Your camping holiday at Saint-Gilles-de-Croix-de-Vie
Saint-Gilles-Croix-De-Vie : Seaside
Swimming, foraging for shellfish or by boat, or even water sports and surfing, choosing a campsite on the Vendée coast at Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie will allow you to make the most of the 32 kilometres of coastline the destination has to offer.
Family beaches
For your children, three beaches are supervised in July and August and have beach clubs where they can play sports games and have fun all day long: the Sion beach in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez with its club for children aged 3 to 12, the Boisvinet beach and its privateers' club open in July and August, and the Grande plage and its Mickey-Belugas club, which offers a wide range of supervised games and activities.
A must-do walk : The Corniche Vendéenne
For your walks, the coast of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie takes you on the GR Côte de Lumière (GR 8) to discover a rocky, sandy coastline and the Corniche Vendéenne, a listed outstanding natural site.
Focus on the Corniche Vendéenne between Saint-Gilles-Croix-De-Vie and Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez. A real jewel, ideally laid out for safe walking and cycling. Here you can set off on an adventure along 3 kilometres of paths overlooking the sea! Let yourself be surprised by the sculpted relief of the coastline, admire the majestic 5 Pineaux, and explore the charming little coves hidden along the way. It's also THE place to take in the most stunning sunsets with the Ile d'Yeu on the horizon.
The fishing port and fishermen's quarter
The old port of Saint-Gilles, which was the first sardine port on the Atlantic, is truly one of a kind. It is a genuine reference point for catching blue fish such as sardines, mackerel, and anchovies… Awarded the prestigious ‘Site Remarquable du Goût’ label, it is the only one in France to enjoy this honour.
From the famous sardine to the delicate Rose de Saint Gilles - a wild, local shrimp - the products from this port are a delight at local markets and in the finest Parisian restaurants. A place where tradition and quality meet, to the delight of gourmets.
During your visit, discover the authenticity of the fishing village for some great walks around the town. Start your stroll on the Croix de Vie side, in the small island district known as ‘Morocco’. Stroll through the old fishermen's houses, narrow streets and stone walls…. You'll also find a pretty pedestrianised street where souvenir shops and snack bars will be sure to keep a souvenir of your stopover.
The fishing port of Saint-Gilles-Croix-De-Vie is also home to the Compagnie Vendéenne pier, our preferred partner for your trip to the Ile d'Yeu. Book your ticket in advance and set off on a day trip to this magnificent Vendée island. The adventure begins as soon as you board: a 1-hour sea crossing for a complete change of scenery!
Activities : behind the scenes of the fishing trade & the history of sardines
Immerse yourself in the world of fishing at Escale Pêche, an immersive experience located in the fishing port of Saint Gilles Croix de Vie. This original site opens the doors to the sea trades, combining captivating stories and interactive activities for an authentic and rewarding discovery
As far as your taste buds are concerned, discover the Atelier de la Sardine, where the history and expertise of the last traditional canning factory in Vendée come to life through an interactive museum. Finish your visit with a gourmet break, with tastings in the shop and aperitif platters on the terrace.
The marina
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is also a marina where passers-by love to stroll and admire the boats. Imagine strolling along the quays, where the gentle clatter of the masts accompanies the ballet of boats returning to port.
Take the time to sit on a bench, watch the boats come and go and soak up the peaceful atmosphere of the marina.
Saint-Gilles-Croix-De-Vie : Land side
In need of fresh air, relaxation and escape? A stay at a campsite in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie will allow you to take advantage of the surrounding nature to recharge your batteries. Discover the pine forests, salt marshes, lakes and rivers for a holiday close to nature, while enjoying the beaches.
A stroll through the heart of the town
Take the whole family on an impromptu stroll through the superb 19th-century villas of the Corniche de Boisvinet district. Here, the villas of the Belle Epoque completely break away from local architectural references and compete in fantasy, colour and materials unheard of at the time.
Continue on to the Old Saint Gilles district, with its picturesque old-world charm, narrow streets, small shops and micro-terraces where you can sip a lemonade or order a whole galette on the go!
The great outdoors : the national forest of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez
If you want to go further, enjoy the great outdoors on the signposted trails in the forests of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez and Notre-Dame-de-Monts, share a meal with the family in one of the many picnic areas before going for a swim, or discover the superb scenery of the salt marshes on one of the many guided tours.
Delicious markets
Saint-Gilles-Croix-De-Vie is also a seaside town with a wealth of local and night markets. Several times a week, you'll have the chance to pick the best products from local producers.
And for fishing lovers, hiking or mountain biking, Lac du Jaunay is one of the main attractions in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, with its 114 hectares and 8 kilometres of shoreline. Just a stone's throw from your Le Pin Parasol campsite*.
Photo credits : ©simonbourcier.com, ©Alexandre Lamoureux, ©Antoine Tatin, ©Julien Gazeau