Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie

Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is a commune on the Atlantic coast in Vendée, stretching along the mouth of the Vie River. The settlement connects a fishing harbor on one side with sandy beaches and residential districts on the other side of the river.

The two original settlements grew together over the centuries around fishing and trade with the sea. The harbor was expanded several times and remains today an active landing point for fishing boats from the Bay of Biscay.

The commune's name comes from two former settlements joined by a bridge across the Vie. Visitors today see market halls along the harbor quay, where fishermen mend their nets in the morning and gulls circle above the ship cranes.

The beaches lie mostly south of the harbor, while the town center concentrates north of the bridge. Guests can walk along the quay to watch the boats arrive, especially in the morning.

The quay wall bears memorial plaques for lost fishing boats that disappeared at sea since the 19th century. In the harbor area stand old stone warehouses once used for salt and canned goods.

Location: canton of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie

Location: Vendée

Location: arrondissement of Les Sables-d'Olonne

Elevation above the sea: 14 m

Shares border with: Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, Bretignolles-sur-Mer, Le Fenouiller, Givrand

Address: 85800 Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, France

Website: http://saintgillescroixdevie.fr

GPS coordinates: 46.69750,-1.94444

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:29