Saint Gilles Croix de Vie
For a half-day or a day, discover Saint Gilles Croix de Vie. Follow us, we will guide you to the most beautiful corners of this town.
Let’s start this day with the beach of Boisvinet. This large beach is very pleasant both in the summer and out of season thanks to its elevated walkway that allows you to admire the horizon and the waves. Walk for a while, and at the end of this beach you will find the big lighthouse of Saint Gilles Croix de Vie. It is also called the Lighthouse of Gabio. Since 1880, this tower was built to guide the arrivals to the entrance of the port. It is now 28 meters high and has a range of 30 kilometers of projection.
After this walk, let’s go for a walk to the port.
This marina has 1,000 moorings and 160 berths. You can walk around in peace, the sound of the water and the smell of the sea are relaxing. The fishing port, located in the heart of the city, is the first sardine port of the Atlantic coast.
It is specialized in the fishing of blue fish, that is to say sardines, mackerel, anchovies, … About 40 fishing vessels are present, so 100 sailors, every day to fish these fish. Labeled ” Remarkable site of taste “, this port is unique in France, it would be a shame not to pass by. The small residential alleys in the vicinity are also very cute, so don’t hesitate to make a detour there.
As you can see, the local specialty is the sardine !
Take advantage of your stay to get some, you will easily find them in the small stores near the port, such as ” La perle de Dieux ” or in the restaurants around to taste them, fresh from the morning catch.