What to do in Saint Gilles Croix de Vie
Just 20 kilometres from our 4* campsite in St Jean de Monts, in the Vendée, discover Saint Gilles Croix de Vie. A mecca for sailing and yachting, the town is famous for its legendary port, its beaches and its old quarters.
Take the opportunity to visit the fish market, renowned for its freshly caught sardines. A local speciality that has become the emblem of the maritime town.
As for the beach, Saint Gilles Croix de Vie offers three kilometres of sand as far as Brétignolles sur Mer. Surfing and kite-surfing are practised here. From Saint Gilles Croix de Vie to Saint Hilaire de Riez, discover the Corniche Vendéenne, a 3km walk along the rocky coast.
The port of Saint Gilles Croix de Vie
With a fleet of around forty vessels, the port of Saint-Gilles is renowned for its bluefish fishing (sardines, mackerel, anchovies, horse mackerel, etc.). It is the only French port to have been awarded the “Site Remarquable du Goût” label.
The emblem of the maritime city, the sardine is the local speciality. In fact, a tourist itinerary is devoted to it. This historic tour will take you through the town, taking in the fish auction, the marina (Port La Vie), the old sardine confectionery, the fisherman’s house, the “Morocco” quarter and the Josephine Tower, built in 1850 in honour of Napoleon’s first wife.
Why not go to the Port Festival?
Don’t miss the Printemps de la Sardine (May), the Fête du Port and the Fête de la Mer (August). On the programme: culinary workshops, exhibitions, a visit to the fish auction, sea shanties, market garden dances, mussels cooked with harbour sauce and grilled sardines.
Cruising fun with Les 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. It’s a fun and original way to discover the banks of the River Jaunay, a tributary of the coastal River Vie. 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 waters teeming with fish, the Lac du Jaunay is a magnet for anglers. During the holidays, children can take part in fishing discovery activities.
photo©Julien Gazeau/Vendée Expansion, A. Lamoureux/Vendée Expansion, Les P’tits Mousses