Royan

The sunny seaside resort of Royan is the most visited of the beach resorts along the “Côte de Beauté” (Coast of Beauty), which extends from the Gironde Estuary to the Avert Peninsula. Although much of Royan was destroyed during the Second World War, it was rebuilt in an attractive style. The Pontaillac quarter has retained some of the Old World atmosphere, whereas the ultra-contemporary cathedral has a stunning modern design. The biggest tourist attraction of Royan is nature. The town has five sandy beaches that draw many sunbathers during summertime.

Just outside the town of Royan, the top attraction for families with children is the Zoo de La Palmyre (about 16 kilometers away). The zoo is home to 1,600 species-from flamingos and hippos to pandas and polar bears. La Palmyre Zoo is appreciated for keeping animals in a relatively natural environment. Children enjoy feeding the giraffes popcorn from their hands. Other favorite seaside destinations on the Côte de Beauté include the sheltered family-friendly beach at Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, the Meschers Beach that has camping facilities, the large sandy beach in Saint-Palais, and the Grande Côte Beach and La Palmyre Beach bordered by pine-tree forests.

(source: http://www.planetware.com)