Musée de Royan

The Museum of Royan occupies a former market building with a central hall and side galleries designed by architect Louis Basalo in the 1950s. The interior layout accommodates exhibitions about maritime history, the Cordouan Lighthouse, and various historical topics related to the city.

The museum documents the history of Royan from early human settlements through the French Revolution and the major bombardments of 1945. This broad narrative shows how the city developed over centuries and was transformed by war.

The museum displays works and memories from Pablo Picasso's stay in the city during 1939 and 1940. Visitors can explore the traces of this artistic period in the collections and learn about the artist's connection to the region.

The building accommodates visitors with different mobility needs and invites a relaxed exploration of the collections. The displays can be explored in a straightforward visit without needing any specialized knowledge.

The collection includes a Cabinet of Curiosities holding around 800 coins from the reigns of Henri III, Henri IV, and Louis XIII. This numismatic collection offers a rare glimpse into French currency and power from multiple centuries.