Friday, 8 September 2017

Nouvelle-Aquitaine



Just back from visiting great friends Dave n Sue at their magic abode in Vaux sur mer. Celebrated with them as they transitioned from ex-pats to full French citizenship – many congrats.


Nestling on the Atlantic coast close to Royan, the local beach of Nauzan is a sheltered crescent of beach ideal for families – also has a Tiralo chair for people with reduced mobility to enter the water - with bars & restaurants and a lifeguard and first aid station in the summer period in the immediate vicinity. You can follow your beach day with a relaxing drink at La Maison Blanche.


Follow the picturesque headland Custom path round to Saint Palais sur Mer. A traditional seaside resort situated between the smaller beach of Nauzan and the larger textile/naturist shared beach at plage naturiste les combots. Here you can taste the delights at Nausicaa or Chez Lolo.




The area gets very busy during August as hoards of Parisians head to this part of the coast for their annual holiday.

The headland walk up from St Palais takes in the long bay with its legendary rocks. This walk offers a panorama of the "carrelets" - traditional fishing huts on stilts – a famous example of a blow hole and crowned by the Terre-Nègre Lighthouse.

 










There are stunning views of sunsets to be had from the headland.



There is much to see and do in the surrounding area. Special mention of ‘Les Jeudis Musicaux’ where the churches of the Agglomération Royan Atlantique take turns to provide regular summer evening concerts where international artists and talented musicians give recitals. The programming blends beautifully the architecture of buildings with the music. 




Also the stunning seafront of Ryon and its marina and its ‘Cotton Club jazz venue

 










The surrounding area contains many Chateaux with stunning features – in season you drive through miles of sunflowers, vines and corn fields. This year we visited the beautiful Chateau de La Roche Courbon



 









and the ancient Citadel at Blaye. The Citadel encloses a one meter long small town and has stunning views of the Gironde from the battlements.
 








It also houses superb eateries.

















All too soon it’s time to say goodbye again 

 
 










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