Top 10 things to do in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie

Fancy a trip to Vendée? Treat yourself to a coastal getaway by discovering 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 corner of paradise for lovers of the seaside and nature. Alone, with family or friends, head to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie quickly, the Vendée guide has prepared the top 10 things to do throughout the year.

Learn to sand yacht on the Grande Plage

Settle into your vehicle and let the wind carry you away ! Suitable for both young and old, this outdoor activity is an opportunity to experience the unique sensations of speed and adrenaline at a renowned spot in Vendée. Be careful not to get stuck!

Relaxing on the beach after a walk

The Grande Plage embankment is ideal for a seaside outing, while the fishing and marina port is colorful with trawlers unloading their catch of the day, including sardines, sea bass, sea bream, etc. Do you prefer to swim? Head to the Grande Plage (be careful, at high tide, only the end of the embankment is uncovered) or to the small Boisvinet beach with a diving board accessible at high tide.

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

Dating back to 1842, the Moulin des Gourmands allows you to discover the secrets of the millers who still make wheat and buckwheat flour today. From wheat to flour, each stage of production is explained to you, a rich and fascinating visit that will make you want to dig your hands into the fine white powder. Don't leave without visiting the bakery to taste the delicious products made on site.

Fishing on foot in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie

Shellfish, seaweed, crustaceans... Put on your boots and fish for the treasures of the sea at any time of year. In Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, the Grande Plage is renowned for offering great catches, especially for fishing for pine nuts in the sand. Grab your buckets and nets!

Visit Escale Pêche

The sea fishing discovery center located on the port invites you to discover the species of fish caught and the different fishing techniques through an exciting tour. The life of a sailor is covered, as is the operation of an auction. Cooking classes, seamanship workshops and even a treasure hunt for children - you won't be bored!

Discover the Sardine Workshop

We stay in the iodized world of fish during this visit which retraces the history and the artisanal know-how of the last Vendée cannery. Experience a total immersion in the heart of the sardine by watching a documentary before moving on to tasting around aperitif boards on the terrace. In summer, concerts are also organized as well as fillet raisings. Don't forget to stop by the shop to find your favorite products, sardine-based of course!

Shopping in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie

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

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

While the Pays de Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is rich in marked trails perfect for walking, there is a route that allows you to tour the seaside resort, including the best points of interest. Follow the Vendée coast road, discover the Boisvinet district, the fishing port, the Grande Plage or even the Jaunay river, this promises a beautiful bike ride on a route of almost 22 km.

Explore the markets

Two markets offer fresh produce all year round:

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

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

Enjoy a sunset aperitif at the end of the day

Walk along the embankment to find the best place to stay. Between bars and restaurants, there are plenty of places to admire the sunset with your feet in the sand or overlooking the sea with a glass in hand. Remember to bring your camera to capture this special moment!

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

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