Grande Cote beach
Located in the western part of New Aquitaine in the Charente-Maritime department. The main beach of the large French resort Royan. In its outskirts, two large rivers flow into the sea - Dordon and Goronne, and, mixed with salt water, create ideal conditions for the production of mussels and oysters. Thanks to this, here are some of the best marine farms in the country, known around the world.
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Beach description
The coastline of the resort stretches for several kilometers and includes five beaches. The largest and most popular is La Grand Cote. It begins from the western outskirts of the city and represents a giant four-kilometer coastal strip, covered with soft golden sand and framed by a pine forest. The majestic ocean stretches to the very horizon, admiring for its fantastic beauty and power, and the local sunsets will not leave anyone indifferent. The beach is quite crowded, but thanks to its size, each visitor will be able to choose a place to their liking. In addition, it is divided into improvised areas, which is a definite advantage for vacationers.
- The first part is the busiest, near it there are parking lot, shops, restaurants and cafes. There is a first-aid post, rescue station and beach block houses for clothes and things.
- Farther, a 400-meter sand yacht area is organized in the high season (from June 15 to September 15). The rest of the year, beach yachting is not being limited and is allowed throughout. There is also a rescue station, there are toilets, showers and beach houses.
- The third zone is the game area. It has sportsgrounds, a volleyball net and a children's town with slides and trampolines. Animators work on weekends. Here it is possible to do water sports (surfing, water skiing, kayaking), rent a boat or catamaran.
- The most remote zone, which borders on the next La Palmyra beach, is given at the full disposal of nudists. Here they feel in freedom and often leave the territory, allotted to them, confusing other visitors.
The beach is clean, algae are cleaned in a timely manner, individual reusable ashtrays are provided for smokers. There are specially allotted places for visitors with dogs.
During low tides on the coast, large concrete structures are clearly visible, reminiscent of the fierce battles, that were taking place in these places.
When is the best time to go?
It is possible to relax in France at any time of the year, the time of the trip depends more on your preferences. Summer - a great time to travel to the sea. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, even on the southern French Riviera is not hot weather. In winter , people go to ski resorts in France. It should be be mindful that in summer and winter in France there is a high season, respectively, prices soar. To enjoy the excursions, choose the time from February to April or from September to November, when both in the north and in the south it is not very crowded. If you go to the French Riviera in September, you will never lose: You will find a time when the weather is still warm and the prices are not so high.
Video: Beach Grande Cote
Infrastructure
An asphalt road stretches along the entire beach, and hiking paths and paths for cyclists are organized in the shady pine forest. There are also many campsites to every taste and budget. The main housing is concentrated in Rouen and its companion, the town of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, near the port and the famous fish market, where it is possible to buy the best mussels and oysters in France.
The closest to the beach, literally three minutes walk, there is the apart hotel Lagrange Vacances Le Phalène. It consists of two three-story buildings with modern apartments, equipped with everything necessary. Each room has a kitchenette, shower, satellite TV and free internet. Guests can use the laundry facilities and orginize barbecue in the shady garden. Within walking accessibility there are a market, shops and bakeries, as well as numerous restaurants and cafes. Near the hotel there is a picturesque lake, from which the famous coastal path through the shady coniferous forest begins.
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The local places are attractive for tourists not only with a great beach rest, but also with the opportunity to diversify their leisure time and get acquainted with local sights. Guests of the resort can use the services of a golf club and equestrian section, admire the outskirts from a balloon or paraglider, and learn the basics of yachting at a local sailing school. Many fascinating routes are developed for cycling lovers, and hiking judges will be pleased with the famous path, that leads along the entire coastline to the top of a picturesque cape. From its observation deck a fantastic view of the ocean and the old lighthouse a few kilometers from the coast is opened, which can be easily reached during low tide by boat or catamaran.
A beautiful zoo in the town of La Palmyra, one of the best in Europe, is must be visited. On a vast territory a unique collection of animals and birds, including rare and exotic ones, is collected. The housing conditions are close to natural, a complete sense of unity with wildlife is created.