Five natural settings in the Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie area
With almost 32 kilometers of coastline, the Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie region offers an unmissable rendezvous with the sea. With its dunes, sandy beaches, rocky areas and harbor, the resort is truly sea-oriented. But Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is much more than that! Between vineyards and marshes, explore the hinterland and discover mysterious forests and peaceful lakes to relax in after long bike rides.
Saint Gilles and the pleasures of the sea
How can you miss the beaches of the seaside resort of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie? A must-see for many holidaymakers, the Grande Plage stretches for almost four kilometers. Lazy beach-goers can put down their towels to perfect their tan, while children have fun at the beach club.
The more active surfers and kitesurfers can have a blast on the waves that crash onto the Grande Plage, which becomes increasingly wild as you head south towards Brétignolles-sur-Mer. Unless you prefer sand yachting for a new thrill!
There are many other beaches in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, most of which are supervised. Some, like the nearby Plage de Boisvinet, are accessible to people with reduced mobility. There are also a number of beach clubs and water sports centres for sailing, windsurfing and sea kayaking.
In addition to the pleasures of the water, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie has much more to offer in the way of nature! The ideal way to explore the Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie region is by bike. After exploring the many coastal paths of the Corniche Vendéenne, escape to the interior of the region!
The marshes of the Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie region
Just ten minutes by bike from the center of Saint-Gilles, discover the Vie marshes. Whether sweet or salty, the marshes offer peaceful landscapes home to a rich fauna. You'll see many birds, particularly egrets, which are easy to spot.
Even more original, you can discover the marshes of La Vie aboard an authentic horse-drawn carriage, to the rhythm of the horses' steps. A peaceful way to admire nature!
And to round off your discovery of the marshes, head for the interpretation museums for guided tours lasting around 1? hours to learn all about the cultivation of "white gold" (salt!).
The Fiefs Vendéens vineyards
In Brem-sur-Mer, a few kilometers south of Saint-Gilles, discover the Vignobles des Fiefs Vendéens! The tourist office offers a 3h30 hike through the heart of the local vineyards. Stop off at one of the many winegrowers in the area who offer tours of the vineyards and cellars, before concluding your walk with a tasting of local wines - whites, rosés or reds - which have been awarded an AOC label in recognition of their commitment to quality.
Forest walks near Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
Once again, cycling is the ideal way to explore the Pays de Monts forest, which stretches as far as Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez. Enjoy the scents of the pine forest and the shade provided by the pines and oaks, the only species able to grow on these poor soils. You can choose to walk the marked trails of this man-made forest, work out on the "Health" trail or picnic in one of the designated areas, for an unforgettable day out in the great outdoors.
Off the beaten track, discover the lakes!
For a walk off the beaten track, head for the lakes of the Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie region! Some fifteen kilometers inland, Lac de Jaunay and Lac du Gué-Gorand are true havens of peace. They are ideal for waterside walks. There are well-maintained footpaths around the lake, allowing you to discover a peaceful landscape that is home to many species. Particularly popular with fishermen, you can also go kayaking or pedal-boating, far from the summer hustle and bustle of the nearby coast.
