ROYAN AND THE PASSES OF THE GIRONDE,The Garonne, France,Antique Map

HISTORICAL MAP CHART. INCLUDES A SECTION OF THE PASSES OF THE GIRONDE

ROYAN, a town of W. France, in the department of Charente Infrieure, on. the right bank of the Gironde, at its mouth below and N.N.W. of Bordeaux. Royan is one of the most frequented bathing resorts on the Atlantic seaboard. The coast is divided into a number of small bays or conches, forming so many distinct beaches to theE. of the town is the Grande Conche with the municipal casino; to the S. the Conche de Foncillon, separated from the first-named by a quay which forms a fine terraced esplanade; beyond the fort of Royan follow in succession the conches du Chay and de Robinson, and the most fashionable of all, that of Pontaillac. The port carries on sardine-fishing and an active coasting trade, but the harbour at high tide is accessible only to vessels drawing from 8 to 10 ft., and at low water is dry. Eugene Pelletan, the author, has a statue in the town, of which he was a benefactor. The lighthouse of Cordouan, 200 ft. in. height, rebuilt on the site of an older tower by the architect Louis de Foix in 1584-1610 and added to about the end of the 18th century, stands on. a rock 71/2 m. W.S.W. of Royan. Royan after passing through many hands came to the family of la Trmoille, in whose favor it was made first a marquisate and then a duchy. During the first half of the 15th century it was held by the English. During the wars of religion it was a centre of Calvinism and had to sustain in 1622 an eight days siege by the troops of Louis XIII. As late as the end of the 18th century it was but a bourg of about one thousand inhabitants, noticeable only for its priory, where Brantme wrote a portion. of his Chronicles. The prosperity of the place dates from the Restoration, when steamboat cornmunication was established with Bordeaux.

1890s Wood Engraving, Antique Map

Approximate Overall Size: 7 X 10 1/2 inches

CONDITION: Book Plate INTEXT MAP - Excellent Condition. Beautiful with excellent detail. There is Text on Front and Back Side.