Sea Gardens

You’re standing on a site steeped in history. Where you now see these flower-filled gardens once stood Royan’s 1960s casino, one of the boldest creations of architect Claude Ferret. This modernist building, with its rotunda inspired by contemporary Brazilian architecture, was a symbol of postwar Royan at its most avant-garde. But in 1985, its story took a tragic turn. Citing the supposed deterioration of a building barely 25 years old, the city decided to demolish this architectural gem to make way for a planned 58-meter tower. The decision deeply divided the people of Royan and even became a key issue in the local elections. Pierre Ferret, the architect’s son, later recalled: “The first and last time I saw my father cry was the day they destroyed the Casino of Royan.” The demolition is now considered the only case in France of a completely needless destruction of a casino. In the end, the tower project was abandoned after the 1989 elections, but the damage was done. The site remained a vacant lot for years before being reborn in this calmer, more peaceful form. Today, these gardens feel like a reconciliation of sorts, hosting open-air art exhibitions and offering a serene space to enjoy the sea views.