Royan, located on the Côte de Beauté in southwest France, is a stylish seaside resort known for its 1950s architecture, long sandy beaches, and family-friendly atmosphere. With plenty of attractions and things to do, Royan offers everything from water sports and boat trips to coastal walks and lively markets. Don’t miss a visit to the striking Notre-Dame church, strolls around the marina, or a fun day out at the nearby Zoo de La Palmyre.

Things to do in Royan

Architecture and Royan

Royan is a town full of character, shaped by Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. As you walk through the streets, you’ll spot beautiful Belle-Époque villas like Villa Caprice, La Rose Rouge, and Espérance. Much of Royan was rebuilt after 1945, giving it a bold and modern look. Its unique style mixes 1950s design with Brazilian influences from famous architects like Oscar Niemeyer and Lucio Costa.
Le Carrelets

No visit to Royan is complete without seeing the iconic carrelets—traditional fishing huts perched on stilts along the Gironde estuary. Stretching from Saint-Sorlin-de-Conac to Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, these wooden structures with their square fishing nets have become a symbol of the Charente coastline and have featured on postcards since the 19th century.
Royan Museum

Installed in the old Pontaillac market, this building from the 1950s traces the history of Royan. From the origins of the city in Antiquity through the development of seaside tourism, the German occupation, the resistance and finally the rebuild.

Culture and Activities

Food

Fresh fish and shellfish: oysters, mussels, smoked sardines... Poitou star cheese, angelica pancakes, local beer, Crab from Royan...

Unmissable Trips

Royan museum, PlanetExotica, La Coubre lighthouse, Cordouan lighthouse, Notre-Dame de Royan church, Hèbre museum, La Coubre headland, La Palmyre Zoo, Island d'Oléron, The Broue tower...

Sports

Sailing, windsurfing, surfing, scuba diving, horse riding, golf, squash, tennis, boxing, urban sports and skate park, shooting, fencing, parachuting, aviation… In our seaside campsites: nearby beaches, horse riding , slides, swimming pool, paddling pool...

Outdoor Activities

Beaches

Whether on the beaches of La Tremblade, Ronce-les-Bains, Palmyre or Les Mathes, you can relax while enjoying the warm sand and calm waters of the region. Do not hesitate to take a walk on the lovely Grande Conche beach to admire the famous striped beach tents, you will not be disappointed with this spectacle worthy of a postcard setting.

Surfing

Watersports enthusiasts will be charmed by the Pontaillac area, a real oasis for surfers in the region. Take your equipment to our campsites in Royan and let's go!

Equestrian Centre

Our campsite La Pignade offers you an equestrian centre! In our other campsites near Royan, you will find other providers offering horseback riding to enjoy throughout the day.

Not to be Missed

Coubre Lighthouse

Take your cameras with you, this lighthouse is very photogenic! Enjoy an eco-museum that explains the characteristics of this lighthouse. Did you know it's one of the highest in Europe.
Royan Port

This large port is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Royan. It is close to the Siblu La Pignade campsite and also to Bonne Anse Plage. In the summer, you can admire the magnificent sunsets over the harbour.
Cordouan Lighthouse

Located 7km off the coast of Royan, the Cordouan Lighthouse is the oldest in France and a stunning Renaissance-style monument. Only accessible by boat at low tide, it offers a unique and family-friendly adventure, with guided visits available from April to October.

La Galette Charentaise

Coquilles Saint Jacques

Royannaise Chicken

Mouclades of Royan

Galettes Saintongeaises

Pineau from Charentes

Day Trips

Palmyre Zoo

Palmyre zoo allows you to observe more than 1,600 animals of 115 different species on a 4km route. To fully visit the park, you'll need to allow about 4 hours.

Mouettes Train

For a trip back in time and a fabulous family experience, take the Mouettes Train from Saujon to La Grève. This railway line, opened in 1876 and formerly dedicated to the transport of Oysters, is classified as a historical monument!

Towns Saintes and Rochefort

Set along the Charente River, the town of Saintes is rich in history, with impressive Gallo-Roman landmarks like the amphitheatre and the Arch of Germanicus. Don’t miss the Abbaye aux Dames and the striking Saint-Eutrope Church. Nearby, Rochefort is known for the Corderie Royale, the historic rope-making factory that once supplied France’s Royal Navy.

8.1/10 - 645 reviews
La Pignade

Charente Maritime
-
La Tremblade Ronce-les-bains
- Superb aquatic area
- Riding stable
- 3km from the beaches
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8.4/10 - 729 reviews
Bonne Anse Plage

Charente Maritime
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La Palmyre-Les Mathes
- Wonderful pool complex
- 3km from the beaches
- Under the pines
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8.2/10 - 1604 reviews
Les Charmettes

Charente Maritime
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La Palmyre-Les Mathes
- Superb aquatic area
- Access to the beach by bike
- Family activities
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