Along the Grande-Conche beach, the seaside resort of Royan (photo) aligns chalets, cottages and Belle Epoque villas, which contrast with the modern buildings, including the Notre-Dame church, in raw concrete, symbol of the reconstruction of the city after World War II. About fifteen kilometers away, the Régulus caves were carved out by erosion in the limestone cliffs overlooking the Gironde, before being enlarged by man to become in the 19th century a troglodyte habitat. Not far away, the Fâ site (located in the town of Barzan), with its round temple and the remains of the port city, offers an immersive journey into the Gallo-Roman world. In Talmont-sur-Gironde, the Romanesque Sainte-Radegonde church has been overlooking the estuary since the 12th century.
Between ocean and pine forest
In Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, take the Vélodyssée, which leads to Marennes along the coast and through the pine forests to discover the carrelets, these fishing huts built on stilts and connected to the cliff by a pontoon . On the Douaniers path, near Concié beach, the waves rush under the cliffs on stormy days and splash through the Auture well. From the long beach of the main coast, popular with sand yachting enthusiasts, we discover, 7 kilometers at sea, the silhouette of the Cordouan lighthouse, 68 meters high. Completed in 1611, the oldest working lighthouse in France is accessible by boat from Royan or Meschers-sur-Gironde, and can be visited from April to October. After walking through the chapel and the king’s apartments, at the top of the 311 steps, we discover a unique panorama of the coast, the estuary and the ocean.
Relax in a haven of peace
Surrounded by 24 hectares of peaceful nature, Club Med's La Palmyre Atlantique resort, which had just reopened in July after a renovation and obtaining a 4th trident, now offers 418 rooms and several reception areas. For families, colorful cabins are located on the beach or nestled in the maritime pines, inspired by oyster huts. For couples in search of tranquility, a new space with 27 rooms arranged in 8 cabins reminiscent of squares. And for lovers of swing, the Golf Lodges area.
Activities for all tastes
As for the activities included in the stay, the must of the Atlantic is on the program with sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing … not to mention the new "beach bootcamp", fitness with your feet in the sand. On the land side, there is room for tennis, mountain biking and archery. The resort hosts two restaurants with a view of the sea. At La Belle Epoque, the menu honors seafood and Charente wines.
Convenient travel
Stay
All-inclusive formula for a family of 4 in a superior family room – 2 adults, 2 children including 1 child under 6 (free with the Happy Family offer), from € 2,793 per week. All-inclusive formula for a couple in a superior room, from € 1,978 per week.
Excursions
On the resort's program: a boat trip to the Cordouan lighthouse, exploring the region in an electric cart, exploring the Palmyre zoo, or why not visit the small oyster port of Mornac-sur-Seudre or from the salt marshes of the Ile d'Oléron, where you can learn about picking fleur de sel. clubmed.fr.
Info
www.royanatlantique.fr
Read also :
⋙ Travel to France: 4 essential stops in the Charente-Maritimes
⋙ From Rochefort to the island of Aix, royal walk in Charente Maritime
⋙ The 5 secret treasures of the Charente