Royan, France

Royan is a seaside resort town on France’s Atlantic coast, at the mouth of the Gironde estuary. Its sandy beaches include the 2 km-long, south-facing La Grande Conche with its sheltered waters. The town also has belle epoque villas and modern, postwar architecture such as the concrete Notre-Dame de Royan church. The grand Cordouan Lighthouse stands on an islet in the estuary, accessible by ferry.