Saint Gilles Croix De Vie

Saint Gilles Croix de Vie is a refreshingly authentic fishing port and seaside resort on the Vendée coast that offers a genuine slice of French Atlantic life without the glitz of the Riviera. It pairs a working harbour (Port de Saint-Gilles) with broad sandy beaches, making it equally appealing for seafood lovers and families seeking a laid-back beach holiday. The town's dual personality—historic fishing village on the west bank and Belle Époque resort on the east—gives it real character, and the lively daily fish auction is a must-see for anyone interested in where their moules-frites come from.

Highlights & What to See

• Port de Saint-Gilles – Watch the morning fish auction (vente à la criée) from the public gallery, then browse the adjacent market for just-caught sardines, langoustines and sea bass.
• Plage de Boisvinet – The main family beach, sheltered by dunes and backed by a pine forest; ideal for swimming and sandcastle building.
• Le Marais Olonne – A vast salt marsh and bird sanctuary just inland, perfect for cycling or walking among flamingos and egrets (pick up a trail map at the tourist office).
• Historic Quarter of Croix de Vie – Wander the narrow streets of the old fishing neighbourhood on the east bank, with its colourful fishermen's cottages and the 19th-century church.
• Phare de la Garenne – Climb this striped lighthouse for panoramic views over the coast, the harbour and the offshore Île d'Yeu on clear days.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two full days is the sweet spot: one day for the port, fish auction and a beach afternoon; the second for a cycle loop through the Marais Olonne and a sunset stroll along the corniche. If you have a third day, take a ferry to Île d'Yeu (30 minutes) for a car-free island escape with cliffs and a fortress. Families often stretch to four or five days to settle into the beach-and-crêpe rhythm.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Les Sables-d'Olonne – A larger, more glamorous resort 25 km south, with a long sandy bay and a renowned thalassotherapy centre.
• Île d'Yeu – A low-key island with dramatic granite coastline, cycling trails and a 14th-century citadel; ferries depart from Saint Gilles.
• Marais Poitevin – The 'Green Venice' of France, 90 minutes east, where you can punt through tree-lined canals in a flat-bottomed barque.
• Puy du Fou – One of Europe's best historical theme parks (night-time show included), about a 90-minute drive north-east.
• La Rochelle – The elegant port city with medieval towers and a buzzing aquarium, 90 minutes south by car.

Please check official sources for current details.