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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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