What are the best campsites for enjoying Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie?
4-star campsite with water park in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
The Bahamas Beach **** campsite in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is ideally located just 850 m from the beach, where a friendly, family atmosphere reigns, perfect for exploring the Vendée coast with ease. The Chadotel team will give you a warm welcome and you can enjoy a wide range of accommodation options – mobile homes, pitches for tents, caravans or motorhomes – as well as numerous services such as a snack bar, a grocery store and a heated indoor water park. Staying here, you will be close to cycle paths and summer entertainment that punctuate your days and evenings on holiday. The campsite is open from April to September, allowing you to take full advantage of the mild climate and the riches of the Vendée coastline.
Campsite 400 metres from the sea with direct access to the beach
Les Cyprès **** is a friendly, shaded campsite located just 400 m from a sandy beach, with direct access via the dunes, perfect for holidays with family or friends on the Vendée coast. You will find a wide range of comfortable accommodation options (mobile homes, furnished tents and pitches) as well as two heated swimming pools, one of which is covered with a jacuzzi, so you can enjoy swimming throughout your stay. Ideal for exploring the coastal cycle paths or strolling through the lively streets of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, this campsite also offers services and entertainment suitable for all ages. The site welcomes holidaymakers every year from April to September, guaranteeing wonderful days of relaxation facing the Atlantic Ocean.
A large water park with slides in Vendée (85)
Camping Europa ****, located in Givrand, is a family campsite offering a green and lively setting just 5.2 km (about 6 minutes by car) from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, ideal for exploring the Atlantic beaches and the centre of the Vendée resort while enjoying the peaceful countryside surroundings. On site, you will enjoy a large water park covering more than 2,000 m² with heated pools, slides and games for children, as well as numerous facilities and activities for young and old, directly accessible cycle paths and a friendly atmosphere all year round. Holidaymakers are welcomed here every year from April to the end of September, the perfect time to enjoy the pleasures of the Vendée coast.
4-star campsite just 300 metres from the sea
La Plage **** campsite in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez in the Vendée is an ideally located holiday destination just 300 metres from the sea, with a large heated aquatic area (swimming pools, paddling pools, slides and jacuzzi) and numerous activities for young and old alike, perfect for a stay with family or friends by the Atlantic Ocean. You will find a variety of accommodation options – comfortable mobile homes or pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes – as well as on-site services such as a bar/restaurant, bread delivery and nearby cycle paths. The campsite is located 9 km from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, making it a convenient base for exploring the Vendée coast and its lively fishing port. The site welcomes holidaymakers every year from April to September, ideal for making the most of the ocean climate and sandy beaches.
An indoor swimming pool and comfortable mobile homes for your holidays in the Vendée
The Paradis Le Zagarella **** campsite in Saint-Jean-de-Monts is located in the heart of a pine forest, about 3 km from the Atlantic beaches. It offers a heated aquatic area with indoor and outdoor pools, slides and a paddling pool, as well as entertainment and services suitable for the whole family. Holidaymakers can stay in mobile homes or on shaded pitches, close to the Vendée cycle paths. The campsite is open every year from May to September and is less than 13 km from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, an ideal distance for exploring this iconic seaside resort.
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What are the must-see attractions in Saint Gilles Croix de Vie?
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, a stopover between maritime culture and local traditions
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is an ideal destination for family holidays, where young and old alike can discover the world of the sea and Vendée traditions together. The walk can begin at the Maison des Écrivains, a peaceful and accessible place, perfect for taking a break to read by the ocean: the library and reading room, dedicated to maritime literature, will spark the curiosity of children and parents alike with tales of adventure and stories of sailors. Next, head to the "La Sardine est dans la Boîte" cannery, a fun and tasty visit that appeals to the whole family: here you can discover the journey of the sardine, from the port to the cannery, in a simple and lively way, with local know-how passed on with passion and often accompanied by a tasting. For an immersion in the past, the Maison du Pêcheur, open from spring to autumn, plunges visitors into the daily life of a fishing family of yesteryear; a short and concrete visit that allows children to better understand maritime life of the past. Finally, the Espace Henry Simon – Les Rimajures completes this discovery with exhibitions accessible to all, where works inspired by the sea and the landscapes of the Vendée invite visitors to look at the coastline in a different way. Between culture, heritage and shared moments, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie offers a wide range of family activities to enrich your holiday by the ocean.
Set sail for adventure: water sports for the whole family
In Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, the sea becomes a wonderful playground for sharing unforgettable moments with the family. The water sports centre offers a wide range of activities accessible to all, from introductory sailing to paddleboarding and kayaking, allowing children and parents alike to discover the joys of water sports in complete safety, supervised by passionate professionals. For a gentler, more contemplative approach, Les Balades de la Vie offers an original way to explore the town from the water: these guided cruises on the river last around 45 minutes to an hour, ideal for observing the landscapes, the harbour and the local wildlife while learning about the maritime history of Saint-Gilles. Younger visitors are not forgotten with Les P'tits Mousses, miniature boat trips specially designed for children, who become real little captains for the duration of this fun and reassuring activity. Finally, for an authentic experience, a half-day sea fishing trip allows you to head out to sea on a boat, learn fishing techniques and experience the unique atmosphere of a sea trip, often enjoyed by teenagers and adults alike. Between thrills, discoveries and moments of togetherness, the water sports activities in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie promise a holiday rich in emotions and shared memories.
Walks and hikes, exploring the town on foot or by bike
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie can also be explored on walks and hikes accessible to the whole family, thanks to numerous marked trails that allow you to explore the seaside resort at your own pace. Walks along the rocky coast offer superb views of the Atlantic Ocean, between cliffs sculpted by the sea spray, secluded coves and ideal vantage points for a photo break or a moment of contemplation. Venturing into the old quarters, visitors discover the authentic charm of the town: peaceful alleyways, fishermen's houses, churches and small squares tell the maritime history of Saint-Gilles and invite you to stroll around. The seaside trails are perfect for easy family outings, running alongside sandy beaches, dunes and promenades, ideal for gourmet breaks or games for children. Whether for a short walk at the end of the day or a longer hike to discover the Vendée countryside, these varied itineraries allow you to fully enjoy the friendly and natural atmosphere of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, between the sea, heritage and wide open spaces.
Savour the Gillocrucian way of life with gourmet breaks and local festivals
After a walk along the rocky coast or a stroll by the sea, gourmet breaks are a natural choice in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, much to the delight of families. It's impossible to stay here without tasting the famous Label Rouge sardines, a real source of local pride, which can be enjoyed grilled, in rillettes or in artisan preserves. Your taste buds will also be delighted by the Vendée préfou, a warm garlic bread that is perfect for sharing after a day of walking, not to mention the soft and moist Vendée brioche, ideal for a snack on the beach or breakfast on holiday. This delicacy is accompanied by a festive atmosphere throughout the season, punctuated by numerous summer events that delight holidaymakers: the Sardine Festival, the Fish Festival and the Port Festival celebrate the sea, traditions and conviviality through entertainment, music and tastings. Before summer, the International Jazz Festival, organised around the Whitsun weekend, attracts enthusiasts and curious visitors alike in a warm atmosphere that is accessible to all. Between culinary discoveries and festive events, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie offers a complete experience where walks, local flavours and moments of sharing combine to create precious holiday memories.
Beaches and relaxation to enjoy the coastline with your family
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie also charms visitors with the diversity and quality of its fine sandy beaches, ideal for alternating between relaxation and family fun. The large beach, which is supervised during the season, is particularly appreciated for its safety and facilities, allowing children to play freely while their parents enjoy the sun or a break with a book facing the ocean. Some of the wilder beaches and coves offer a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for recharging your batteries or observing the tides and marine life. Those who enjoy relaxing will also appreciate sunset walks along the promenade, while the more active can try their hand at beach games or simply savour a moment of calm to the rhythm of the waves. The beaches of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie are perfect places to share and relax, complementing a holiday filled with discoveries, gourmet food and entertainment, for a family holiday characterised by the gentle way of life in the Vendée.
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, a family destination with many faces
Between the sea and traditions, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is the ideal destination for a family holiday in the Vendée, where camping is a natural fit. A truly convivial way to stay close to nature, it allows you to take full advantage of the beaches, cycle paths and numerous cultural, nautical and gastronomic activities offered by the resort. From waking up in the fresh air to lively evenings after a day of exploring, camping offers families the freedom they appreciate, while remaining close to the town's highlights. Whether you choose a comfortable mobile home or a traditional pitch, camping in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie means enjoying a holiday punctuated by the ocean, new encounters and the pleasure of sharing simple moments in a warm and authentic Vendée setting.