Every year at the end of summer, the Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie triathlon brings swimmers, cyclists and runners together beside the Atlantic.
Organised by the Saint Gilles Croix de Vie Vendée Triathlon club, the event offers five formats, from the Kids triathlon for children to the M distance for licensed athletes. Whether you’re coming to cheer on the competitors or to try your first race, our 4-star campsite near Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie sets out the distances and the coastal course, with plenty of tips to help you make the most of the day as a family.
The Saint-Gilles triathlon at a glance
| Item | Details |
| Organiser | Saint Gilles Croix de Vie Vendée Triathlon club |
| When | At the end of summer, around the end of August |
| Swimming | In the sea, off the coast of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie |
| Formats | Five events, from the Kids triathlon to the M distance |
| Spectators | Beginners, children, licensed athletes and spectators |
| Registration | Online, via the French Triathlon Federation |
A triathlon by the Vendée ocean
The Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie triathlon is held on the coast, between the sea and the countryside. The swim takes place in the sea, followed by a bike course that runs along the coastline before climbing a few hills in the Vendée countryside. The run then brings athletes back along the seafront and through the town centre. This layout combines fast, flat stretches along the coast with more technical sections, in the lively atmosphere of a seaside resort in full swing. The Saint Gilles Croix de Vie Vendée Triathlon club organises it all, from marking out the courses to running the refreshment stations.
Five formats, from Kids to the M distance
The Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie triathlon offers five formats, from the shortest to the most demanding. Here are the official distances for each event, according to the Saint Gilles Croix de Vie Vendée Triathlon club:
| Format | Swimming | Bike | Run |
| M distance | 1500 m (2 × 750 m) | 40 km | 10 km |
| S distance | 750 m | 20 km | 5 km |
| XS distance | 250 m | 10 km | 2.3 km |
| Kids Benjamins | 200 m | 4 km | 1.2 km |
| Kids Pupilles and Poussins | 50 à 200 m | 2 km | 800 m |
The M format is reserved for FFTRI licence holders, while the S and XS distances are open to beginners. The Kids categories let children try all three disciplines back to back over distances suited to their age.
Watching or taking part as a family
Watching the Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie triathlon doesn’t require a licence: just find a spot on the seafront to cheer on the competitors. From our Au Bois des Biches campsite in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is the neighbouring town, on the other side of the Vie estuary.
For a first taste of triathlon, the XS and Kids formats suit children and adult beginners alike. There are three ways to be part of the event:
- Cheer on the athletes from the beach and seafront, right where the action happens.
- Sign up your children for a Kids format and their very first triathlon.
- Try the XS distance or S if you’re new to the sport.
Our tips for a great day out
Arrive early, as the resort fills up quickly on race day. Find a spot near the transition area: this is where the race is often decided, as triathletes move from the bike to the run. Look out for the swim start from the beach, often the most eagerly awaited moment. Bring water and a cap, as the end of summer is still warm on the coast. Finally, keep an eye on the timings for the different formats, which follow one another throughout the morning.
A sporty weekend by the ocean needs a little planning! Will you come to cheer on the triathletes or try your first swim-bike-run yourself? Book your stay at Au Bois des Biches campsite in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez and enjoy the Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie triathlon close to the action.
FAQ – Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie Triathlon
When does the Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie triathlon take place?
The Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie triathlon takes place on 6 September 2026. The exact date changes from one year to the next: the organising club announces it several months in advance, when registration opens.
What distances does the Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie triathlon offer?
The Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie triathlon offers five formats. The M distance combines a 1,500 m swim, a 40 km bike ride and a 10 km run. Next come the S distance, the XS distance and two Kids categories, with shorter distances suited to children.
Do you need a licence to take part in the Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie triathlon?
An FFTRI licence is required for the M distance. For the other formats, those without a licence can enter with a competition pass issued by the federation. Please check the exact conditions when you register, as they may vary depending on the category.
Where does the swim take place in the Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie triathlon?
The swim in the Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie triathlon takes place in the sea, off the resort’s coast. The bike course then follows the coastline and takes in a few hills inland, before a run along the seafront and through the town centre.
Can children take part in the Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie triathlon?
Yes, the Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie triathlon welcomes children with its Kids formats, split between Benjamins, Pupilles and Poussins. The distances are shorter, with swims from 50 m to 200 m, offering a safe first taste of combining all three disciplines.
