The essentials of the Pays de Saint Gilles in one day

Cycling and nature in Saint Gilles Croix de Vie

Just a few kilometers from the Sion campsite, don’t miss the beautiful town of Saint Gilles Croix de Vie.
Known for its silvery sardines, it conceals a thousand treasures ready to be revealed before your amazed eyes.
This day will be dedicated to relaxation.
It’s the kind of vacation we love, where every moment breathes freedom.
Take the time to stroll along the bike paths, let your desires guide you, stop to enjoy a spot you like.
Walk past a little shack and take a beer break overlooking the ocean…
That’s part of the program we’re proposing.
But stick around until the end – there’s more to come .

Before setting off in the morning, make sure you have a good breakfast to build up your strength. Put on an outfit you’ll be comfortable in when you pedal, and if it’s hot, it’s time to swap your flip-flops for trainers. Now’s the time to swap your flip-flops for sneakers.
Don’t forget your backpack filled with your picnic lunch, and a tote bag to bring back a few souvenirs.
Level of cycling required to enjoy this day: beginner.

Vendée markets

4 km on foot, it wears you out, it wears you out

At the gates of the Sion campsite, follow the paths that will take you to the center of Saint Gilles Croix de Vie.
Duration: 15 minutes
Distance: 3.8 km

When you arrive in Saint Gilles Croix de Vie, unlike your car, you can easily park your bike in the designated spaces. A real time-saver.
We recommend starting your visit at the market. A meeting place for local producers, it’s the perfect place to stock up on sausages, cheeses and wines to liven up your aperitifs.
What a pleasure to awaken your senses. Open your eyes and enjoy the colors, smell the fresh produce, touch the fruits and vegetables and taste the produce.

Once you’ve had your fill of provisions, take a stroll down the pedestrian street. Perhaps it’s in the stores on this street that you’ll find your most beautiful souvenirs.
On the other side of the river, stroll along the quays of the fishing port and admire the colorful boats.

Don’t miss: if your hunger can wait a little longer… We recommend the Little Island district. This atypical seafaring district has some lovely narrow streets.

For lunch, two options:

You can enjoy your picnic on the beach or in the shade of the pine trees.
We recommend the Grande Plage in Saint Gilles Croix de Vie. It’s pleasant and offers a breathtaking view. As an added bonus, it’s lined with ice cream parlors, so you can round off your meal with an excellent homemade ice cream.
But if you prefer, there are plenty of restaurants open in Saint Gilles Croix de Vie.
Some addresses we particularly like:
L’Ardoise: cuisine as generous as it is delicious
Les Cabines: an excellent crêperie
Le Rayon vert: with ocean views

a day at saint gilles croix de vie

All about salt

After a delicious meal, we invite you to unravel the mystery of the salt that adorned your table.
Get on your bikes and take to the road to the Marais Salants de la Vie,
Just a ten-minute pedal separates you from this enchanted place.

  • Good to know: on site, twelve luggage lockers are available free of charge to relieve you of your luggage
    so you can visit the Vie salt marshes in complete peace of mind.

With our guided tours, you’ll learn all about the white gold. Guided by marsh experts, you’ll learn more about the salt-making and salt-harvesting trades, while enjoying the lunar landscape. At the end, you’ll be treated to a tasting session.

To round off the day, cycle back to the Sion campsite. It will take about 15 minutes by bike.
If you arrive on time, you can relax by the pool and enjoy the last rays of sunshine.

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