This phoenix town has risen from its own ashes twice in a millennium. History has given Royan two very important roles to play. At the beginning of the 11th century, and for nearly eight hundred years, Royan was the stronghold to the Gironde, a bitterly disputed citadel because of its strategic location. During the 19th century, its lovely beaches, coves, and pine forests transformed Royan into an outstanding seaside resort.

From then until now it has been the capital of the "coast of beauty".

The Santons, a Celtic people, settled in this land, which was later called "Saintonge", in the 4th century B.C. The Santons welcomed the Romans who came to protect their country from the barbarians. Six years later, however, they had a burst of patriotism and answered the call of Vercingétorix.

Four centuries of peace enabled the region to develop. The Gallo-Romans created salt marshes and cultivated oysters along the Gironde and the mouth of the Seudre. They founded Médiolanum, later called Saintes, the capital of Saintonge. In the 12th century, with Aliénor d'Aquitaine, the Saintonge region including Royan, came under English rule and did not become French again until 1451. A century later, in 1562, religious wars invaded the peninsula. Royan's possession of the fortress was essential for the control of the Gironde. Thus the town was sometimes Huguenot, sometimes Catholic.

During the 18th century, Royan found peace again. Under the first empire, Royan became the convalescence centre for Napoleon's army.

seaside resort with everything you could want to have a good time. A fashionable beach, two casinos featuring great shows, a park with shady paths lined with lovely villas!