Campsite near Saint Gilles Croix de Vie

Just 20 kilometers from our 4* campsite in Saint Jean de Monts, Vendée, discover Saint Gilles Croix de Vie. A mecca for sailing and yachting, the town is famous for its legendary port, beaches and old quarters.

Take the opportunity to visit the fish market, renowned for its freshly caught sardines. A local specialty that has become the emblem of the maritime city.

On the beach side, Saint Gilles Croix de Vie offers three kilometers of sandy beach as far as Brétignolles sur Mer. Surfing and kite-surfing are practiced here. From Saint Gilles Croix de Vie to Saint Hilaire de Riez, discover the Corniche Vendéenne, a 3 km walk along the rocky coast.

The port of Saint Gilles Croix de Vie

The port of Saint-Gilles, with a fleet of some forty vessels, is renowned for its bluefish fishing (sardines, mackerel, anchovies, horse mackerel, etc.). It is the only French port to be awarded the “Site Remarquable du Goût” label.

Emblematic of the maritime city, sardines are the local specialty. In fact, a tourist itinerary is dedicated to it. This historical tour will take you through the town, discovering the fish market, the marina (Port La Vie), the old sardine confectionery, the fisherman’s house and the “Morocco” district, as well as the Josephine Tower, built in 1850 as a tribute to Napoleon’s first wife.

How about a trip to the Port Festival?

Don’t miss the Printemps de la Sardine (May), the Fête du Port and the Fête de la Mer (August). The program includes culinary workshops, exhibitions, a visit to the fish market, sea shanties, maraîchines dances, mussels cooked with harbor sauce and grilled sardines.

The cruise has fun with P’tits Mousses

Departing from the Port du Jaunay, in the heart of the town, Les P’tits Mousses de Saint Gilles Croix de Vie offer trips by electric boat, pedal boat, paddle or kayak. A fun and original way to discover the banks of the Jaunay river, a tributary of the Vie coastal river. The river is very calm and safe for children.

Lac du Jaunay, a fisherman’s paradise

Lac du Jaunay is renowned for its pike, pike-perch and perch fishing. It extends over 114 ha and 8 km. With its peaceful setting, unspoilt nature and fish-filled waters, Lac du Jaunay is a magnet for anglers. During the vacations, children can take part in fishing discovery activities.