Seaside Living
A holiday in Saint Gilles Croix de Vie wouldn't be complete without a day at the beach. Home to one of the world's leading manufacturer of boats, Bénéteau, Saint Gilles Croix de Vie offers visitors plenty of opportunities to explore this beautiful coastline, from both the beach and the Atlantic Ocean. To get out on the water, sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, fishing and sand sailing are all available to try from the seafront.
Families will find the vast expanse of Le Grand Plage ideal, with a promenade offering shops to mooch around and cafés selling drinks, snacks, and delicious French meals. The beach also offers good facilities, including changing huts, showers, toilets, and limited parking. Couples looking to enjoy a scenic day away from the noise can explore Le Plage de la Pelle a Porteau, which is a secluded beach bordered by rocks. At low tide a natural swimming pool is revealed on Le Petit Plage, which is conveniently warmed by solar heating.
Shopping
Those who prefer to keep their feet on dry land can wander through the pretty streets, or along the promenade where there are boutiques, souvenir shops, cafés and restaurants giving a sleepy traditional feeling to the town, or for a lively end to the day, the harbour side is home to bustling restaurants and bars.
Outdoor adventure
Wander along the banks of the La Vie River, which divides the town, for a day of serenity, or rent a bike and cycle through the pretty landscapes which surround Saint Gilles Croix de Vie. Walkers and hikers will find themselves spoilt for choice, and there is also horse riding, which will take you along scenic bridle paths and into the depths of the beautiful French countryside where salt marshes and peaceful paths abound.
When travellers get itchy feet, the Vendée region offers action-packed activities aplenty. Le Puy du Fou theme park is worth a visit, for desperate stunts, animal shows and impressive re-enactment. The Zoo des Sables offers an exciting insight into an eco-zoo, from the cute red pandas, big lions, to the tiny bug hotel.
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