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Bernezac.com - Royan, from the 20th Century to the 21st Century, France, French Atlantic Coast

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Royan

to discover

the Grande Conche

the Sea Front

Notre-Dame Church

the harbour

the Central Market

sea bathing history

the reconstruction

learn french in Royan

Thalassotherapy

To see, north to south

The "Marais Poitevin"

La Rochelle

Island of Ré

Island of Aix

Fouras

Rochefort

Madame Island

Island of Oléron

Marennes

Brouage

Ronce-les-Bains

La Tremblade

Mornac-sur-Seudre

La Palmyre

Saint-Palais-sur-Mer

Vaux-sur-Mer

Royan

Saint-Georges-de-
Didonne

Meschers

Talmont

Mortagne-sur-Gironde

Blaye

To do

Cycling

Boat trips

Sailing

Golf

Riding

Jogging

The market

Thalassotherapy

Drives through the vineyards

Drives through the marshes

Drives through the forest

Walks

To know

The Romanesque Art

Rochefort

The Citadel of Brouage

The Citadel of Blaye

The lighthouses

The forest of La Coubre

The marshes

The "Marais Poitevin"

The carrelets

The ostreiculture

Vine and wines

To taste

Wines

Cognac

Pineau

Oysters

Mussels

Sea food

"Terroir" products

The restaurants

 

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Royan, a town which has evolved well during the last decades of the 20th Century 

The development of Royan is inseparable from that of the region of Poitou-Charente and from the development of its neighbours, Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, Vaux-sur-Mer, La Palmyre.

Le pont sur la Charente à Rochefort

First of all, the improvement in communications has been a priority for the region. The ferries were replaced by an impressive series of bridges.
The bridge to the island of Oléron was opened in 1966, the bridge to Seudre in 1972, the bridge to the island of Ré in 1988, Rochefort's bridge on the Charente in 1991.

La plage de la Grande Conche

The A10 motorway, Paris-Bordeaux, was finished in 1981.

With the improvement of the road from Saintes, Royan is now only half an hour from the exit n°35 on the A10 motorway.

The arrival of the motorway had a similar effect on Royan as the connection to the Paris-Bordeaux railway line made in 1875.

Le port de pêche en 1960 fishing port in 1960

The region is now less than five hours away from Paris by road and it has began to see a steady flow of visitors not only holiday-makers during the summer season but tourists also arrive during the rest of the year, for long weekends and the school holidays.

The construction of holiday homes is rapidly expanding. The housing development in the coastal zones and in the country areas has multiplied and new developments form around the old villages.

The fishing port was moved in 1983 to make room for the extension of the yachting marina.

It is easy to be nostalgic about the boats which used to off-load their catches directly on to the fishmongers' stalls set up in the port, and to remember the smell of shrimps cooked on the quay, which one bought wrapped in a paper cornet to eat whilst strolling along.

But it is impossible not to appreciate the renewal of the environment. The vaults have been gradually developed into cafes, restaurants, artists’ galleries, potteries...

The harbour has become a fashionable and very busy place, particularly in the evening, when jazz bands play, perhaps a little bit to the detriment of the sea front establishments which don't measure up to the expectations of the new generation of tourists. Tastes in eating and in music have changed.

Then, in 1991, the time came for the sea front to be brought up-to-date and renewed..

The terrace cafes and restaurants were made to harmonise with the restored facades which were revived with the original red paint. This restoration gave a completely new look to the sea front.

The extension of the yachting marina with the new jetty in the axis of l’avenue du marché, allows one to step back and view the true architectural splendour of Royan, which is enhanced by the magnificent floral displays that can be seen everywhere.

Le Front de Mer rénové

Sponsored Links

Bonne Anse Chalets

Extensive hire fleet in 35 acres of pine forest, 4-star facilities, direct access to the beach.

Palmyre Loisirs
Campsite, 4 stars. Universe of sports and games,  in a sunny pine forest.

Palmyr Oceana
Campsite between the beaches of La Palmyre and La Grande Côte, and the town centre of La Palmyre.

Ma Maison de Mer
Guest House, B&B, situated in a fantastic location, 150m from the beach and 200m from the town center. Open all year

Hôtel Résidence de Rohan
Charming house, 3 kms away from Royan in a unique environment. By the sea, direct access to the beach

Hôtel Miramar Pontaillac
Exceptional setting overlooking the beach of Pontaillac, Royan. Open all year long.

Eldapi Vacances
Quiet and family campsite at Saint-Augustin-sur-Mer, between Saint-Palais and La Palmyre.

Dry dock
"Le Port sur la Rive" at Mortagne-sur-Gironde, estuary of Gironde, between Royan and Bordeaux. Storage and relaunching, long term storage, equipment and facilities.

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