Pontaillac Beach: sand, surf, and an Art Deco casino right on the water
Back in the 19th century, Bordeaux vacationers had a saying: "Everyone goes to Royan, but not everyone goes to Pontaillac." That reputation for exclusivity, once favored by the wealthy elite, still defines this neighborhood today. It is a place of preserved architecture, where villas with turrets line the waterfront and an Art Deco casino, perched directly on the sand since 1931, serves as the local landmark.
Why choose Pontaillac Beach?
Pontaillac is the part of Royan that escaped the bombing raids of January 1945. While the city center was reduced to rubble, this neighborhood retained its original character, villas, and the Sporting Casino designed by the architect Bluysen. Built on stilts directly over the cove, it remains the only survivor of the five casinos that once operated in town.
The beach itself stretches over 400 meters of fine brown sand, framed by rocky cliffs and the elegant facades of the neighborhood. The seafloor has a gentle slope, making it ideal for children and casual swimmers. An instructional pool and various games round out the beach facilities.
A surf spot loved by locals
The shape of the cove makes it a surf spot favored by beginners and a reliable fallback for experienced surfers when the swell gets too heavy elsewhere. The Surf Club Royan Atlantique, founded in 1993 and counting 1,400 members, has its clubhouse right on the beach. They offer year-round lessons and supervised training in surfing, bodyboarding, longboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding, including specialized sessions for those with limited mobility.
Activities available on the beach:
- Surf, bodyboarding, and longboarding with year-round instruction via the Surf Club Royan Atlantique
- Windsurfing and kite flying
- Volleyball (net installed during the season)
- Pétanque on a court located on the west side of the beach
- Fishing
The Verthamon promenade and evening lights
The waterfront at Pontaillac has always had its own name: the façade de Verthamon (Verthamon facade). The wooden boardwalk that runs along it, renovated in 2003, offers a viewpoint and a rose garden overlooking the beach, with clear sightlines to the bay and the Phare de Cordouan (Cordouan Lighthouse) in the distance.
At Avygeo, we find this is the best time to visit. During summer nights, floodlights illuminate the area until 2:00 AM, and music plays along the promenade from sunset until about 11:30 PM. At that point, night surfing becomes a popular activity in its own right.
Local tip: Come at low tide to enjoy the beach at its full width. It is also the best time for surfing, and the sight of the rocks emerging on both sides of the cove makes the trip worthwhile. Don't miss the summer evening light displays.
The highlights
- Belle Époque and Art Deco architecture, creating one of the most unique atmospheres on the Charente coast
- Surf spot accessible year-round, backed by a recognized club with 1,400 members
- Wooden boardwalk with a viewpoint, night lighting, and music during the season
- Accessible facilities with ramps and amphibious wheelchairs available
- Restaurants, cafes, and ice cream parlors facing the beach
Keep in mind
- The beach gets crowded in high season, especially on weekends. Try mornings or the off-season
- Pets are prohibited from April 1 to September 30
- Smoking has been banned on all Royan beaches since July 2025
Estimated rental prices for beach equipment
| Service | Daily | Weekly |
|---|---|---|
| Tent rental | 15.50 EUR (about $17) | 66.00 EUR (about $72) |
| Lounge chair + umbrella | 12.50 EUR (about $14) | 50.00 EUR (about $55) |
Indicative rates subject to change. Rental period from June 21 to August 30. Online reservation recommended by the local town hall.
Pontaillac Beach in Royan is really nice, with its fine sand and wide stretches that are perfect for walking.
It has a great location, close to the town center with a lovely seaside setting.
In the summer, it can get pretty crowded, but off-season it becomes much more peaceful and lets you enjoy the ocean and the coastal view.