Standing proudly in the heart of the Vendée, on the Côte de Lumière, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie invites you to let go for a long weekend in spring or a week-long summer vacation. The tranquil beaches are an invitation to idleness. How can you resist? The adjoining port, meanwhile, quietly unveils its beautiful boats, including Le Hope, a historic old sailing ship. Your visits are punctuated by authentic discoveries, from canneries to traditional crafts. With these 10 things to do in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, you're all set for a relaxing vacation!
1. Farniente on the beaches of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
Plage de Boisvinet, ideal for families, has a nautical base and a beach club, supervised in season. Good to know: it is accessible to people with reduced mobility thanks to the Tiralo and Hippocampe systems.
The Grande Plagealso a Handiplage member, is perfect for board sports (surfing, kitesurfing) and sand yachting. As an added bonus, there's a beach club for children. Last but not least, the 1.7 km long Plage de la Paterne has been awarded the "no-smoking beach" label, and is part of the Natura 2000 program for nature conservation. Not sure which to choose? Try all three during your vacation - you won't regret it!
2. Port La Vie, the port of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
It's so good to stroll along a marina, to take the time to admire pretty boats, without stress... The Port la Vie mar ina in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie plunges you into its soothing atmosphere, in the heart of the town. Whether you're with your partner or your family, you can stroll along the quays, lulled by the clanking of the masts, admiring the boats returning to port. We invite you to take advantage of the lovely footpaths and cycle paths in the area.
Another idea for a stroll: the Garenne dune leads to the pier and the Grande Plage. Don't hesitate to climb up to the Belvedere for a breathtaking view of the port and beach!
3. The markets of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
Every Wednesday and Saturday morning, head to the town's Place Guy Kergoustin for the market on the Croix-de-Vie side. Local craftsmen and producers offer you their best products. A great opportunity to discover local produce! On the Saint-Gilles side, the market is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays in the Place du Marché aux Herbes and the Vieux Port. It's the perfect place to start the day with a stroll, sample some local delicacies and, why not, find a few souvenirs to bring back from vacation.
4. Pretty little local churches
Two religious buildings share the commune's territory. L'church of Saint-Gillesbuilt in the 9th century and rebuilt in the 14th, features a stained glass window depicting a religious battle. You can also admire a copy of Titian's "Madonna of the Rabbit", painted by Charles Atamian. Take advantage of your visit to follow the Stations of the Cross, made up of 14 paintings.
TheSainte-Croix church was built between 1895 and 1897 in a Romanesque-Byzantine style. Let your gaze wander over the monumental pulpit, adorned with symbolic figures. It's a great place to visit!
5. Water sports on the Atlantic coast
The growing success of stand-up paddling has not escaped Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie! The nautical base invites you to try your hand at this gentle activity, which is generally accessible from the age of 6.
Prefer to stay seated? Perhaps canoeing and kayaking is the way to go. Les P'tits Mousses watersports center, on the Jauney river, offers original outings, for example aboard a fake electric fireboat. Kids will love it! Looking for an unusual activity? Now's the time to try your hand at sand yachting!
6. Learn to surf on Saint-Gille-Croix-de-Vie's Grande Plage
The Atlantic waves beckon... Their melodious song invites you to take up surfing. Don't panic, there's a surf club in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. Experienced surfers can rent their own equipment and hit the waves. The club also offers courses for all levels, including beginners. Thesurf school 's state-certified instructors are on hand to help you have a great time on the ocean (and in it too, let's face it...).
7. Visit a traditional cannery
The sardine is the emblem of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, and we don't mess around with it! La Perle des Dieux, also known as L'atelier de la Sardine, is the Gendreau Group's top-of-the-range brand. Discover an artisanal know-how that has spanned no less than four generations. The adventure of this cannery began in 2005, when Philippe Gendreau and Claudie Vardelle combined their skills to give the sardine its rightful place in this small coastal town. Don't hesitate to push open the doors of this pretty cannery, the last one in the Vendée. You'll learn all about the process, from fishing to canning.
8. A walk on the sea to discover the surrounding area
In Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, the Mephisto IV takes you out to sea to discover the surrounding area. The trip, available only in July and August, lasts around 1 hour. You'll discover the Côte de Lumière from a new vantage point, as well as the surrounding area. From April to September, the boat offers another service: sea fishing. Fishing trips, organized by the day or half-day, offer the opportunity to try a 100% relaxing activity, supervised by professionals.
You can also climb aboard a Compagnie Vendéenne boat for a one-hour tour of Yeu Island. Finally, the Balades de la Vie offer boat trips on the Vie (the river), starting from the Saint-Gilles estuary. The choice is wide!
9. Atelier Henry Simon - Les Rimajures
Invite art into your stay atAtelier Henry Simon - Les Rimajures, designed by Henry Simon. Now dedicated to his memory, it's a place open to all artistic practices. An enchanting visit reveals a presentation of his paintings, drawings and ceramics, as well as a temporary exhibition room. In the artist's former outbuildings, you can admire reproductions of his works.
10. Discover Vendée gastronomy
Vendée invites you to indulge in a veritable symphony of gourmet flavors that celebrate the art of local gastronomy. We've already mentioned it: sardines are THE specialty of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie! Canned, grilled, cooked... there are 1001 ways to enjoy them. Continue your gustatory journey with a few savory specialties, such as préfou, a warm, golden bread topped with butter and garlic, or the famous Vendean ham, flavored with herbs and spices, accompanied by melting mogettes . Finally, plunge into the divinely moist world of brioche vendéenne or gâche.
Where to stay in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie?
The Vendée is an ideal location for motorhome vacations, so make the most of it! The region is also one of France's top camping destinations, with plenty of good places to pitch your tent or motorhome. Discover the 10 best campsites in Vendée, including Camping des Cyprès in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. Prefer the comfort of a hotel? Discover our small selection.
- The best location
Located just a stone's throw from the station and not far from the beach,Hôtel Ceitya offers appreciable peace and quiet, yet close to all amenities. Click here to book the cosy, comfortable rooms of one of the city's finest establishments.
- The most complete
At L'Envie, nothing is missing! Every need is catered for, from the comfort of the room to the swimming pool, hammam and excellent breakfast. Located in the heart of the old town, this beautiful establishment offers a perfect bubble of serenity.
- Family-friendly
Geolia vacation homes, with terrace or balcony, offer all the space you could wish for with children. Perfectly equipped, they promise optimum comfort for a successful stay. Discover the associated services by booking here, such as the heated swimming pool and whirlpool.
What to do in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie when it rains?
Is it raining in Vendée? Head for the Atelier Henry Simon - Les Rimajures, a cultural visit you can make while you wait for the sun to return. You can also do a little gourmet shopping at Atelier de la Sardine, and bring back a few local delicacies. Rain persisting? Take refuge atEscale Pêchea covered site located within the Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie fish market. With an exhibition and documentary as a backdrop, you'll discover the richness of seafaring professions. Finally, the town's casino offers a wide variety of activities: shows, entertainment, games, music, etc.
What family activities are available in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie?
The Tourist Office has organized a treasure hunt for children aged 7 to 13. Three other towns offer the same concept, so kids can choose the treasure hunt they like best. It's up to you, sailors! During the vacations, apart from the summer vacations, the Tourist Office also offers family moments. On the program: creative workshops, magic, circus, arts and crafts and games of all kinds. As you stroll along, children will be drawn to two play areas, located on Quai Garcie Ferrande and Avenue du Jaunay. In Rue de la Rabalette, a multisport field will appeal to children and teenagers alike. A visit toEscale Pêche will also be of interest to young and old, as will supervised fishing sessions.
Finally, not far from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, you can embark on an original family adventure aboard the Commequiers velorail.
Between beaches and family outings, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is an ideal family destination on the Atlantic coast. Have you fallen in love with this pretty little coastal town? Go a step further and discover the 13 must-see things to do in Vendée for a one- or two-week vacation. Not far from your vacation destination, a host of must-see places are waiting to reveal their wonders. From the island of Noirmoutier to the Marais de Poitevin and the Puy du Fou, there's plenty to do in the Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie area!
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