Saint-Sulpice-de-Royan is a town in Charente-Maritime, in Aquitaine region Nova, north of Royan which it borders.
Its territory of about 21 km² is in the Arvert peninsula, a natural area bordered by the Gironde estuary in the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
The town stretches from the "champagne" saintongeaise east (landscape plain predominantly agricultural) to wooded areas to the west and the north, to marshes and salt meadows announcing the Marennes-Oléron basin around Seudre and its oyster beds.
This part of the town (20% of its area) is classified natural area of ecological interest.
In the south, however, the near Royan and the Blue Coast led an urban boosted by seaside tourism development. The village became the continuity of the city and now one counts in Saint-Sulpice-de-Royan nearly 3200 inhabitants.
The land around the village had been cleared from the first millennium and the ancient village was formed with the Saint-Sulpice church, built in the twelfth century, when dependence of the abbey of Vaux.
Step on the path of Saint-Jacques, the locality is very affected during the Wars of Religion, then remaining a Protestant stronghold.
Agricultural village until the twentieth century, Saint-Sulpice-de-Royan now includes a commercial area but its population growth has not altered its heritage and lifestyle. Enough to justify a step during a stay on the Charente coast.
In terms of heritage is its church, which remains localized on the margins to the center, which is the oldest interests of the common element.
Built from the late twelfth century in a typical Romanesque Saintonge, the church was damaged during the Wars of Religion and the sixteenth century, it loses its choir and transept. It was not until the second half of the nineteenth century for restoration and reconstruction are initiated, notably in the choir. Today, protected as historical monuments, the church has retained a traditional Romanesque façade (with gate broken barrel), a revamped partly nave (Gothic elements). Inside, the transept crossing appears to be the oldest of the building. We observe such columns with capitals decorated with shells evoking Compostela. Frescoed (XVII and XVIII), it is covered by a dome and especially a square tower with a cornice and arched windows. The windows are nineteenth.
Symbolizing the secular presence of a large Protestant community, the temple dedicated to the Reformed Church is the other major building in the town. It was built from 1858 to succeed the first temple became cramped. The new temple is unusual following a octagonal, flanked by two quadrangular sets. One houses a sacristy, the other a porch and a staircase leading to a platform. If the exterior is sober, inside, there is a pulpit beautifully made while the original furniture has been preserved...
The town hall in stone (1911) and wings (former classrooms) ending in gable walls, and in the countryside, the area of La Lande (with its main building of 1755), the field Boissirand the style typical of the Saintonge (eighteenth and nineteenth pavilion), home of the Grand Aubat (XVIII) or, more modest but Gallo-Roman origin, Fontdebeau of laundry can still stake a ride shaped discovery of heritage.
Next up for cultural activities, sports and "nature" particularly numerous in the locality.
Thus the Center Georges Brassens program throughout the year concerts and quality performances. It also houses rooms dedicated to events and exhibitions, as well as the library. Information at +33 5 46 23 02 28.
In another development, a recreation area including a mini-stadium, games for children and fitness rigging is also available. Information at +33 5 46 39 05 07.
For tennis fans, tennis can be booked at the gym (Contact 06 72 October 21 49) or, outside, near the village hall (attach May 46 39 05 07).
In a bucolic and informative walk, the medieval landscaped garden near the church has eight beds (vegetable garden, herb garden, herbs, cosmetics plant etc.). The site also houses a fountain, a rose garden and a "sitting area" dedicated to pilgrims. Free admission.
The wetlands (marshes, saline) and woodlands to the west and north of Saint-Sulpice-de-Royan also prove conducive to rich excursions. Of course, the route can also help rally Royan and the coast. Maps and information +33 5 46 08 21 00. It is also possible to join the local club outings (Contact +33 5 46 39 19 49).
The 3rd weekend of May and the last July weekend flea market.
In July and August, the festival Vieilles Forges program varied concerts (jazz, French chanson, pop, sea shanties) with parallel-friendly entertainment (meals, excursions).
Last November weekend meetings with artistic exhibitions.
Finally, every Wednesday, the market can discover and enjoy seafood and land.
