Saint Gilles Croix de Vie
The historic fishing village of Saint Gilles Croix de Vie is a popular holiday retreat for visitors looking for a blend of coastal and rural adventure, and a slow pace of life. Wander through the village or head down to the shore to watch the boats bringing in their catch of the day, before indulging in the freshest seafood straight from the sea to the plate. With one of the world's largest boat manufacturers, Bénéteau, celebrating its founding here, the harbour is a vibrant place to visit. A number of festivals are put on during the summer, including the popular jazz festival every May. Nantes and La Roche-sur-Yon are also both within driving distance of the village.
Find out more about your holiday in Saint Gilles Croix de Vie in our more detailed destination guide.
Activities
Summer guests can spend their days relaxing in the blissful French weather, stretching out on the soft golden sands of the beach and heading into the sea for a cool dip. Fishing and golf both provide an excellent way to soak up the stunning natural landscapes of the area. To completely immerse in relaxation, guests can head to one of the thalassotherapy healing spas to re-energise skin with the use of the pure and mineral-rich local waters.
With extensive countryside in and around Saint Gilles Croix de Vie, activities are plentiful. At the equestrian centre, Aumarière, guests can choose and prepare their own horses before exploring the area by horseback, while the Animaux de la Ferme animal park, which is 50 minutes away, is great for children who love nature. The nearby salt trail and nautical centre are both worth a visit, and there's also a traditional petanque available.
Things to see
Lively Nantes, located on the Loire River, is just over an hour away by car and offers further shopping, bars, restaurants, historic sites and some gorgeous architecture.
Families will enjoy a day out to the theme park Le Puy du Fou, with historic stunt shows, exhibits and animal displays. Animal lovers should head to the Zoo des Sables d'Olonne, which is a 30 minute car journey to the south and offers a diverse range of animals, including leopards, gorillas, flamingos, lions, penguins and many more.