Fort du Chay – Chay Beach loop from Royan
Fort du Chay – Chay Beach loop from Royan
4.9
(17)
225
hikers
Fort du Chay – Chay Beach loop from Royan
02:58
11.5km
60m
Hiking
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: June 18, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
1.54 km
Port of Royan
Highlight • Structure
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2.68 km
Fort du Chay
Highlight • Historical Site
This impressive defense system was almost completely destroyed in the bombing raids of 1945. Only a few log houses remain.
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Tip by
2.87 km
Chay Beach
Highlight • Beach
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Tip by
3.60 km
Plage du Pigeonnier
Beach
4.26 km
Doctor Guillon's Bathtubs
Highlight • Structure
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Tip by
4.67 km
Casino Barriere
Highlight • Other
The tradition of games and entertainment in Pontaillac dates back to the late 19th century, with gambling clubs such as the Kursaal (around 1880) and the Otrada (1892). These establishments preceded the current casino and catered to a seaside and aristocratic clientele; they combined games, cafes, and entertainment on the beach.
In 1902, La Restauration was built in Pontaillac, on the site of various games and entertainment venues. It served as a cafe-restaurant but also attracted gambling enthusiasts, such as horse racing.
🎲 Construction of the Sporting/Casino (1930s)
In the 1930s, La Restauration was replaced by a new building called the Sporting, designed by the architect Auguste Bluysen, a specialist in modern casinos of the time. Built of concrete on stilts directly on Pontaillac beach, the building features a rationalist and Art Deco architecture typical of the interwar period, sometimes surprising with its style reminiscent of the 1950s.
🪖 World War II
During World War II, the Sporting remained open, primarily serving German soldiers.
During the massive bombings of 1945, which destroyed much of Royan, the Pontaillac casino was one of the few to survive, as it was virtually untouched by the raids.
🎭 Post-War and Golden Age
After the war, the casino became a central hub of Royan's social life. It reopened in 1948, and the 1950s and 60s constituted a cultural golden age, with a rich program of shows, concerts, dances, and galas. Under the leadership of its "musician-director" Roger Genty, major French and international stars performed on its stage: Josephine Baker, Jacques Brel, Sacha Distel, Georges Brassens, Fernand Raynaud, Henri Salvador, and others.
🎰 Contemporary Era
In 1986, the casino was acquired by the Lucien Barrière group, which expanded its operations by modernizing the gaming areas, adding slot machines, a bar, restaurants, and other services, while maintaining its role as a year-round entertainment hub.
Today, the Casino Barrière in Royan-Pontaillac is the only casino still operating in the Royan area, bearing witness to more than a century of seaside history, gaming, and entertainment.
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Tip by
5.24 km
The Carrelets of Royan
Highlight • Structure
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Tip by
5.78 km
Conche de Gilet
Highlight • Beach
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Tip by
11.5 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
7.63 km
1.58 km
1.06 km
926 m
340 m
Surfaces
5.39 km
4.13 km
1.30 km
340 m
189 m
178 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Wednesday 24 June
37°C
22°C
11 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 19.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Comments
Otherwise, a nice 7-kilometer walk from the port of Royan to the Casino of Pontaillac.
This walk mixes the Royan coastline and the typical local architecture …
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A classic in the genre but with always as much pleasure to Follow this circuit and admire on the one hand the coastal landscape and on the other hand the wonderful houses from …
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