Discover Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie with your dog, in the Vendée region
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie in Vendée: a seaside resort to discover with your dog! Between the beaches, walks in the forest, or along the lakes and marshes, and the many cultural or sporting activities accessible to dogs, you and your companion will be able to enjoy your holidays together!
Vendée isn't just Les Sables d'Olonne, Saint-Jean-de-Monts and La Tranche-sur-Mer. Other seaside resorts are also worth a visit, such as Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie , which offers many activities for a holiday with your dog.
So, let me take you on a tour of this very pretty town on the Vendée coast , its famous sardine port and its old fishing quarters, not forgetting all the natural spaces that surround it. Your dog will love this environment, both dynamic and airy, where refreshing walks are easily accessible.
Summary
Where to stay in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie with your dog?
Okay, to get things off to a good start… Where to stay with your dog?
Our top recommendation: Camping Europa in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie , one of the most dog-friendly campsites in the Vendée! Here, dogs receive a warm welcome and other privileges: they are allowed in the restaurant , they have two fenced playgrounds just for them, and it's possible to have them looked after while you're away…
These are the pleasant surprises we were able to discover in this campsite, located a stone's throw from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, a few minutes from the Vendée beaches.
Sophie, the manager of this campsite, is a true dog lover. One of her first statements was: “I want my campsite to become one of the best dog-friendly campsites in the Vendée! It’s something we’re really passionate about.”
🐶 The campsite offers many facilities for dogs, which has allowed it to obtain the prestigious QUALIDOG label.
- 2 dog parks with agility obstacles: 1 for small dogs and 1 for larger dogs
- connecting you with a pet sitter so you can enjoy activities without leaving your dog alone
- a dog shower to rinse your dog after the beach
- dog waste bag dispensers
- a restaurant where dogs are welcome
- Dog equipment available on request: bowls, leashes, blankets…
- a dog cottage with an enclosed terrace, reserved for families with dogs
Not to mention the environment: from the campsite, you can easily reach dog-friendly beaches on foot or by bike, or quickly access the forest for beautiful shaded walks.
👱 In terms of human comfort, the campsite also deserves its 4 stars:
- Premium mobile homes or eco-lodge tents
- Indoor and outdoor water park, with a tube slide to delight both children and parents
- children's playgrounds and numerous sports fields
- Massages and treatments available to book at the campsite
- Bar-snack-pizza open in July and August for a delicious meal
If you are looking for a friendly campsite, located near the Vendée seaside resort of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie and where your dog will be as welcome as you, Camping Europa is an excellent place to keep in mind!
Where to walk your dog in and around Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie?
The town of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, and its surroundings, are charming to discover with your dog during your walks.
- Impossible to talk about Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie without even mentioning its maritime identity. As France's leading sardine port, the town is renowned for its expertise in sardine fishing, particularly for the Gendreau cannery, which markets its products under the Les Dieux brand. Between the port, the bustling quays, the narrow streets of old Saint-Gilles, and the Josephine Tower, the town is easily explored on foot, even with your dog.
- I also recommend a stroll on the Vendée CornicheAs you travel along the coastline, you will discover the elegant villas of the Boisvinet district. Built during the Belle Époque, they offer a pleasant panorama combining architectural heritage and ocean views.
- For a more nature-oriented outing, you can take a stroll in the marshes of the Pays de Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-VieThey are veritable havens of biodiversity (please do not disturb them 😉). Dogs are welcome.
- For a shady stroll, the Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez state forest It is accessible to dogs and strollers, ideal for sharing a lovely walk along the botanical trails.
- There is also the Garden of Olfactories in Coëx. This botanical garden, crossed by a lake and a stream, will awaken your senses and those of your dog thanks to a great diversity of plants and scents throughout the walk.
- A few minutes from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, the tour of Lake Gué Gorand It allows for a pleasant, accessible walk of about an hour. Some areas even offer swimming opportunities for dogs.
- Le Jaunay lakeThe lake, which stretches for 8 km, is also a great outing idea. You can enjoy various water sports (canoeing, paddleboarding) or simply take advantage of the trails around the lake. However, in summer, I recommend keeping your dog out of the water as cyanobacteria have been reported several times.
- Cycling enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy thanks to the numerous cycle paths which crisscross the Vendée and make it easy to connect the different seaside resorts along the coast.
- Finally, after a boat trip departing from Croix de Vie, theÎle d'Yeu It's well worth the detour. You'll be captivated by its coastal paths, wild landscapes, and island atmosphere, perfect for long walks with your dog.
Once your legs are nicely stretched, there's nothing like a good gourmet break or a fun or cultural activity to complete your day with your dog.
Things to do near Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie with your dog
Around Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, you will easily find activities, visits and even beaches where you can share good times with your dog.
- In terms of heritage, the Commequiers Castle is an interesting visit to discover the remains of a medieval fortress with your dog (on a leash).
- To better understand the history linking Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie to the sardine, you can visit theSardine Workshop with your dog. Between museum, art gallery and shop, this visit allows you to learn more about the iconic activity that has shaped the identity of the city for generations.
- If, like Musher and me, you love the water sports to share with your dogyou can do Canoeing or paddleboarding on Lake Jaunaybut also on the river of the same name.
- For a more fun activity in July/August, the Popcorn Labyrinth of Givrand 200m from the campsite you can play a giant game of hide-and-seek with your children and your dog! These mazes carved into the cornfields are a great activity to share with the family.
- Dinosaur enthusiasts can also visit Dinos ParkDogs on leashes are welcome. The park is open during the summer season.
- To start the day, you can brunch at the restaurant Au Bout du Monde, facing the port and its entrance channel.
🏖️ And if your dog loves running on the sand and swimming, head to the beach ! Please note that these three beaches allow dogs year-round, but from June 1st to September 30th, they are only permitted before 10 am and after 8 pm. The rest of the year, they can enjoy the beach without any time restrictions!
- in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie: the Grande Plage
- In Brétignolles-sur-Mer: the Sauzaie cove and the Petit Pont beach
- In Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez: the beaches of La Pege, La Parée Préneau, Les Salins and Les 60 Bornes
Only one beach is allowed for dogs all year round and all day: a section of beach 4 km from the campsite accessible by crossing the flowery village of Givrand and ending with a lovely walk in the dunes.
As for beaches easily accessible by car from the campsite, you can enjoy the beaches of Saint-Jean-de-Monts. Some are dog-friendly all year round and all day long. Among them are: the southern part of Pont d'Yeu beach, Tonnelles beach, Parée du Jonc beach, and Davière beach.
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is a lovely seaside resort with plenty of activities to enjoy with your dog! Camping Europa is a highly recommended base, ideally located whether you want to explore the surrounding Vendée region or simply relax at the campsite with your dog.
Enjoy your wonderful discoveries in the Vendée!
