Visit Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie during your stay in Vendée!
Located 22 km from our 4-star campsite in Vendée, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie offers a striking contrast to the long stretches of Saint-Jean-de-Monts. In this Vendée port city, stone meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is a world of sailors and raw flavours. Ready for an invigorating getaway? Follow this guide to visit Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie like a local and discover the resort's best activities!
Essential highlights for visiting Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
- Escale Pêche: Immerse young and old alike in the world of sailors and the "Label Rouge" sardine.
- The Corniche Vendéenne: Discover its cliffs, legends, and breathtaking sunset panoramas.
- L’Atelier de la Sardine: Retrace the local heritage and pick up some vintage sardine tins.
- The "Jaunay et Vie" cycling circuit: Explore the nature of Vendée, from marshes and rivers to wild dunes.
- Set sail for Yeu Island: Depart from the harbour to explore the areas surrounding the town.
- Markets and festivals: Experience the vibrant life of this city all year round.
Escale Pêche: the must-do activity for children
Looking for family activities in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie? Head straight to the harbour. Don't worry, this is no dusty museum! Escale Pêche is a lively discovery centre located right in the heart of the action.
The "Fish's Journey" trail lets you step into a sailor's shoes. Why is the local sardine "Label Rouge" certified? You’ll find out everything! Kids especially love the visit thanks to the "Jeannette the Shrimp" treasure hunt.
Practical info: During the summer, wake up early to visit the fish auction (la criée). Watching the live fish sale is a highlight when visiting Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie.
- Address: 53 quai Marcel Bernard, 85800 Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, Vendée.
The Corniche Vendéenne: strolls between Saint-Hilaire and Saint-Gilles
North of the harbour, sand gives way to granite. The Corniche Vendéenne, stretching towards Saint-Hilaire, is a geological marvel. Walk along the customs officers' path (sentier des douaniers) to admire the Cinq Pineaux.
These isolated rocks look like statues. Legend has it that they are five monks turned to stone. Right next to them, the Trou du Diable (Devil's Hole) is a natural arch where the water seethes. It’s the perfect photo spot to capture your visit to the Saint-Gilles area.
Tip: Go at sunset for an unforgettable 3 km walk or bike ride.
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Address: 6 avenue de la Corniche, 85270 Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, Vendée.
L'Atelier de la Sardine: flavours of Croix-de-Vie
It is impossible to visit Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie without tasting its history! L'Atelier de la Sardine celebrates the legacy of the town's last cannery, La Perle des Dieux.
Admission is free. There, you will discover the epic saga of the sardine factory workers and vintage tins that are true works of art. It is an essential gourmet stop on your Vendée sightseeing tour.
A gourmet idea: Take home some vintage tins. They actually get better with age! It’s the perfect souvenir to bring back from your holiday in Western France.
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Address: 1 chemin des Gabelous, 85800 Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, Vendée.
Cycling trips: the wild side of Saint-Gilles
Cycling is the responsible alternative for discovering the hinterland of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie.
- The spot to try: The "Jaunay et Vie" mountain bike or gravel circuit. Departing from the Pont de la Concorde, this loop covers nearly 60 km. In about 2 hours 30 minutes, you will ride along the river, cross salt marshes, and skirt the edge of the dunes. It is athletic, raw, and a total change of scenery!
- A quick tip: Don't forget to download the GPX track to your phone. The trail markings can sometimes be subtle in the bocage countryside!
Bonus service from the campsite: Rent a suitable bike directly at L'Abri des Pins, thanks to our partnership with Loc and Go.
Set sail for Yeu Island from Port la Vie
This seaside resort is your gateway to the open sea. The pier offers a 60-minute crossing to Yeu Island. You will love this cruise along the Vendée coast before heading for the horizon. Once you arrive, hop on a bike and head straight for the Vieux Château (Old Castle).
The island reveals its character as a "miniature Brittany" tucked away in Vendée—a major excursion for anyone wishing to explore Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie and its surroundings.
Bonus service from the campsite: Avoid the stress at the harbour! Book your tickets for Yeu Island directly at the reception of our campsite with a water park in Vendée. We manage the booking for you!
- Harbour address: Avenue Jean Cristau, 85800 Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, Vendée.
Markets and gastronomy: a taste of the Old Port
Here, the market is a tradition that sets the pace of local life. The town is divided in two by the river, and the markets alternate. To visit Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie like a pro, you need to know when and where to take your basket.
- Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays: Head to the Saint-Gilles side, at Place du Vieux Port or Place du Marché aux Herbes.
- Wednesdays and Saturdays: Head to the Croix-de-Vie side, at Place Guy Kergoustin.
Must-tastes: Don't miss out on Préfou (garlic bread) and the famous Vendée brioche.
What to do in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie to see the town differently?
Are you already charmed by this Vendée town? To truly fall in love with it, discover it when it’s in a festive mood!
- Printemps de la Sardine: If you are visiting between April and May, don’t miss this authentic and friendly annual event.
- Saint Jazz sur Vie: In May, you can also attend this lively jazz festival.
- La Déferlante: During the summer, don't miss this street art and music festival, and explore the night markets held at Place du Marché aux Herbes and Place du Vieux Port.
Practical tip: Check the Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie town hall agenda to find out which events will take place during your stay in Vendée.
After an intense day exploring the beaches and narrow streets, nothing beats the comfort of our accommodation in Saint-Jean-de-Monts. Heated pool or spa? You choose how to recover. Book your stay at our campsite with a spa in Vendée and visit Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie on your next holiday!