In Royan, the beaches as a sports ground, an asset that attracts every summer

The turnout for the free Pilates, yoga and Zumba sessions offered as part of the "Royan Atout Plage" program almost surprised the elected official in charge of sports.

Every day since July 7, before the heat becomes too stifling, yoga, stretching, or even more invigorating, aero-boxing or Zumba enthusiasts meet on the Grande Conche, in Chay or in Pontaillac. The "Royan atout plage" program has been renewed for a fifth summer, thanks to the support of the locals, mostly, and summer visitors. For the deputy mayor in charge of sports, Jean-Michel Denis, "this is really the first year that Royan atout plage has experienced such enthusiasm."

Committed to promoting both "health" sport and competitive sport, Jean-Michel Denis wanted to offer a new, free offer to the summer population of Royan in 2021: every day, except weekends, in the morning, several free outdoor physical training sessions, supervised by professionals. "This idea came to me during a vacation. A facilitator, with a microphone, called anyone who wanted to join him for a gym session with music." The elected official saw bigger. Around ten different activities are offered, with a success that still surprises Jean-Michel Denis: "Recently, a Zumba session brought together 92 participants!"

The Royan Atout Plage program has found its cruising speed. The only adjustment this year is that "we are no longer organizing sessions on Pigeonnier Beach. According to the organizers, it is not suitable for their activities." Jean-Michel Denis has not yet expanded the session locations, as he had planned, to the Parc gardens or Guillaume-Gillet Park, above the church.

As it stands, Royan Atout Plage has already achieved its objectives: to promote sports, even gentle ones, and to make them accessible, free of charge. Jean-Michel Denis is even convinced that "the existence of this system, through its originality and success, has allowed the City of Royan to confirm its Active and Sporty City label and even obtain the ^3rd laurel, which we hope to keep. We will find out next October, at the next label congress."

Practical: sessions at 9:30 a.m. every morning, Monday to Friday (except August 15), until August 29. Information at 05 46 39 56 55. Full program on the City website (ville-royan.fr).