The town of Royan and the surrounding department of Charente-Maritime are located on the Atlantic coast of western France, and the area is seen as a ‘transition zone’ between northern and southern France. Some of the coastal areas have a very warm microclimate, making it a perfect location for beach loving families. Away from the coast the countryside is largely flat, with small woodlands and sunflower and maize fields.
Royan itself has a long history as a seaside resort and is still a popular holiday destination for the French. It’s full of great restaurants and food, markets and friendly people. The surrounding area has vineyards, oyster beds, small fishing ports and plenty of attractions to explore.
There are loads of beautiful beaches to explore in the region, meaning that you can usually find a quiet spot even in summer. Many are hidden behind pine forests, with tiny tracks leading to them. The Cote Sauvage is a stunning spot for surfing and La Coubre beach is very popular with families. Bonne Anse is also worth a visit, with clear waters and a large sweep of golden sand. With over 100 beaches in the region, you’re bound to find your own favourite!
For animal loving youngsters, La Palmyre Zoo is an absolute must. It’s one of the biggest in Europe, with 1,600 animals from across the world. There are stalls selling snacks you can feed to the animals, allowing your children to get close to elephants, giraffe and zebra. Don’t miss the parrot and sea lion shows, or the extrovert meerkats, who love to play up to their audience! Horse fans will love the riding schools at La Pignade and Les Charmettes where you can ride through forests and as far as the coast.
If you’re happy to drive inland, Futurescope near Poitiers is the second most popular theme park in France. Its main selling point is the massive Imax cinema that shows interactive films appearing above your head, below your feet and all around to give a sense of flying and racing across incredible landscapes or through the seas.
Apart from Royan itself, the region has plenty of other towns worth a visit. La Rochelle is a pretty coastal town dominated by its historic port. Offshore are the Ile de Ré and the Ile d’Oléron – islands that are linked to the mainland by bridge. The Ile d’Oléron is great for surfing, and children will love exploring the sand dunes and ruined windmills.
The ancient town of Saintes has an amphitheatre that is nearly as big as the Coliseum in Rome and dates back to the 1st century. Look out for the Arch of Germanicus, which marks the entrance to the town.
The region is also particularly suited to bikes, with miles of accessible routes for all abilities. Try cycling through the La Coubre forest or along the Cote Sauvage.
Flights are available from across the UK to La Rochelle, with budget airlines such as EasyJet, Ryanair and Flybe. You could also take a Brittany Ferry to Cherbourg or Caen if you want to take your car but be warned that it is around a 6-hour journey to the region.
Family friendly campsites
Charente-Maritime, Saint Laurent de la Prée, Domaine des Charmilles
Set on the picturesque Fouras peninsula, opposite the Ile d'Oleron, Domaine des Charmilles is a peaceful campsite with great facilities. There's a fantastic pool complex, with pool, children's pool and water slides and space to play football and table tennis. During high season there's a children's club and evening entertainment including dances, a mini disco for the kids and tasting evenings. You can hire a bike on site to explore the local area, or take a short drive to the town of Fouras with its five fantastic beaches.
Charente-Maritime, Saint Palais sur Mer, Ormeaux
Located in the lovely seaside resort of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer on the Atlantic coast, Camping Ormeaux is a beautiful campsite, with spacious emplacements surrounded by trees. There are great facilities, including a fantastic pool complex, children's playground, tennis court, bike trail and games room. Saint-Palais-sur-Mer has five amazing beaches and a large pine forest, and there is a market every morning in high season where you can try some great local produce.
Charente-Maritime, Les Mathes, Palmyre Loisirs
Located in the forest of Saint-Augustin-Les-Mathes, Camping Palmyre Loisirs is a large and lively campsite with plenty going on for the whole family. The recently opened aquapark will delight children with its pools and waterslides and there are children's and teenagers' club in high season - and even a circus school! The site has an amazing range of evening entertainment including musical shows, barbecue feasts, karaoke and discos. And the site is only a ten minute drive from the long sandy beaches of Charente-Maritime, on the Atlantic coast.