Fancy a trip to the Vendée? Treat yourself to a coastal getaway and discover the top 10 things to do in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. Located less than 10 minutes from Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez and 20 minutes from Bretignolles-sur-Mer, this seaside resort is a little slice of paradise for lovers of the sea and nature. Whether you're traveling alone, with family, or with friends, head to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie soon; the Vendée guide has prepared the top 10 things to do all year round.

HEAD TO CHALLANS FOR A LEISURE BREAK AT REDZONE

About twenty minutes from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, the Redzone complex is a great option if the weather takes a turn for the worse or if you fancy a bit of exercise after a day at the beach. It’s an indoor venue where young and old alike can find something to do, whether on their own, with family or with friends.

GET ACTIVE AT YOUR OWN PACE

A climbing wall suitable for children aged 5 and over, trampolines to bounce on, and squash courts for thrill-seekers: there’s a whole host of activities for both children and adults. Younger children have their own indoor play area, designed specifically for them up to the age of 12.

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS WITH ON-SITE EXPERTS

Fancy taking it a step further than just a single session? Lessons and courses are available all year round, led by passionate instructors: an introduction to squash with a professional player, or your first climbing sessions from the age of 7 to climb in complete safety. A great way to turn an afternoon out into a real learning experience.


To find out about all the activities on offer at the centre, check out our dedicated article: Redzone, a leisure centre where everyone can have fun together in the Vendée.



Try your hand at sand yachting on the Grande Plage

Settle comfortably into your vehicle and let the wind take over ! Suitable for all ages, this outdoor activity offers the chance to experience the unique sensations of speed and adrenaline at a renowned spot in the Vendée region. Watch out for getting stuck!


land yachting


Prefer an indoor activity? Escape Yourself in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is the Vendée Guide's favorite! Once you've selected your theme, you have 60 minutes to escape from the room you're locked in, a concept that gets your brain working with reflection, logic, and communication. With friends, family, or even colleagues, take up the challenge and solve the puzzle!


Relaxing on the beach after a walk

The promenade along the Grande Plage is ideal for a refreshing seaside outing, while the fishing and pleasure port is a colorful sight with trawlers unloading their daily catch of sardines, sea bass, and sea bream. Prefer a swim? Head to the Grande Plage (be aware that at high tide, only the end of the promenade is exposed) or to the small Boisvinet beach, which has a diving board accessible at high tide.


large beach
Saint Gilles Croix de Vie embankment


For a completely relaxing getaway, the Vendée Guide recommends the superb Camping La Padrelle 2*, located just 100 meters from Bussoleries Beach. This little slice of paradise, situated 5 minutes from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy swimming to your heart’s content. Whether you prefer a tent, caravan, RV, unique cabin (Cocoon), eco-lodge (designed in the Vendée), wooden chalet, vacation home, or fully equipped mobile home, there’s something for everyone, with a wide range of services to help you enjoy the vacation of your dreams.


Take a walk along the Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez coastline.


Dino's Park

Dino's Park
  • Theme Parks
  • Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez

A unique theme park in the Vendée region, in the heart of the forest

4,5 km

Feeling Forest

Feeling Forest
  • Forest adventure trails / Tree climbing
  • Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez

Leisure, adventure and amusement park just a stone's throw from the beaches in Vendée

5,3 km

Youpla Land

Youpla Land
  • Theme Parks
  • Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez

More than 15 attractions for fun in Vendée

6,5 km


Visit the last working windmill in the Pays de Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie

Dating back to 1842, the Moulin des Gourmands (Gourmet Mill) offers a glimpse into the secrets of the millers who still produce wheat and buckwheat flour. From wheat to flour, each step of the process is explained, making for a rich and fascinating visit that will leave you wanting to dig your hands into the fine white powder. Don't leave without stopping by the bakery to sample the delicious products made on-site.


gourmets' mill


Discover our top 5 activities to do as a family.


Shore fishing in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie

Shells, seaweed, crustaceans… Put on your boots and fish for the treasures of the sea any time of year. In Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, the Grande Plage is renowned for its bountiful harvests, especially for catching clams in the sand. Grab your buckets and nets!


shore fishing in Saint Gilles Croix de Vie


Everything you need to know about shore fishing in Vendée.


Visit Fishing Stopover

The sea fishing discovery center located on the port invites you to discover the different fish species caught and the various fishing techniques through a fascinating visit. The life of a sailor is explored, as is the workings of a fish market. With cooking classes, ropework workshops, and even a treasure hunt for children, you won't be bored!


Discover the Sardine Workshop

Stay immersed in the briny world of fish during this visit, which retraces the history and artisanal know-how of the last remaining cannery in the Vendée region. Experience a complete journey into the world of sardines by watching a documentary before enjoying a tasting of appetizers on the terrace. In summer, concerts and fish-fishing demonstrations are also organized. Don't forget to stop by the shop to find your favorite products, featuring sardines, of course!


canned sardines
grilled sardines


Enjoy delicious recipes in Vendée's fish and seafood restaurants.


Les Viviers de Sion

Les Viviers de Sion
  • Artisans / Producers (Visits and Workshops)
  • Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez

Vendée shellfish specialists for 4 generations in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez

3,0 km

Boisliviere Farm

Boisliviere Farm
  • Artisans / Producers (Visits and Workshops)
  • Coëx

Breeders for 3 generations in Coëx, Vendée

17,2 km

Brasserie Garatelle

Brasserie Garatelle
  • Artisans / Producers (Visits and Workshops)
  • Vairé

Discover a craft and family brewery in Vairé

17,4 km


Shopping in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie

Fancy a day of window shopping ? Stroll along the Grande Rue and discover fashion boutiques, artisan workshops, and home decor shops to bring back the most beautiful souvenirs of your Vendée getaway. A few gourmet shops offer the chance to sample "Sablés de Saint-Gilles" (Saint-Gilles shortbread) or canned sardines.


Cycling along the circuit around Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie

While the Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie region boasts numerous marked trails perfect for leisurely walks, a dedicated route circles the seaside resort, taking in its top attractions. Cycling along the Vendée coastline, exploring the Boisvinet district, the fishing port, the Grande Plage beach, and the Jaunay river promises a delightful ride along a nearly 22 km route.


Saint Gilles Croix de Vie


The Vendée guide takes you on the cycling trails.


Traveling through the markets

Two markets offer a delightful selection of fresh produce throughout the year:

  • Croix-de-Vie side, on the Guy Kergoustin square on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
  • On the Saint-Gilles side, in the Place du Marché aux Herbes and the Vieux Port, on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday mornings.


Come and meet local producers and artisans, and don't forget your basket!


Here is the list of the most beautiful markets in Vendée.


Les Viviers de Sion

Les Viviers de Sion
  • Oysters / Mussels / Seafood products
  • Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez

The quality of Vendée shellfish for over 100 years in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez

3,0 km

Brasserie Garatelle

Brasserie Garatelle
  • Beers / Brewers of Vendée
  • Vairé

Organic craft brewery in the heart of Vendée

17,4 km

Sel de L'Ile d'Olonne

Sel de L'Ile d'Olonne
  • Vendée salt
  • L'Île-d'Olonne

Discover the Authenticity of Salt from the Saltworks of Île d'Olonne

19,4 km


Enjoy a sunset aperitif at the end of the day

Walk along the seafront promenade to find the perfect spot. Between bars and restaurants, there are plenty of places to admire the sunset with your feet in the sand or overlooking the sea, glass in hand. Don't forget your camera to capture this special moment!


sunset Saint Giles Croix de Vie


The top 10 things to do in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie are finished, all you have to do is pick from the list to enjoy the Vendée all year round!


Did you enjoy our article? Find more in our Top Experiences section.

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