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Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, in the Vendée department, in Pays de la Loire, is a historic fishing harbour whose eight listed campsites are all set by the sea. The town, born from the merger of two towns separated by the Vie estuary, keeps a strong maritime identity, between fishing and seaside tourism.
Camping here means enjoying ocean access on a stretch of the Vendée coast known for its fine sandy beaches and mild climate. The harbour, still active, still shapes local life, and its fish auctions draw curious onlookers at the end of the day.
The town is also a practical starting point for following the Corniche vendéenne, the coastal path that links several coves and viewpoints over the ocean, an added asset for a camping stay right by the water.
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie owes its name to the 1967 merger of the two towns of Saint-Gilles-sur-Vie and Croix-de-Vie, on either side of the Vie estuary. The fishing harbour remains one of the most active on the Vendée coast, historically specialised in sardines, and its fish auctions still draw visitors curious to watch the boats come in.
The Corniche vendéenne, a coastal path that runs from the town towards Sion-sur-l'Océan, alternates small cliffs, rocky coves and views over the Atlantic, a walk popular with both walkers and cyclists. The Parc de la Garenne, overlooking the harbour, offers another pleasant viewpoint over the mouth of the river.
In the town centre, the covered market and lively quays are a reminder that fishing remains a very much alive activity here, far from being just a tourist selling point.
Other campsites less than 30 km away, in neighbouring towns.
Every by the water campsite is checked against its official listing and real photos, not a marketing pitch.
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| Campsite | Rating | by the sea | From | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camping Le Petit Pavillon | 2 ★ | ✓ | — | 4.2/5 |
| Camping Domaine Le Chatelier | 4 ★ | ✓ | — | 4.1/5 |
| Camping Domaine de Beaulieu | 4 ★ | ✓ | — | 4.2/5 |
| Camping Bahamas Beach | 4 ★ | ✓ | — | 4.5/5 |
| Camping Le Petit Beauregard | 3 ★ | ✓ | — | 4.1/5 |
