Top 5 Natural Monuments around Saint-Palais-Sur-Mer

📍 Location Dr. Guillon's bathtubs are located along the Boulevard de la Côte d’Argent / Corniche de Pontaillac (between Royan and Vaux-sur-Mer), carved into the rocks of the Pontaillac cove facing the sea. They are still visible today, especially at low tide. 👨‍⚕️ Origin and Historical Context 📜 Dr. Frédéric-Auguste Guillon Frédéric-Auguste Guillon (1808-1890) was a physician, former naval surgeon, then a local councilor and practicing doctor in Royan. He contributed to the development of seawater therapy and thalassotherapy (treatments using seawater) on the Atlantic coast in the 19th century, a time when sea bathing was prescribed for health reasons. 🏖️ Construction of the "Bathtubs" In 1872, Dr. Guillon had a series of pools and bathtubs carved directly into the rocks of Bec des Brandes in Pontaillac. These pools were filled with seawater heated by the sun between tides. The aim was to offer natural therapeutic baths, particularly for treating scrofula, a chronic lymphatic and skin condition common at the time. 🛁 Description of the Facilities The facilities included: A large natural pool carved into the rock, Two large pools, Three individual bathtubs carved into the cliff face, which were filled with seawater at each tide. These structures provided access to seawater baths without having to directly face the currents or the depths of the ocean – a hygienic and medical approach ahead of its time. 🩺 Therapeutic Purpose At the time: Sea bathing was considered beneficial to health, improving circulation, treating chronic infections, and promoting overall well-being. Dr. Guillon's baths constituted an early form of thalassotherapy, combining the effects of seawater, sea air, and sunlight. 🌊 Heritage and Current Visibility Although the facilities are no longer used as treatment centers, the baths remain visible today on the rocks of Pontaillac, particularly at low tide. A tourist information panel installed by the city of Royan explains their origin and historical significance.

📍 Introducing the Gilet Cove The Gilet Cove is a small, natural beach on the oceanfront, located on Boulevard de la Conche de Gilet / Boulevard de la Falaise, in the town of Vaux-sur-Mer, just before Royan. 🌿 It's a sheltered, rocky cove, appreciated for its tranquility and more intimate setting compared to the larger urban beaches nearby. 🏖️ At high tide, the sea can completely cover this small beach, making the space very limited; at low tide, you can enjoy a patch of sand and rocks for relaxing or swimming. 🧭 Features & Tips 📍 Type of place: small, unsupervised beach, nestled among the rocks with sand and cliffs. 🏖️ Tides: access is best at low tide — at high tide the beach can disappear underwater. 🐶 Animals: prohibited from April 1st to September 30th (subject to municipal regulations). 👣 Access: via stairs from the boulevard above, surrounded by villas with sea views. 🚫 Lifeguard services: no lifeguard station or marked services. 📍 Location La Conche de Gilet is often considered the last small beach in Vaux-sur-Mer before reaching Royan/Pontaillac when following the coastline from Saint-Palais-sur-Mer.

In 1872, Doctor Guillon had egg-shaped bathtubs dug into the rocks of Bec des Brandes in Pontaillac, where the sea entered through an orifice and which were used to treat scrofula (common chronic infections of the skin and mucous membranes). They are still visible on the rocks near the Villa Les Roches.

Great park with a very nice café and a magnificent view over the sea.

If you are looking for a quiet and shady place to relax, the Conche de Gilet is a natural gap in the rocks which offers a narrow and peaceful beach. Please note, however, that the beach is only accessible at low tide, as the sea completely covers it at high tide.

This nature center really offers you a fun and educational discovery of the region's fauna and flora. With a 55-meter high watchtower and an exhibition-discovery center, you will discover the history of the lighthouse of Cordouan, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the biodiversity of the mouth of the estuary. from the Gironde. You can also sit and enjoy the cafe on site.

Superb point of view!

Several points of interest are unmissable in the Parc de l'estuaire de Saint-Georges-de-Didonne to make the most of this natural space in Charente-Maritime. The Villa du Parc de l’Estuaire houses permanent exhibition spaces that are particularly interesting for understanding the world of the Gironde. Discover the Cordouan Lighthouse, exhibitions dedicated to the surrounding nature... In the rooms focusing on the three essential elements (earth, water, air), you will discover the history and the natural environment of the Gironde estuary. In the "earth room", you will understand the formation of the estuary by going back in time. Regarding the "water room", you will immerse yourself in the waters of the Garonne and the Dordogne. The “air room” is dedicated to the many wild birds that pass through the estuary during migrations. Leaving the Villa, take your time and start by admiring the view that awaits you... A superb panorama over the entire Gironde estuary! The limestone cliffs and their beautiful white color, the waves of the ocean lapping the cliffs and over there, in the distance, the Pointe de Grave. Besides, why not take advantage of the terrace of the Villa to enjoy a tea and take the time to soak up the show. Just at the exit of the Villa de l'estuaire begins the discovery trail of the Saint-Georges-de-Didonne estuary park. The path then crosses a magnificent forest with Mediterranean species. To learn more about the flora present, do not hesitate to stop in front of the many explanatory panels present at the foot of the trees. The fauna is also very present since birds fly in large numbers above the peaks and a few rodents sometimes cut off the path of visitors. To be tested: the adventure game “The legend of Suzac” (from 6 years old) or the “Land Art” course (for the whole family) to accompany you and immerse yourself in an eco-responsible artistic universe. At the end of the path, you will reach the perfect place to discover the entire site of the Saint-Georges-de-Didonne estuary park. From the top of this nearly 60-metre watchtower, you will enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the entire Gironde estuary! Subjects to vertigo refrain... But the others will be amazed after climbing the hundred steps leading to the summit. In front of you: the estuary, the maritime pines of the Suzac forest, the blue of the ocean. Further still you will see the Lighthouse of Cordouan listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the immense beaches of Charente-Maritime and the Médoc... Beyond the beauty of the panorama, the watchtower also has a utilitarian function since it serves as an observation point to monitor fire outbreaks and therefore potential fires in the Suzac forest.