Journée à Saint Gilles Croix de Vie

Just a few kilometres and less than 10 minutes' drive from Le Bahamas Beach campsite (and Le Domaine de Beaulieu campsite) (zone modifiable: Bretignolles, camping La Trévillère, 17 minutes; Les Sables, camping La Dune des Sables 42 minutes), Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is waiting to welcome you for an eventful day. If you're looking for a quiet place to park, the Quai Rivière car park is just a stone's throw from the heart of the town. If you prefer to park on the Croix-de-Vie side, on the other side of La Vie, take the time to consult the "parking" tab on the town's official website: you'll find all the options to suit your needs.

In the world of Sardines

Less than a kilometre on foot from the car park, the Atelier de la Sardine opens its doors to you for a free visit that's as fun as it is tasty. In an old renovated farmhouse, you'll enter 3 worlds: a museum retracing the history of sardine fishing in Saint-Gilles, an art gallery where tins of sardines become objects of inspiration and a shop that does honour to La Perle des Dieux.

💡Don't miss the Atelier de la Sardine:

All year round, you can enjoy aperitif platters on site.
During the summer season, watch sardines being filleted live (€7/person).
Concerts will be held on Thursdays 24 and 31 July and 7 and 14 August.
The Sardine Festival will take place on 27 July 2025 from 11.30am to 10.30pm.

You'll understand why Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is the only Site of Exceptional Taste for sardines... and you'll never see a tin of sardines the same way again.

Market and everyday pleasures

Then continue your day by moving closer to the heart of the town, to the Place du Marché aux Herbes and the Vieux Port, a 500-metre walk from the workshop. It's the perfect place to feel the local pulse: pick up a Vendée brioche or some smoked sardines.

💡This market takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. If you want to stroll through a market on the other days of the week, Wednesdays and Saturdays, go to the Croix-de-Vie side at Place Guy Kergoustin.

A meal of specialities

It's impossible to leave Saint-Gilles without sampling a local speciality in one of the restaurants that make it so sublime. Two addresses, two atmospheres, but the same promise: taste. L'Ardoise, for the discerning palate, combines simplicity and excellence. Its crisp fish and chips and subtly prepared fresh fish appeal to the curious and the connoisseur alike. The Saint Gilles charms with its authenticity and irreproachable value for money. An unpretentious restaurant, but with a taste for the real thing and the welcome that goes with it. At both, you'll enjoy more than just a dish: a mouthful of the ocean.

Afternoon on the beach

Digest gently with a stroll towards the centre at the fishing port, just opposite the town hall. From here, embark on a short crossing with the ferryman: head for the dune and the great beach. This wilder, wider stretch of fine sand, fringed by waves, is the perfect playground for young and old alike. With family or friends, the place has all the makings of a postcard.

💡Practical info :

Departures are every 15 minutes
Prices: €2.30/adult and €1.80/child (0-12 years)

A fun evening

Want to extend your day? Take the car (less than 10 minutes' drive) to the leisure complex at 201 Forest Avenue! Along the way, you'll follow the superb Corniche Vendéenne coastal path, with its rocky cliffs and coves and breathtaking ocean views! Take time out for a break in one of the little bars along the way!
In the evening, there's a bowling alley for a friendly game with family or friends, a laser game for an adrenalin-fuelled moment, and even a restaurant if your appetite returns. A great way to round off an intense day on a fun and dynamic note.

La Dune des Sables