Royan Attractions

The seaside resort of Royan (pop. 17,210) was almost completely destroyed during World War II but was rebuilt in modern style. It is one of the many popular resorts with beautiful beaches on the "Côte de Beauté", which extends from the Gironde estuary to the Avert peninsula; among the others are St-Georges-de-Didonne, Meschers, St-Palais, Vaux-sur-Mer, La Palmyre and Ronce-les-Bains.

The reinforced concrete Cathedral was designed by the architects Gilles and Hébrard and built in 1955-1958. Only the Pontaillac quarter in the west of the town preserves something of the tranquil atmosphere of old Royan.