Local Information for the South of France

South of France Local Information

Further from the channel ports, most families will have an en-route hotel stop, unless taking a night sailing across the channel, but as a result this is an area that is relatively ‘undiscovered’. Royan has a wide choice of beaches, from the majestic grande cote with its long stretch of sand backed by the pine forests giving welcome shade to the protected bays and coves.
The Mediterranean coast where the bay of the Golfe du Lion curves round towards Spain is, as the French say, the true “Destination Soleil”-Languedoc Roussillon. A vast plateau encircled by the mountains of the distant Pyrenees, and edged by the sea. This area is less crowded than other parts of the Mediterranean, with miles of sandy beaches and new marinas and resorts such as Port Barcares, at the waters edge.

Day Trips
Bordeaux, Cognac, La Tremblade, La Rochelle and Saintes from Royan and Bordeaux, Cognac, St Emilion, Cap Ferret and the Dune du Pilat from Lacanau. Carcassone, Villefranche, Aqualand (Waterpark), ‘African Safari’ (Wildlife Reserve), Andorra and Spain from Torreilles Plage.

Food
There is a wide range of good traditional French cooking at reasonable prices throughout the region. Bordeaux reds and whites are the prime wines of the Royan and Lacanau region. Regional dishes in the Torreilles Plage area have a Spanish/Catalan influence. The paellas and cassoulets are delicious. The wines of the region are Corbieres, Rivesaltes and many more.

Highlights
Pineau and Cognac are produced in the southern area in Charente, and both Hennessey and Martell organise tours round their distilleries at Cognac. Roussillon is a unique corner of the Mediterranean which retains its individuality and French traditions at the same time welcoming tourists to its fine beaches.