Situated at the entry to the great estuary of the Gironde, Royan is the capital of the "Région Royan", a spa town reknowned for its baroque architecture dating from the late 19th century.

The grand beach of Royan is over 2 km long, and every summer rows of bathing tents can be seen along its length, reminding one of those Victorian bathing fashions.

The town sports an excellent market and a casino.