Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Central Market of Royan, built in the 3rd quarter of the 20th century, embodies the modernist architecture of the 1950s. Designed by architects Louis Simon and André Morisseau, in collaboration with engineer René Sarger, he succeeded a neo-classical market destroyed in 1945. Its bold structure, an 8 cm thick spherical vault resting on 13 points without internal pillars, was a technical feat for the era. Ranked a historic monument in 2002, it inspired projects like CNIT in La Défense.

The vessel adopts a form of shellfish, symbolizing Royan's maritime identity. Its vault, composed of sinusoidal paraboloids, allows a circular coverage of 52.40 meters in diameter without central support. Zenithal openings, equipped with glass bricks, diffuse natural light in space. Damaged by Hurricane Martin in 1999, it was restored in 2003, followed by an urban renovation of the surrounding neighbourhood, completed in 2006 to combat flooding.

The technical study by René Sarger optimized the curve of the vault, allowing an ultra-thin concrete veil (10 cm on average). This market, owned by the municipality, illustrates post-war reconstruction and structural innovation. Its court and its surroundings were redesigned to integrate the Font de Cherve River, a former flood source. Today, there remains an architectural symbol and a central place of life for Royan.

Ranked among the buildings labeled Heritage of the 20th century in Charente-Maritime, the central market reflects the collaboration between architects and engineers. His model influenced other achievements, such as an aborted market project in Nanterre. The Merimée base lists it under code AK 546, highlighting its heritage importance.

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