From the haughty solitude of the Cordouan lighthouse to the hillsides overlooking the estuary, from the roads and paths which cross the pine forest to the shimmering checkerboard of the Seudre oyster farms, each village has something to offer. This offering is quite often a Roman church along the Way of Saint James.
Talmont-sur-Gironde
The last stage before crossing the estuary, Sainte-Radegonde de Talmont-sur-Gironde is perched on its promontory which is subject to continual wear by the sea. Its architecture, the sobriety and purity of its nave and its sculpted decor are joys of Saintongeais Roman art that are not to be missed. It is a great pleasure to wander through the small holly hock lined streets of this ancient walled town.
Meschers
Born out of sea and wind erosion, the Meschers cliffs overhang the estuary for more than a kilometre. Forgers, pirates, pillagers and Huguenots in hiding have found refuge in the cliffs. Poor fisher families and some hardened loners went to live in the grottos above the sea and the waves.
Saint-Georges-de-Didonne
Family resort dedicated to seawater baths, Saint-George-de-Didonne offers holidaymakers a long stretch of golden sand not far from the lighthouse, le phare de Rois, in Cordouan that is reached via ferry from the landing stage at the Royan port. The oldest stone and light sentinel in France has a guard room like in a castle, a throne room and a chapel.
Vaux-sur-Mer
Near Royan, Vaux-sur-Mer has kept the allure of a large rural town with its Roman church near its old cemetery, in the shadow of elms and cypress trees.
Saint-Palais-sur-Mer
With its confident beaches, impressive cliffs chiselled by erosion from the sea, coastline edged with fine sand coves, villas surrounded by pine trees, the Saint-Palais resort has character.
La Palmyre
After passing a pine forest you will arrive at La Palmyre, seaside resort renowned for having the most visited private zoo in France. Nearly 1600 animals roam in 14 hectares of pine forest! Down with the old-fashioned zoos! However, the fun of a family trip to the park mustn't overshadow the important role of the zoo in preserving endangered species.