At the top of the Atlantic coast's hit-parade of resorts blessed by the sun, Royan has many assets and charms. A business that's "afloat" with holiday makers and beach enthusiasts. Royan has a population of 22,000 in the winter which grows to about 80,000 in the high summer season. The Arvert Peninsula, welcomes nearly 450,000 holiday makers every year, with seasonal adjustments as they say. It is true that Charente-Maritime is the second most visited touristic region in France. Royan is proud of its Atlantic coast sunshine record, with some 2,400 hours of sunshine per year.