Welcome to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie! This jewel of the Côte de Lumière is much more than a simple seaside resort. It’s a town with real character, set to the rhythm of its fishing port, its fine sandy beaches and its delicious local food. From Flower Camping Au Bois des Biches, you’re perfectly placed to discover every side of this gem of the Pays de Saint-Gilles. Get ready, your days are about to fill up!
The essentials: things to do in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
To help you plan, here’s an overview of the experiences not to miss.
| Category | Must-sees | Ideal for… | Tip from Flower Camping Au Bois des Biches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beaches & coastline | Grande Plage, Boisvinet beach, Corniche Vendéenne | Families, water sports fans, walkers | Boisvinet beach, with its beach club and accessibility labels, is perfect for young children. |
| Culture & heritage | Atelier de la Sardine, escale Pêche, maison du Pêcheur | Curious travellers, history lovers | Don’t miss the guided tour of the fish auction hall, a unique local experience run by the Tourist Office. |
| Local food | Sardine tasting (Label Rouge), local markets | Food lovers, fans of fresh produce | The market on Place du Vieux Port (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday) is a treat for the senses and a taste of the town’s soul. |
| Family activities | Dino’s Park, vélo-rail, outing on the Jaunay | Children, teenagers, parents | The Vélo-rail is an original outing the whole family will enjoy. We recommend booking in high season. |
Discover the fishing port, the beating heart of the town
To really explore Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, start with its harbour. This has been the beating heart of the town for centuries. A fleet of around fifty boats keeps the fishing port busy, landing nearly 4,000 tonnes of fish every year, including the famous sardine. Stroll along the quays of the Vieux-Port, watch the ballet of the trawlers and soak up the authentic atmosphere.
To discover more, step inside Escale Pêche, a discovery centre that reveals the behind-the-scenes world of sea fishing. It’s an informative and entertaining visit, ideal for understanding how important this activity has been to the history and daily life of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie.
Enjoying the beaches of the Côte de Lumière
Wondering what to do in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie to unwind? Head for the beaches!
The Grande Plage, a wide ribbon of fine sand stretching all the way to Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, is ideal for board sports enthusiasts. For families with children, Boisvinet beach is an excellent choice. More sheltered, this Saint-Gilles beach has a kids’ club and is supervised during the season.
Good to know: both beaches are accessible to everyone, thanks to Tiralo beach wheelchairs and the Handiplage label. A real mark of quality, so you can enjoy the sea with complete peace of mind.
Savouring local food: much more than sardines
Of all the things to do in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, the local food is a real pleasure. The star of the show is of course the sardine, the first wild-caught fish to be awarded the prestigious Label Rouge. Visit the La Perle des Dieux cannery or the Atelier de la Sardine to learn all about its story.
But the treats don’t stop there: don’t forget the salt from the Vie salt marshes. The town is also unusual in having five markets a week:
- Saint-Gilles side (place du Vieux-Port): Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
- Croix-de-Vie side (place Guy-Kergoustin): Wednesday and Saturday.
It’s the perfect chance to meet local producers and fill your basket with the flavours of the Vendée.
Family fun: activities for all ages
The leisure activities in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie are designed with the whole family in mind. For a day of adventure with the children, Dino’s Park in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez takes you back to prehistoric times. Not far away, around Saint-Jean-de-Monts, you’ll find more leisure parks to enjoy.
If you’re looking for something a little different, try the Vélo-Rail de Commequiers: you’ll pedal together as a family along a former railway line, a one-of-a-kind experience that creates wonderful memories. For little ones, the play areas are a fun and welcome place to take a break.
Discovering nature: hikes and walks
If you enjoy walking, there are plenty of hiking trails around Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. The best known is the Corniche Vendéenne, a 3 km path that follows the rocky coastline all the way to Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez. The scenery is superb and typical of the Vendée coast.
The Pays de Saint-Gilles also has more than 400 km of cycle paths, including the famous Vélodyssée. Why not hire bikes for a day out in nature?
And why not plan a trip to Île d’Yeu or Noirmoutier from the port?
Join in the local events
To feel the pulse of the town, there’s nothing like joining in its festivities. Events in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie bring the seaside resort to life all year round. From the International Jazz Festival in March to the Salon Gourmand in autumn, and the big Printemps de la Sardine celebration, there’s always a good reason to get together.
Take a look at the Tourist Office’s events calendar to see what’s on during your stay. It’s the best way to enjoy a local experience and share some friendly moments.
