✓ Handpicked Luxury Stays in Budget on 🏡 booking.com
If you have done the things to do in France, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Royan.
Discover the enchanting blend of sun, sea, and history in Royan, where each moment feels like a page ripped out of a fairytale book.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Royan:
1. Notre Dame Church
Notre Dame Church is an impressive modernist church located in Royan, France.
Designed by architect Guillaume Gillet, it was built in the aftermath of World War II to replace the old Notre Dame church that had been destroyed during the war.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the unique architecture of Notre Dame Church, which features a striking concrete facade and a soaring bell tower.
The interior is equally impressive, with a vast nave bathed in natural light and decorated with stunning stained glass windows.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to climb to the top of the bell tower to enjoy breathtaking views over the city and the Bay of Biscay.
Insider travel tips: Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and have the church to yourself. If you’re interested in architecture, take a guided tour to learn more about the building and its history.
Finally, make sure to stroll around the nearby beach promenade, which offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
2. Royan Beach
A popular seaside resort town located on the Bay of Biscay in southwestern France.
What to see or do: Enjoy the sandy beaches, stroll along the promenade, visit the Notre-Dame de Royan church, explore the local market, and indulge in fresh seafood at the numerous restaurants and cafes.
Don’t miss: The La Palmyre Zoo, which is home to over 1,600 animals from around the world and is located just a short drive from Royan.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the offseason for a quieter and more affordable experience, and consider renting a bike to explore the town and surrounding countryside.
Additionally, be aware that some beaches are reserved for naturists, so be sure to research beforehand if this is something you wish to avoid.
3. Palais des Congrès
A historic convention center and concert hall located in the coastal town of Royan, France.
What to see or do: Attend concerts, performances and events, explore the modern architecture of the building, and admire the ocean views from the terrace.
Don’t miss: The 360-degree view of the town and the ocean from the rooftop terrace.
Insider travel tips: Check the events calendar before planning your visit as the Palais des Congrès hosts a variety of events throughout the year.
Additionally, make sure to arrive early to secure the best seats for concerts or performances.
4. Pontaillac Beach
Pontaillac Beach is a picturesque and popular sandy beach located in the charming French seaside town of Royan.
What to see or do: Sunbathe on the soft sand, swim in the refreshing ocean waters, and take a stroll along the picturesque coastline. There are also plenty of activities on offer, including beach volleyball, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to catch a breathtaking sunset from Pontaillac Beach. The view is simply stunning and the ideal way to end a perfect day at the beach.
Insider travel tips: Weekdays are the best time to visit as it’s less crowded.
There are also several cafes and restaurants nearby where you can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a drink with a view.
For the best experience, arrive early in the morning to secure the best spot on the beach.
5. Luna Park
Classic amusement park located in the seaside town of Royan.
What to see or do: Enjoy the vintage fairground rides, such as the Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and a wooden roller coaster from 1933. Take in the colorful and iconic architecture of the park, designed by architect François Spoerry.
Don’t miss: The beautiful view of the ocean and the Royan coastline from the top of the Ferris wheel. Treat yourself to some classic fairground food, like candy floss and popcorn.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early in the day to avoid long queues for the rides. Check the park’s website for ticket discounts and promotions.
Don’t forget to take a commemorative photo in front of the entrance gate, featuring the park’s famous clown face.
6. La Grande Conche Beach
La Grande Conche is a stunning beach located in the resort town of Royan, on the Atlantic coast of France.
What to see or do: This vast stretch of fine sand and crystal-clear water offers a wide range of leisure activities, including swimming, sunbathing, volleyball, and surfing.
You can also rent a beach chair and umbrella to relax in the sun, or take a stroll along the promenade lined with cafes, restaurants, and boutiques.
Don’t miss: Make sure to take a walk on the pier and enjoy the panoramic views of the bay, the lighthouse, and the colorful houses of the town.
In the evening, the beach becomes even more magical with live music performances, firework displays, and night markets.
Insider travel tips: – Parking can be difficult during high season, so it’s better to come early or take public transportation.
7. Royan market
A lively outdoor market in the coastal town of Royan, France.
What to see or do: Wander through the colorful stalls selling fresh produce, meat, fish, cheese, and flowers. Get a taste of local specialties such as oysters, mussels, and pineau (a regional aperitif).
Don’t miss: The Sunday market is the largest and busiest, with over 300 vendors. Head to the covered market hall for an even wider selection of goods.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early in the morning for the best selection and to avoid the crowds. Be prepared to haggle with vendors for a better price.
Wear comfortable shoes as the market is spread out over a large area. Parking can be difficult, so consider taking public transportation or walking if possible.
8. Royan Marina
Royan Marina is a modern marina located in the heart of the French coastal town of Royan.
What to see or do: Visit the marina and admire the boats moored there. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade and enjoy the sea views.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to take a boat trip from the marina and explore the beautiful coastline and surrounding islands.
Insider travel tips: Head to the marina early in the morning to catch the fishing boats unloading their daily catch. For a unique experience, stay in one of the waterfront hotels and enjoy the beautiful sunset views over the marina.
9. Jardins du Monde
Landscaped gardens featuring different styles from around the world, located in the seaside resort town of Royan, France.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely stroll through the various gardens, each with a unique theme like the Japanese Garden, the Mediterranean Garden or the Garden of the Four Seasons.
Admire the diverse flora and fauna, and some beautiful water features. These gardens create the perfect picturesque backdrop for some Insta-worthy clicks!
Don’t miss: The Garden of Mexico which displays exotic plants from Mexico such as cacti, agaves, and other succulents.
Insider travel tips: Visit the gardens early in the morning or in the evening when the light is not too harsh. The gardens can get crowded during peak season, so try to avoid weekends.
Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved, and bring along a hat and sunscreen, especially during the summer months.
If you are visiting with kids, they will love spending time in the interactive area of the garden, where they can learn and play at the same time.
10. Foncillon Beach
Foncillon Beach is a picturesque sandy beach located in the heart of Royan on the west coast of France.
What to see or do: Visitors can relax on the soft sand or take a refreshing swim in the clear water. There are plenty of beach activities on offer, including paddleboarding, kayaking, and beach volleyball.
Water sports equipment rentals are easily available on the beach.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss a visit to the charming seafood restaurants and cafes that line the beach, offering delicious local cuisine, including oysters, crab, and other fresh seafood.
Insider travel tips: – Avoid peak season months of July and August, if possible, as the beach can get quite crowded.
11. Planet Exotica
Planet Exotica is a tropical botanical garden located in Royan, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the lush gardens filled with exotic plants and trees from all over the world, including Brazil, Thailand, and Madagascar.
The garden is also home to a butterfly house, where visitors can observe and learn about different types of butterflies in a tropical environment.
Don’t miss: Take a stroll on the Canopy Walk, which consists of a series of suspended bridges that offer stunning views of the garden and the surrounding landscape.
Additionally, check out the parrot show, where colorful birds perform a variety of tricks and stunts.
Insider travel tips: Plan to spend at least two hours exploring the gardens to fully appreciate the beauty and diversity of the plant life.
12. Royan Museum
The Royan Museum is an art museum located in the seaside town of Royan in southwestern France.
What to see or do: The museum boasts an impressive collection of art and artifacts spanning from ancient times to the present day.
Visitors can expect to see works by renowned artists such as Picasso, Matisse, and Chagall, as well as local artists and craftsmen.
The exhibits include paintings, sculpture, ceramics, and textiles.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the collection of decorative arts from the 19th and 20th centuries. The artwork is displayed in a beautifully restored Art Deco building that was originally designed in the 1930s.
Insider travel tips: – Check the museum’s website before you go, as there are often temporary exhibitions and special events that you might want to plan your visit around.
13. Port de Ribérou
Port de Ribérou is a picturesque harbor located in the seaside town of Royan, France.
What to see or do: Walk along the quay and take in the view of colorful fishing boats and sailboats bobbing in the water. Grab a bite to eat at one of the nearby seafood restaurants or cafes.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the Port de Ribérou is the daily fish market where you can buy the freshest catch of the day.
Insider travel tips: Come in the early morning to catch the fish market at its liveliest and avoid the crowds. Parking can be limited near the harbor, so plan accordingly.
14. Royan’s central park
A sprawling park in the heart of Royan, France.
What to see or do: Go for a curated walk through the lush gardens and orchards, or enjoy a picnic on the lawns. Children can explore the playgrounds, pedal boats and enjoy the miniature train that weaves its way through the park.
Don’t miss: The stunning water features and fountains like the Trevi fountain and the waterfall in the Chinese garden.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning when the park has just opened to catch the serene atmosphere or come in late summer when the flowers are in full bloom.
Keep an eye out for the occasional events like live music and outdoor cinema screenings.