It will always be for me the best beach in the world, with the Atlantic pounding the sand on…read morekilometres of straight golden coast. There might not be any palmtrees, but there are waves that will rejoice any surfer or sea swimmer. The dunes are nowadays protected, but it is always possible to find a more secluded area as the place is vast.

Jardins du Monde in Royan…read more Ten euro is the entrance fee to the gardens and they are just about worth it. If you have kids bring them as there is a large children's area plus quite a few of the exhibits are also attractive to the young ones. Highlights are the bonsai pavilion, the orchid and butterfly gardens and the 1800 year old olive tree that stands in the Tuscan garden.