With 34 sandy beaches, Royan Atlantique is the ideal place for its holidays in Charente-Maritime. Beyond the pleasures of swimming, the area has numerous leisure opportunities: nautical activities, outdoor sports, cultural visits, sea trips… Nature lovers or thrill seekers, we are sure to find something that suits us! We also invite you to discover our hiking routes for walking and cycling. With young children, we selected the best activities to do as a family around Royan.
Find out everything you need to know about the must-see activities and attractions in Royan Atlantique
What to do in Royan Atlantique?
In Royan Atlantique, you can enjoy a wide range of activities combining ocean, heritage and nature. You can explore the 34 beaches along the coast, enjoy outdoor activities, visit charming villages, discover lighthouses and iconic monuments, or take a stroll on the trails and cycle paths.
What are the must-see sites to visit in Royan?
In Royan, must-see sites include Notre-Dame Church, the Central Market, the seafront with its Belle Époque and 50s villas, the Palais Royan Événements (Royan Events Center), the port, and the Royan Museum. Nearby attractions include the Cordouan Lighthouse, the troglodyte caves of Meschers, the villages of Talmont-sur-Gironde and Mornac-sur-Seudre, and the famous La Palmyre Zoo.
What can you visit in Royan as a family?
A wide variety of activities await us in Royan Atlantique, for families: visits to La Palmyre Zoo and Planet Exotica, sea trips, bike rides, excursions on the Train des Mouettes, exploration of the Estuary Park, leisure parks, animal farms, treetop adventure courses, treasure hunts… Experiences suitable for children and adults alike.
What are the must-see tourist sites in Charente-Maritime?
Among the iconic sites of Charente-Maritime are the Cordouan lighthouse, Fort Boyard, the city of La Rochelle, the Île d'Oléron, the Île de Ré, and the "Most Beautiful Villages of France®" such as Mornac-sur-Seudre, Talmont-sur-Gironde, and Brouage. Royan Atlantique is an ideal starting point for exploring the department.
What to do for free in Royan Atlantique?
In Royan Atlantique, you can stroll on the beaches, walk along the coastal paths, admire the fishing huts, discover charming villages or explore the natural landscapes between forests, marshes and estuaries. Discover our ideas for free activities.
What are some places to visit around Royan?
Around Royan, you can visit must-see sites such as the Cordouan lighthouse, the La Coubre lighthouse, Talmont-sur-Gironde, Mornac-sur-Seudre, the troglodytic caves of Meschers-sur-Gironde, and the Gallo-Roman site of Le Fâ. You can also meet producers at vineyards and oyster farms to learn more about these local traditions.
Which zoo is closest to Royan?
The Planet Exotica ZooParc is located in the heart of Royan. It offers a whole world dedicated to reptiles from around the globe, as well as themed gardens and children's play areas. The most renowned zoological park is La Palmyre Zoo. Located in Les Mathes, about 15 kilometers from Royan, it is one of the major tourist attractions of the Royan Atlantique region.
How long does a visit to La Palmyre Zoo take?
A visit to La Palmyre Zoo typically takes 4 to 5 hours to explore the different areas, observe the animals, and watch the shows. Allow half a day or more, depending on your pace.