Saint Gilles Croix de Vie
Mainly known as a seaside resort, Saint-Gilles-Croix de Vie is also an interesting city to visit during your stay at the Parc de la Grève campsite.
Saint Gilles Croix de Vie near the Camping du Parc de la Grève
Situated on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean along the Côte de Lumière, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is bordered by the cities of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez in the north and Bretignolles-sur-Mer in the south. Within the borough of Les Sables-d'Olonne, the county of Saint-Gilles includes 14 cities including L'Aiguillon-sur-Vie, Brem-sur-Mer, Bretignolles-sur-Mer, Commequiers, Saint-Hilaire -Riez, and Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie.
Places to visit
Two religious buildings are to be discovered. The Holy Cross church and its gigantic pulpit that attracts the eye. In Roman-Byzantine style, work began in 1895.
The church of Saint-Gilles. A first church was built in the ninth century. From this edifice, there remains only the first seats of the large north pillar which supports the bell tower. Destroyed by the English at the beginning of the 14th century, it was later rebuilt by these same Englishmen, hence the name which is sometimes given to him of church of the English. It was again destroyed by the Protestants during the wars of religion, to be finally rebuilt in 1613 by the catholics.
The Joséphine Tower: from 1837 to 1875, it indicated the entrance to the port. Traditionally, the newlyweds go to the mole and make a round at the foot of the tower. In 2000, she found her crown and her lantern.
For lovers of maritime literature, discover the house of writers of the sea.
The fisherman's house is a reconstruction of a 1920s interior of a marine habitat. It also has a museum.
To entertain you
All year round, you can entertain yourself and make your games at Saint-Gilles Croix de vie casino, or go to the cinema of Saint Gilles, Cinemarine.
Every year, during the Pentecost weekend, there is the International Jazz Festival, Saint-Jazz / Vie.
Every summer, a funfair and a night market settle on the banks of the Life.
beaches in Saint-Gilles Croix de Vie
There are several beaches at Saint Gilles Croix de Vie. To the south, the large beach and its commercialized embankment, extended over 5 kms by the dune. This beach is easily accessible by bike from the campsite, following the marked trails gathered in a guide available at the reception (link Brétignolles then track 16)
The beach of Boisvinet in the North, before joining Sion on the ocean.
Small coves, surrounded by rocks, which will delight lovers of fishing on foot ..
Saint-Gilles Croix de Vie and the Sardines
The famous sardine of Saint Gilles is well known behind borders. You can visit the cannery: a discovery area with exhibition, video and tasting...
Don't miss the traditional sardine festival at the end of July ...
The markets of Saint Gilles Croix de Vie
Throughout the year, five open-air weekly markets take place alternately near the two churches of the commune:
- Place du Vieux-Port and Place de Marché-aux-Herbes (Saint-Gilles side) on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays,
- Place Guy-Kergoustin (Croix-de-Vie side) on Wednesdays and Saturdays mornings.
In addition, daily from 8 pm to midnight in July and August, a night market is offered on the Saint-Gilles side, Port Fidèle wharf and Place du Vieux Port. Various craftsmen sell souvenirs and other essentially local products.
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