Royan things to do, recommendations and tips please

[freshstart24]

Camping in this area soon. Going with DH's family who have been may times before. I don't want to post anything that could backfire if they see this- but let's just say I don't want to upset the applecart but I'm keen to explore and would love some suggestions to get me started.

Take the ferry from Royan across the Gironde to the vineyards and chateaux of the Medoc.
Visit the Zoo at La Palmyre, probably of of the best zoos in France.
Visit Saintes – Roman history plus a sophisticated town where you can wander along the banks of the Charente river.
Go to Coolongalook Adventure Park for lots of different high ropes courses and some free nature trails.
La Rochelle – arguably the prettiest city in France – great shopping, an ancient port and really good restaurants.
The market in Royan is amazing and is open most days. Just wandering around seeing stalls offering an amazing variety of fish, meat, cheese, fruit and vegetables is a fantastic experience.
Cycle along the coastal path which stretches for miles and varies from seafront promenade (with its own cycle lane) to tracks through the pine forest with regular glimpses of the sea.

Great comprehensive answer! We'll be catching that ferry at Royan, good to know there stuff to do.

Wow that's a great list. Thanks for taking the time to write it. Will definitely give some of these a go.