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Saint-Georges-de-Didonne
A
neighbour of Royan with its own identity
Looking to the
south and over the estuary from Royan's sea front, you will see a big
beach which stretches out and ends at the foot of a high limestone cliff.
Without realising it, this is your first sight of Saint Georges.
Indeed, by following the beach from Royan, it is possible to miss the
signpost marking the beginning of the municipality of
Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, with its beach of Vallières which is an
extension of the beach of Royan.
At this level, Saint-Georges-de-Didonne can appear to be a continuation
of Royan but viewed from the cliff of Vallières, one realises that it
is not only the southern neighbour of Royan but it has a distinctive
personality of its own, giving a first impression of an unspoilt
landscape with very few buildings.
An
immense beach between two cliffs
It is easy to
understand what characterises Saint Georges: two cliffs which protect a
long beach of fine sand and an old, very lively, town centre which
nevertheless, keeps the character of a village, with its business areas
in streets around the church.
On the cliff of Vallières, the lighthouse, which creates the familiar
silhouette of Saint Georges, is made of stone and was built in 1900 on a
headland which protects the small port. It is closed down at present but
will be re-opened to the public during the summer.
From the path around the lighthouse, there are beautiful views of the
Pointe de Grave, the Pointe de Suzac and the lighthouse of Cordouan.
At the Pointe de Suzac, there is a path which goes along the cliff and
this makes a very pleasant walk to Meschers.
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