We are preparing our weekend for the European Heritage Days around Royan

With 10 museums, 15 listed monuments, 2 of the Most Beautiful Villages of France®, 1 city of Art and History, Royan Atlantique is a must for lovers of traditions and history. To begin with, unexpected places open their doors to us. Then, around thirty different activities are offered for European Heritage Days in Royan and throughout the territory. Between nature and culture, we understand the different aspects of Royan’s heritage.

En weekend in Charentes on September 21 and 22, we take advantage of a range of free or discounted guided tours. Obviously, this allows you to learn more about the history and riches of our territory.

What to do for Heritage Days?
Our top 3 outings

1. New: Sablonceaux Abbey in the spotlight

On September 21 and 22, we will witness a fabulous show with the mapping* de l 'Abbey of Sablonceaux. For 20 minutes, the facades of the church and the chapter house are adorned with images and light to take us on a journey through time. We are then told the story of this thousand-year-old abbey.

A unique event in the region highlighting a jewel of our heritage.

* What is video mapping?

It is a technique that allows videos, images or any other visual effect to be projected onto volumes by playing with the relief. Mainly used on large surfaces such as monuments – here the abbey – this type of projection is based in particular on the principles of optical illusion.

2. Guided tours and guided walks by Passeurs d’histoire

The Passeurs d'histoire of Royan Atlantique know every nook and cranny of the territory. Off the beaten track, they invite us to uncover the secrets of our towns and villages. We go back a few centuries to better understand the origins of our natural and built heritageFor example, we set off to discover remarkable churches, we walk the streets of our Most Beautiful Villages of France® or we soak up the architecture of Royan, raised from its ashes.

New: “Meeting the villas: the Édouard d'Espelosin style”

The guided tour invites us to learn more about the charming villas of Saint-palais-sur-mer, emblematic of the seaside resort. They are the creation of the architect Édouard d'Espelosin at the beginning of the 20th century.

3. The touristic places

On the occasion of the European Heritage Days, visits to several major sites in the region are Free.

  • The Regulus Caves : we rediscover the history of the troglodyte dwellings of Meschers during a completely independent visit
  • Le Estuary Park : the self-guided tour provides access to the exhibition spaces, the watchtower and the fun discovery trails around the fauna and flora
  • Le Coubre lighthouse : we climb the 300 steps of the lighthouse to enjoy the 360 ​​view of the Côte Sauvage and the bay of Bonne Anse. A panorama that we never tire of!
  • Le Fâ site : a weekend of activities awaits us with participatory workshops and demonstrations in addition to the guided tours.
  • Le Seagull Train : for the occasion, we travel on board different vehicles; diesel locomotives, steam locomotives but also 3rd class passenger trains from the beginning of the XNUMXth century, at a reduced rate.

Should you book your visits in advance?

It is best to book as soon as possible. guided tours (with a tour guide) and guided walks. In fact, most of them are exclusive and the number of places is limited. Booking information is available by consulting the details of each visit.

However, This is not necessary to access tourist sites. Waiting at the entrance will therefore be possible.

To go further, the list of sites participating in the JEP is available on the dedicated site heritagedays.culture.gouv.fr

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