will find a wide variety of fresh produce, seafood (humm, Marennes oysters!), cheeses, local wines and crafts. This is the ideal place to unearth souvenirs or to put together a picnic with regional products. You will particularly appreciate its shell-shaped architecture (all in reinforced concrete), a feat of modernity at the time of its construction.

5 - Excursion to the Gironde estuary

Take advantage of your stay in Royan to explore the Gironde estuary. Board a boat for a relaxing cruise and discover the beautiful landscapes, unspoiled islands and picturesque cliffside villages that line the estuary.

6 - The Royan coastal path

The Royan coastal path is a beautiful walk that runs along the coast. It is a little after Royan, on the section from Vaux-sur-Mer to Saint-Palais that it is the prettiest. A little steep at times, it's a walk that the whole family will enjoy looking at the pretty villages facing the ocean and in the distance, the Cordouan lighthouse.

7 - Excursion to the Cordouan lighthouse and boat trip

Discover the Cordouan lighthouse, an architectural gem located at the mouth of the Gironde estuary. This UNESCO World Heritage lighthouse is considered the "king of lighthouses". You can visit it during a boat trip from Royan (from the port of Royan).

8 - Surfing and nautical activities in Royan

Royan offers many possibilities for nautical activities. Whether you want to surf, sail, paddle or jet-ski, you will find providers offering equipment and lessons suitable for all levels. They are mostly in the city center, find out from the Tourist Office.

9 - Outing to the Royan casino

End your stay in Royan with an evening at the casino. Test your luck at the table games or slot machines, attend live shows or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere of this emblematic establishment of the city. You can also have lunch or dinner at the restaurant of the Casino de Royan, which in addition to enjoying a beautiful view, offers generous and quality meals.

10 - Spend the day in an extraordinary park to please the children

Discover Planet Exotica, a very singular park with a multitude of activities, walks, games to do there. You will easily spend a day strolling in the gardens, seeing the shows, meeting the animals and reptiles of yesterday and today, in a magical setting.

Royan, with its seaside charm, remarkable architecture and varied activities, is an unmissable destination in Charente-Maritime. Good holidays !

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