Timeline
08:00
Find a spot on the sand at the southern end of Grande-Conche beach, near the marina. The shell shape of the bay frames the horizon perfectly as the sun begins to crest from the WSW.
08:40
Watch the sunrise. The sky reflects off the fine sand and the still water of the estuary. Stay warm and still for the full five minutes of golden light.
09:00
Walk back toward the town center to grab coffee and a fresh pastry. This bakery opens at 07:00, which is well before the January sunrise, so it will be ready for you.
09:30
Head to Le Tiki on the beach. Sit in the outdoor seating area to enjoy your breakfast while watching the beach transition from empty to active. The buffet of vegetables and appetizers is a great way to start the day.
Local tip
January sunrises are early but the air can be crisp. Bring a hat and gloves for the viewing spot. The bakery is closed on Thursdays, so check the day of the week before you go.
Check before you go
- Le Fournier de Ben is open Mo-We, Fr-Sa 07:00-19:30 and Su 07:00-13:00. It is closed on Thursdays.
- Grande-Conche beach is free access, but beach chairs have a fee.
Worth knowing
- Le Fournier de Ben is open at 09:00 only on Mo, Tu, We, Fr, Sa, Su
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Royan (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).