Botton Galleries

Facing the auditorium are the Botton Galleries, one of the most distinctive creations of Royan’s postwar reconstruction. The original Botton Galleries, built in 1926 in an Art Nouveau style, once stood in Botton Square to the north of the seafront. Destroyed in 1945, they were reborn here in the spirit of Brazilian modernism. Their name honors Augustin Botton, a young engineer who, as early as 1847, proposed the first development plan for the budding seaside resort and went on to create Royan’s very first casino. Notice the raised walkway serving the shops, and the many passageways that open toward the town, allowing for a smooth flow between the seafront and the city center. The colorful finishes and light glass façade give the whole place a playful character. And of course, you’ll find plenty of cafés and restaurants here, perfect for taking a break and enjoying a drink on one of the square’s terraces.