From Ronce-les-Bains to Mortagne-sur-Gironde, coves alternate with sandy beaches, backed by forests of maritime pines and picturesque villages. At the seaside or out in the countryside, an unforgettable holiday awaits!
Royan, Fifties seaside resort
Royan is a seaside resort which stays active and entertaining all years round. Its fifties architecture is a favourite with lovers of vintage style, but the town is also famous for its splendid Belle-Epoque villas along the seafront.
The beach of Grande Conche, in the heart of the resort, has become the emblem of the city, with its navy blue and white striped bathing tents.
Ready-to-wear shops, cafes, trendy bars and clubs make Royan a lively city and a popular seaside resort.
The Royan spirit is also to be found in other nearby resorts: Vaux-sur-Mer, Saint-Palais sur Mer, Saint-Georges-de-Didonne and Meschers.
The Cote Sauvage and the forest of Coubre
La Coubre forest is a huge playground for nature lovers, covering four thousand acres between Ronce-les-Bains and Palmyra, bordering the chain of dunes of the Cote Sauvage (the 'wild coast'). It is especially a prized by hikers and cyclists - the forest offers about thirty kilometres of marked hiking trails and the beautiful Vélodyssée cycle path.
You can't miss the Zoo at Palmyre while you're here - it's one of the most famous zoos in Europe.
Picturesque villages
Mornac, located on the banks of the Seudre, is a village of painters. Visitors never fail to be charmed by its traditional houses, painted in white, and its multicoloured oyster huts
In Talmont, you have a remarkable view of the Gironde estuary as you walk around the Romanesque church, built on the side of a cliff. The streets, lined with hollyhocks, invite you to stroll around and discover lots of surprises.
