Royan
Royan is located on the western coast of France, in the Charente-Maritime department, to the northern side of the Gironde estuary.
In the early decades of the 20th century Royan was a popular seaside resort. Some fascinating architectural houses from this period can be seen at Pontaillac.
Most of the original town centre was destroyed in 1945 during WWII bombardments (later shown to be unnecessary and with a terrible cost - up to 3,000 civilians were killed during the attack on the town that no longer contained any Germans). As a result, the city we can visit today has been built during the course of the last 50 years - with some successes, and some less successful additions.
The first monument that you will notice is the Royan Church of Notre-Dame. A tall construction that towers over the town and is resolutely modern (in a 1950's way) you will either love its tall concrete lines...or hate them. Whichever it is be sure to take a look inside where the theme is continued.
Another style of 1950's church can be seen at the Church Notre-Dame de l'Assomption. There are also a couple of original churches in Royan - including the much restored Church of Saint-Pierre.
But perhaps you don't come to Royan for the churches! Undoubtedly the big attraction here for most visitors is the proximity to very pleasant beaches, sandy and gently sloping so perfect for children.
The promenade along Royan seafront is also very pleasant, with gardens and trees planted along the route, and low-rise apartment blocks and shops lining the back of the seafront. Full credit to whever kept the buildings to two stories in height.
If you like gardens, be sure to head to the extensive 'Gardens of the World' at the north of the town, for a chance to see all types of garden - from Japanese to Mediterranean, carefully recreated.
Royan itself has a lively centre, with plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants. You are also unlikely to miss another 'modernist' design in Royan - the Central Market - with a roof that to me at least resembles some kind of giant seashell. Not necessarily a beautiful structure, but a great place to get your fresh fruit and fish.
The other big highlight is the harbour - quite substantial in size and housing a great number of pleasure craft, as well as an active fishing fleet. You can take boat trips along the coast from the harbour, or just enjoy the atmosphere.
Incidentally for me the most impressive modern building in Royan was the Palace of Congress, built in 1957 in a sort of 'bauhaus meets prefab' box design. Well I like it!
Nearby
South of Royan at Meschers you can visit the Grottes de Régulus, a substantial troglodyte settlement - some slightly curious 'period settings and re-enactments' don't detract from the attractive setting on the Gironde estuary.
Visit Royan (Poitou-Charentes, Charente-Maritime) travel, gites and hotels
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The Royan hotels listed feature descriptions, guest reviews, ratings, location maps, online booking etc. as well as the 'best-price' guarantee. The search for hotels in Royan is provided by booking.com. General holiday / vacation options- See Poitou-Charentes gites for Royan holiday rentals - Holiday villages in Poitou-Charentes Holidays nearbyLooking for something close by? See a wide choice of hotels, holiday villages and holiday rentals at: VisitSee Visit Royan for places to visit near Royan including: a detailed map, villages in bloom and most beautiful villages DiscussAsk questions or leave a comment about Royan in our Poitou-Charentes forum Airports near RoyanAngouleme airport at 138 km Bordeaux airport at 94 km La Rochelle airport at 64 km Royan property for saleSee Poitou-Charentes property for sale
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Tourist Classifications for Royan
- Town is "Ville Fleurie category 4" (ie good attention to gardens and flowers)
- approved Station Classée (resort paying particular attention to facilities for tourism)
Places to visit near Royan, France
Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Royan.
Some places to visit within 30 km: 
26 km: Brouage (17th century fortifications) 17 km: La Palmyre (zoo and seaside village) 11 km: Meschers-sur-Gironde (seaside resort & cliff dwellings) 16 km: Talmont (Most beautiful village)
See also Royan (version Francais)
