Located in the immediate vicinity of Kabana Village, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is a lively seaside resort all year round. The only maritime town in Vendée to have two bell towers, it will charm you with its fishing quarters and friendly atmosphere.
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, the charm of an authentic harbour
Just a few kilometres from Village Kabana, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is an iconic seaside town, known for its fishing harbour and lively narrow streets. Here, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and it’s a pleasure to stroll along the quays, lined with restaurants and shops. Don’t miss the local market, where you can sample regional specialities, including the famous Saint-Gilles sardine, renowned for its quality and unique flavour.
When it comes to beaches, the Grande Plage in Saint-Gilles is perfect for a relaxing afternoon, whilst surfing and water sports enthusiasts will prefer the wilder spots in the surrounding area. For a unique outing, hop aboard a boat for a mini-cruise along the coast or set off on an excursion to the Île d’Yeu.
Practical information: The market in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie takes place several times a week, notably on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. The harbour can be reached by car or by bike via the cycle paths from Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez.
The must-sees of Saint-Gilles
1. The Fishing Port and the Sardine
It is the soul of the town. Saint-Gilles is the first French fishing port to be awarded the «Remarkable Site of Taste» label for its sardine. Observe the return of the boats to the port and visit the Sardine Workshop to understand this local expertise.
2. The Big Beach
A magnificent 3.6 km stretch of fine sand, ideal for families and water sports enthusiasts (surfing, land yachting). The promenade along the sea wall is perfect for an ice cream on a terrace.
3. The Morocco Quarter
Dive into history as you wander through the narrow alleyways of this fishing district with its white houses and colourful shutters. A true postcard setting. Noirmoutier, between beaches and salt marshes
Kabana’s tip: Take the «Le P’tit Bac» river shuttle to cross the Vie and travel from one bank to the other in a fun way! For more information, check the tide times. The island is easy to explore by bike thanks to its many cycle paths. Several bike hire companies offer bikes in the town centre and near the harbour at Noirmoutier-en-l’Île.
