The 8 most beautiful hikes to do around Royan

As well as seaside pleasures, the trip to Royan is one of the most important activities during a stay on site: the opportunity to discover this amazing region, between marsh, forests and Atlantic coast.

Do not forget to take your walking shoes with you to stay in Royan: in the South of Charente-Maritime and at the very end of the Gironde estuary, the one that is surnamed the coast of Beauty is ideal for hiking. More varied trails, in the shade of pines, along large sandy beaches, through surprising villages, always bathed in sea air, are all invitations to leave the beach a bit, to discover the country of Royannais.

In Charente-Maritime, where oceanic influence is at its paroxysm, it is possible to walk throughout the year. With always on-reserve rain clothes, in case the mild weather in summer and winter imposes little stress on walkers, except to protect themselves from the wind, or sun rays. Without much denial in a flat area, and accessible at all levels, the most beautiful hikes around Royan are destined to the greatest number.

1. Suzac Fort from Meschers-sur-Gironde

For a hike around easy and interesting Royan, Meschers-sur-Gironde is part of the must-see stages. This small coastal town, 20 minutes’ drive, is known for its caves and ancient troglodyte dwellings, dug in limestone cliffs by natural erosion and man’s hand.

As a bonus of this visit, take advantage of your visit to Meschers to make this pretty coastal hike, allowing to escape from the areas built to reach the beautiful beach of Suzac, then the fort of the same name on a constellated tip of old German bunkers.

The viewpoint on the Gironde estuary, where the river meets the ocean, is splendid. Perfect for a good bowl of marine air, before turning back on the same route.

2. The Douaniers Trail to Saint-Palais

There is no need to leave far to offer a pleasant hike around Royan: this route starts directly in town, shortly after the beach of Foncillon. The goal is simple, to take the old path of the Douaniers that runs along the coast, towards Saint-Palais.

Easy access and well traced, in a seaside resort setting, the path takes the form of a rather quiet coastal ride, with the ocean on the horizon constantly: you take colors while breathing the good air, without hesitation to make a (or several) break at the beach.

The return is made by the same path, in the other direction: one exit at half-day, to be booked preferably for the period of off-season.

3. Le chemin des Prêtres à l’Abbaye de Sablonceaux

At 25 minutes’ drive, the visit of the Abbey of Sablonceaux, founded in the 12th century and a major part of the Charentian heritage, will also be the occasion of a small hike around Royan, in the countryside this time.

The aim of the walk is to follow an ancient path, the path of the Priests, which they used to walk to the surrounding villages. Particularly pleasant and quiet, the route takes place partly in the shade of the forest, before switching to the fields, after the hamlet of Malleville.

It is also an opportunity to leave the coast to discover the hinterland of Royannais.

4. The Coubre Forest and the Wild Coast

Half an hour’s drive from Royan, the Wild Coast remains one of the most beautiful corners of Charente-Maritime. At the end of the Arvert peninsula, the coastline is lined with a deep pine forest, leading up to large sandy dunes and stretches of a long beach-line facing the Atlantic.

Here, the route begins at the beach of the Spanish Pointe, to run along the sea: the nostrils of iodine are filled, on the background of wave noise. Be careful, walking on the sand is more tiring than on the trail! Fortunately, for the return, the itinerary forms a loop by the forest of the Coubre, odorant and shaded, calm with just a rumour of ocean, where one sometimes crosses, out of season, a wild boar or a deer...

Definitely one of the most rewarding hikes around Royan.

5. Coastal tour to Saint-Georges-de-Didonne

This hike in Royan is more like a beautiful urban ride, with of course, the sea on the backdrop. No transport is necessary, the departure is from Royan train station! An idea for a day spent in the resort, for example.

The route gives you a nice sample of what Royan is, especially along the huge beach of the Conche and then the Corniche, before joining another very large beach (veritable local speciality) on the side of Saint-Georges-de-Didonne. When you return, don't miss some pretty Belle Epoque villas that have long made the royannaise pride, an integral part of the city's heritage.

6. The tip of Bonne Anse from the headlight of the Coubre

Beyond La Palmyre, 25 minutes by car, we join for this hike around Royan the beautiful site of the Coubre lighthouse, which stands opposite the Atlantic at the edge of the forest and dunes. A must-see visit to the region, which doubles from an oceanic walk, towards the tip of Bonne Anse, which closes the Wild Coast in the South.

Mostly on the beach, on the edge of the waves and clutches, the walking shoes are almost superfluous for an exit that will probably be bare feet! Enjoy the hours when the tide is up or down, to walk on the wet, harder and comfortable sand.

7. The tower of the Suzac Forest

Between Saint-Georges-de-Didonne and Meschers-sur-Gironde, 15 minutes' drive, here is a hike around Royan, emblematic of the landscapes and natural areas of the region. The itinerary, in loop, begins and ends at Suzac beach, lined by trees. The route then sinks into the well shaded Suzac forest, with its pleasant trails and odors of maritime pines and green oaks...

A walk in the forest that nevertheless leads once again to the sea, on the beach of Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, before joining the fort of Suzac juched on its limestone cliffs, with its beautiful views of the Gironde estuary and the Atlantic.

8. A tour from Talmont-sur-Gironde

For a beautiful hike around Royan, Talmont-sur-Gironde is a destination all found: 20 minutes by car, this village is one of the most beautiful in Charente-Maritime.

Take advantage of this walk to Talmont, a former well preserved medieval village, and its church Sainte-Radegonde facing the vast estuary of the Gironde. The walking route leads you to the discovery of the small heritage surrounding the village, such as the carrelets alignments, these fishermen’s houses on pilots to the large square nets typical of the region, or the mill of the Fâ, open to the visit.

Without any notable difficulty, an exit where nature and regional history mix.