Hotel Phoebus

This modern spacious seafront restaurant boasts a panoramic terrace, ideal for sunset snapshots, and indoors, a suspended fireplace for warmth during colder months. The cheerful, spot-on service team celebrates a seafood-centric menu sourced from local fish auctions and the emblematic oysters of the Gillardeau family, who owns the establishment, as well as a fine lineup of meat dishes. The chef adds an exotic touch courtesy of spicy seasonings and influences from further afield. Stay for longer in one of four suites which have a balcony or a terrace with a sea view.

In Royan, a breath of fresh air is blowing across the restaurant scene, brought not by an up-and-coming young chef, but by a couple in their fifties from Toulouse. Laurence and Philippe left Le Tire Bouchon, their Toulouse wine bar-cum-eatery, to set up shop where she grew up. As they embark on the last decade of their working lives, the exuberant and enthusiastic pair has created a spirit reminiscent of Parisian bistros. Philippe takes care of the restaurant floor and cellar (over 200 natural and biodynamic wines); Laurence crafts fresh, generous dishes that smack of home cooking: puff pastry

In a small village near Royan, this contemporary eatery is the haunt of Frédéric Loivel. The chef is a craftsman with a creative bent, whose modern score highlights the seasons through intelligent associations and numerous nods to Japan (panko, yuzu, matcha, Kagoshima beef…). The interior tastefully blends mismatched decorative objects picked up here and there.

A short distance from Rémigeasse beach, Le Grand Large hotel is surrounded by dunes and unspoilt nature and overlooks the ocean below. Its restaurant looks out onto the indoor swimming pool on one side and the sea on the other – complete with sunset views. The menu showcases first-rate produce from the region, eg line-caught meagre tartare with green apple and green asparagus panna cotta with watercress; line-caught pollock with tarragon oil and a fish roe beurre blanc.