Revision 25.02.06
In St. Palais opposite "Gersoise" estate agents. Free maps of the area and other information, local events, entertainment, etc. We recommend you also ask for a tide table so that you can plan around high and low tides (the table is more accurate than the Tide Clock in the apartment and also gives the coefficients which determine the size of the tides). In season there is also an office by La Grande Côte.
The path is opposite the apartment. A wonderful walk when the tide is in (out of season when it is not too hot) is to follow it all the way round to St. Palais. You pass first the "Puits de l'Auture" and then after the Plage du Platin, the "Pont du Diable", spectacular natural forms eroded by the sea. If there is a swell and the tide is in, the result is amazing. Keep any small children under surveillance near these features when it is rough.
To the North, the path takes you into the Forest adjacent to Plage de la Grand Côte.
There are plenty of these. Within walking distance are Plage de la Grand Côte (enormous) and Plage du Platin (pretty, but beware submerged sharp rocks), both of which are supervised during the more popular parts of the year. The beach opposite the apartment (which disappears at high tide) is fine for paddling and sun bathing but is not recommended for swimming because of currents. The rock pools are good fun.
Although these beaches are "clean", large quantities of tree trunks and other debris are deposited at the high tide line by stormy weather in winter. Presumably these are carried out from the Dordogne and Garonne and make a walk along the shore interesting to say the least. The local authorities clean these up prior to the popular periods.
There are occasional visits by jelly-fish which are a bit unsightly but not poisonous.
About a mile or so from the apartment, this has mini-golf, tennis, boating & fishing with walks around the lake.
At Palmyre to the North. We have not visited this yet but it is said to be the best in France. The website is certainly great fun. It is open all year between 09.00 and 18.00 (19.00 summer). Admission adults €13.00, children (3-12) €9.00 (2005 rates).
The Golf Course plays really well, especially if you can hit straight. There are lots of mature trees and it is generally interesting and picturesque. It is open all year round with preferential green fees for the "Basse Saison" (12 November ‘98 to 14 March ‘99) and "Moyenne Saison" (mid March to end June and September to mid November). If you book through Les Fallaises as a customer, M Allias can get you a 20% discount off the green fees. Food at the Golf Cub is also good (lunches only, best to book Tel 40 80). There are some comments on the course here.
We do not yet know much about the Equestrian Centre.
Highly recommended, especially if you are interested in the history of the last war in France or if you have children. This is situated in the out of town shopping area, the "Carrefour des Affaires" at Le Gua on the intersection of the road to Rochefort (D733) with the road from Saujon to Marennes (D1/D131). According to the proprietor, it is excluded from the Royan area for political reasons. This museum explains why there are so many strange German concrete fortifications on this stretch of coast (now preserved as archaeological sites) and perhaps why in Britain we never hear of the bizarre events that took place here at the end of the last world war.
If you are interested in local history, a local author (Jean Nappé) has written "Histoire de SAINT-PALAIS-SUR MER", ISBN 2-84327-020-0, available from the paper shop opposite La Gersoise (160FRF). You can read how the coastline has changed so dramatically since Roman times and about the landing of 2000 troops from British ships on the beach up the road on 8 April1814. There is a prize for anyone who can tell us the origin of the name "Pointe de Terre-Nègre ou des Fourneaux", the former name of the rocky outcrop on which Le Petit Poucet sits.
The visit to the famous 16th century Phare de Cordouan is really exciting. This is the lighthouse that you see from the terrace (there is also a large framed photograph of it in the bedroom. The construction took 27 years from 1584 to 1611. Originally it was a combined chapel, royal residence and fortress on a base 41 m in diameter on a small island (with dunes) in the estuary. Total height was 37 m. The "Appartement du Roi" is on the 1st floor and the chapel, "Notre Dame de Cordouan" (with stained glass windows), forms the second floor. Local stone was used and the effect on the cliffs can still be seen, e.g. at Pont de Diable. Its constructor, Charles de Foix died in 1602, before it was finished. In 1788 two more floors were added, doubling the height to 67.5 m. Two different boat firms sail from Royan harbour; days and times depend upon the tides (total trip takes up to 5 hours). You will get your legs wet up to your knees getting on and off the sand dunes so shorts are a good idea as is synthetic (i.e. sea-proof) footwear for the rocky bits. Take your own refreshments.
This little tourist train runs (at a very leisurely pace!) from June to September from Saujon to La Tremblade and back. This is a very relaxing way to see the countryside, wildlife and famous oyster beds of the Seudre estuary and salt marshes. Time it so that you can have lunch in La Tremblade in one of the many excellent seafood restaurants. Some of the carriages are open so take a sun hat and sun cream. There should be a brochure in the Visitors Folder. a brochure in the Visitors Folder.
M. Allias (Les Fallaises) runs deep sea fishing trips. In 2000 he charged FRF400 (ie about €60), which included the hire of all equipment and you get to keep the fish. He can also arrange fishing from the beach or rocks if you prefer.
The 13th century Romanesque church at Vaux sur Mer (one of many in the area) is just a few miles away. The 12th century town of Talmont (~ 15 km south of Royan) is worth a visit - its pretty little streets contain lots of craft shops. Immediately to the south, near Barzan, is the impressive pre-historic and Gallo-Romanic site of Le F‚. Mornac-sur-Seudres, a few kilometres north of St. Palais is also picturesque and full of local craft shops. There is a wonderful market at Saujon on the second Monday of each month which seems to occupy most of the town in the morning. A bit further afield are Blaye (impressive fortress), the fortified town of Brouage, Saintes (capital of the Cognac area) as well as Cognac itself, many naval attractions and a "Transporter" bridge at Rochefort and the popular tourist island, Ile d'Oléron. Also at Rochefort, a visit to "La Cordèrie" is fascinating, a peculiarly long building where rope for the French navy was made using ingenious old machines. Nearby, they are reconstructing the famous ship of La Fontayne, "L'Hermione", which played a key part in helping the American insurgents in their rebellion against the British crown - well worth a visit. They plan to sail the replica to Boston when it is finished. You can also take the car ferry from Royan ("Le Bac" - a bit expensive) from Royan across to the famous Medoc vineyards and chateaux.
In season there are various boat trips in addition to the trip to the Phare de Courduan described above -for information on these see brochures in Visitors' Folder or ask at Tourist Office.
There is also a Diary of Events available here.