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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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Ads by
Bernezac
Royan |
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Hotel Foncillon Royan
Overlooking
the bay of Royan, 50 meters away
from the beach,
ideally located, close to
cafés, restaurants, shops, port. |
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Hôtel Atlantis Royan
Hotel Atlantis is a charming hotel next to the main beach of
Royan in a quiet area of the town centre.
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Hotel Les Bleuets Royan
Facing the Foncillon
beach, next to the City Congress Center, ideal location on Royan
sea side. |
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Palmyre
Loisirs |
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Hotel La Croisette Royan
In a nice and sunny setting,
200 meters from the beach, "La Croisette" welcomes you all
the year. |
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Hotel Le Pasteur Royan
downtown Royan in a quiet area very close to the sea, close to the famous Central Market. |
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Hôtel Le Richelieu
Le Richelieu
Hotel in Saujon, 10 minutes away from Royan, 20 air-conditioned
rooms,all different.
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Camping Les Pins
Campsite at
Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, in a charming area. |
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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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Hotel Residence 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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Yukadi Village Le Logis
Le Logis,
under the warm Charente sun, 600 metres from the
sea and 10 km from Royan, much of it
situated in a pine forest |
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Camping des Deux Plages
Campsite at Saint-Palais-sur-Mer,
close to the beaches and the town centre. |
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Domaine de Berthegille
Guest house, B&B, ideally located in the Romanesque Saintonge area, close to
the Atlantic coast.
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Le Tileuillé
Guest rooms, B&B, between Saintes and Royan,
in Sablonceaux close to the famous 12th Century abbey.
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Les Violettes de Malleville
Guest rooms,
B&B, between Saintes and Royan among fields, vineyards and woods,
in a typical
Charentaise house. |
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Château de Mouillepied
Guest house, in a castle built in the 15th and 18th century, restored keeping in
character, between Saintes and Royan, Charente valley. |
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La Rivière
Guest rooms,
B&B, in the heart
of Saintonge Romane, close to Saintes. |
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Le Haras du Grand Gatérat
In Saintes,
Guest house, B&B, in a 17th C house. Four spacious
and comfortable guest rooms. |
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