Bernezac.com -  Royan, the Grande Conche beach - France, Atlantic Coast
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The "Grande Conche" beach of Royan

The Grande Conche beach is a magnificent area of fine sand which stretches for two kilometres, from the new pier of the yachting marina up to the cliffs of Vallières in the municipality of Saint-Georges-de-Didonne.

The striped tents give the beach a nostalgic air. These tents first appeared a long time ago, when the the fashion for bathing in the sea started at the beginning of the 19th Century.

This was the time of the first sea water therapies and tents were used by the patients for undressing and to rest in after invigorating swims in the sea.

Today, the sea water treatments are again fashionable but in very different conditions! The thalassotherapy indeed uses techniques much more sophisticated in specialised institutes such as the Cap Royan, in the Chay district.

The tent remains the focal point for families, a beach accessory, which adds a certain charm to the beach of Royan. The hiring of tents is a municipal service with a booking office directly on the beach.

Besides sea bathing and sun bathing, the beach, which is well protected, is the centre of nautical activities such as windsurfing, sailing, …

The walk along La Grande Conche

The two kilometre walk along the beach has been adapted for use by both pedestrians and cyclists and is one of the most beautiful on the coast.

It leads from the 1950s style of Royan to the wild cliff of Vallières, passing a great deal of architectural heritage such as the mansions and villas of the 19th century.

These magnificent houses, built on the sea front or inland, are part of the district of Le Parc, set up at the end of the 19th Century. Most of them have been renovated, which fortunately, has added to their charm...

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