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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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 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.
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Sponsored Links |
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Bonne Anse Chalets
Extensive hire fleet in 35 acres of
pine
forest,
4-star facilities, direct
access
to the
beach. |
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Palmyre Loisirs
Campsite, 4 stars. Universe of
sports and games, in a sunny pine forest. |
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Palmyr Oceana
Campsite between the beaches of La Palmyre and La Grande Côte, and the
town centre of La Palmyre. |
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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 |
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Hôtel Résidence de Rohan
Charming house,
3 kms away from Royan in a unique environment.
By the sea,
direct access to
the beach
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Hôtel Miramar Pontaillac
Exceptional setting
overlooking the beach of Pontaillac, Royan. Open all year long. |
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Eldapi Vacances
Quiet and family campsite at Saint-Augustin-sur-Mer, between
Saint-Palais and La Palmyre. |
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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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