{"id":3708,"date":"2021-03-18T11:06:03","date_gmt":"2021-03-18T10:06:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.camping-les-biches.com\/tourism-vendee\/saint-gilles-croix-de-vie\/"},"modified":"2025-12-03T12:21:51","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T11:21:51","slug":"saint-gilles-croix-de-vie","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/biches.geek-tonic.dev\/en\/tourism-vendee\/saint-gilles-croix-de-vie\/","title":{"rendered":"What to do in Saint Gilles Croix de Vie?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Welcome to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie<\/strong>! This pearl of the C\u00f4te de Lumi\u00e8re is much more than just a seaside resort<\/strong>. It’s a town of character, shaped by its fishing port<\/strong>, its fine sandy beaches<\/strong>, and its delicious gastronomy<\/strong>. From our Les Biches campsite<\/strong>, you are at the ideal starting point to discover all facets of this jewel of the Saint-Gilles region<\/strong>. Get ready, your schedule promises to be packed! <\/p>\n\n

Essential activities in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie<\/h2>\n\n

To help you see more clearly, here’s an overview of experiences not to be missed.<\/p>\n\n

Category<\/th>Must-sees<\/th>Ideal for\u2026<\/th>Les Biches Campsite’s tip<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Beaches & coastline<\/strong><\/td>Grande Plage, Boisvinet beach, Vend\u00e9e corniche<\/td>Families, watersports enthusiasts, hikers<\/td>The Boisvinet beach<\/strong>, with its club and accessibility labels, is perfect for young children<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr>
Culture & heritage<\/strong><\/td>Sardine Workshop, Fishing Stopover, Fisherman’s House<\/td>The curious, history buffs<\/td>Don’t miss the guided tour of the fish market<\/strong>, a unique local experience organized by the Tourist Office<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr>
Gastronomy<\/strong><\/td>Sardine tasting (Label Rouge), local markets<\/td>Food lovers, fresh produce enthusiasts<\/td>The Place du Vieux Port<\/strong> market (Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday) is a treat for the senses and the soul of the town.<\/td><\/tr>
Family activities<\/strong><\/td>Dino’s Park, rail-bike, Jaunay River walk<\/td>Children, teens, parents<\/td>The rail-bike<\/strong> is an original outing that the whole family will enjoy; remember to book during high season.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n

Discover the fishing port, the beating heart of the town<\/h2>\n\n
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To truly visit Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie<\/strong>, start with its port<\/strong>. This is where the heart of the town has beaten for centuries. A fleet of about fifty boats enlivens the fishing port, landing nearly 4,000 tons of fish<\/strong> each year, including the famous sardine. Stroll along the Old Port quays<\/strong>, watch the trawlers’ ballet<\/strong>, and soak in this authentic atmosphere. <\/p>\n\n

To go further, step through the doors of Escale P\u00eache<\/strong>, a discovery center that reveals the behind-the-scenes of sea fishing<\/strong>. It’s a visit that is both educational and fun, ideal for understanding the importance of this activity in the history and daily life of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. <\/p>\n\n

Enjoy the beaches of the C\u00f4te de Lumi\u00e8re<\/h2>\n\n

Wondering what to do in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie<\/strong> to relax? Head to the beaches! <\/p>\n\n

The Grande Plage<\/strong>, a vast stretch of fine sand that extends to Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez<\/strong>, is ideal for watersports enthusiasts<\/strong>. For families with children, Boisvinet beach is an excellent choice. More sheltered, this Saint-Gilles beach has a club and is supervised during the season. <\/p>\n\n

Important note: both beaches are accessible to all, thanks to Tiralo<\/strong> devices and the Handiplage<\/strong> label. A true guarantee of quality to enjoy the sea with complete peace of mind. <\/em><\/p>\n\n

Savor local gastronomy: much more than just sardines<\/h2>\n\n

Activities in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie<\/strong> also include culinary delights. The local star is, of course, the sardine<\/strong>, the first wild fish to have obtained the prestigious Label Rouge<\/strong>. Visit the La Perle des Dieux cannery<\/strong> or the Sardine Workshop<\/strong> to discover its full history. <\/p>\n\n

But the gourmet delights don’t stop there: also consider the salt from the Vie salt marshes<\/strong>. The town has the particularity of hosting five markets per week<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\n