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• Royan and Gascony

Royan

General

The coasts of Royan and Gascony are characterised by pines, dunes and huge sandy beaches. In the north, the valley of the River Charente is rich and fertile with acres of Cognac vineyards. The Royan area is a very popular choice for family holidays, with miles of beautiful sandy beaches and excellent seafood. Royan is surrounded by the pine forest of La Coubre, and the nearby island of Oléron, reached by a bridge, has excellent beaches and an ancient citadel. From Royan you can take a ferry to the Médoc peninsula where some of the finest wines in the world are produced.

The Marennes area is also one of the most important oyster farming regions in France. South of the elegant and cultural city of Bordeaux, at the heart of the region renowned world-wide for its wine, lies the pine forest of Les Landes and the Dune de Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe. Inland, Gascony is a landscape of valleys and rolling hills, and from the southern hills you can enjoy views of the Pyrénées. To the extreme south, straddling the French-Spanish border is the Basque region, an area of tremendous character where the people have proudly retained their rich culture, cuisine and folklore.

Places to Visit

Cognac
This small port on the Charente river is famous as the centre of the brandy industry. Guided tours can be taken of the Martell and Hennessey distilleries.

Royan
The sweeping promenade of this modern resort is alive with pavement cafés, shops and a popular casino.

Château de la Roche Courbon
A 15th century château, near Rochefort, known as ‘Sleeping Beauty’s Castle’, with attractive formal gardens in a parkland setting.

Saintes
This beautiful medieval city dates back to Roman times, and Roman remains include a triumphal arch. It is situated on the banks of the River Charente, and cruise-boats leave from the quay.

Ile d’Oléron
Linked to the mainland by a huge bridge. It has a superb choice of beaches and is world famous for its oysters and shellfish.

Médoc Vineyards
Wine lovers will enjoy touring the vineyards of the Médoc and the famous châteaux of the Bordeaux wine region, an hour's drive to the south.

La Rochelle
A fascinating old town, to the north of Royan, with a beautiful fortified harbour guarded by a pair of medieval towers. Known as Paris by the sea!

St Emilion
The most attractive of the Bordeaux wine villages, this historic hillside town is surrounded by ramparts and vines. Famous for its red wine, there are countless wine cellars to explore, pretty town squares and foritfied gateways.

Family Attractions

Aqualand
A waterfun park, just outside Arcachon. Great fun for the whole family, with huge waterchutes, including the ‘Black Hole’, River Rapids and free fall rides, a wave pool and plenty to entertain younger children.

La Palmyre Zoo
La Palmyre is a lively resort with one of the best zoos in France. Particular attention is paid to providing the animals with surroundings that are as natural as possible.

Sailing
Camping La Réserve at Gastes is the ideal choice if you enjoy sailing and windsurfing or are keen to learn the ropes. During the summer months, a Royal Yacht Association approved sailing school operates on the shores of the lake. You can take a dinghy sailing or windsurfing course with English instructors from the private beach just a short stroll from your accommodation.

Family Attractions

Aqualand A waterfun park, just outside Arcachon. Great fun for the whole family, with huge waterchutes, including the ‘Black Hole’, River Rapids and free fall rides, a wave pool and plenty to entertain younger children. La Palmyre Zoo La Palmyre is a lively resort with one of the best zoos in France. Particular attention is paid to providing the animals with surroundings that are as natural as possible.

Gascony

Places to Visit

Dune du Pilat
The highest sand dune in Europe from where there are magnificent views of the Arcachon Basin and the pine forests of the Les Landes region.

Bordeaux
Capital of the Aquitaine region and best known as the wine producing centre of France. Visit the famous châteaux and vineyards, notably Château Margaux and Mouton Rothschild.

Biarritz
An elegant resort with a touch of faded grandeur, smart hotels and a stylish casino. Its beach attracts surfing enthusiasts from all over the world. There is a pleasant walk along the beach from the lighthouse at Cap St-Martin to the rugged point of Rocher de la Vierge.

St Jean-de-Luz
Exceptionally picturesque fishing town. Throughout the summer the streets come alive with folk festivals.

Dax
One of the oldest spa towns in France with hot water fountains. The local mud baths are renowned for their healing effect.

Bayonne
The lively capital of the Basque region. Stroll around the cobbled streets of the quaint old town.

Les Landes Forest
Lovely forest covering a vast area, with the pretty town of Léon to one side. It is ideal for long country rambles, picnics and cycle rides.

Lourdes
Famous pilgrimage centre attracting many devout visitors and the sick in search of a miracle cure.

San Sebastián
Grand old seaside resort in Spain near the border with France. There are many pretty narrow streets with some excellent restaurants.

Valle de Pineta
A spectacular glacial valley running into the centre of the Pyrénées. It has lovely wild flowers and rare birds, and is an excellent starting point for some superb walks with fabulous views.

Pyrénées
National Park Straddling the border with Spain, the park protects some of the finest scenery in Europe and the highlights are the circle of cliffs at Gavarnie.

La Rhune
Ride the funicular railway up 2,700ft through spectacular scenery to the summit of the last peak in the Pyrénéen chain. At the top are some beautiful walks.