The municipality of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie knows how to charm its visitors with its fishing port, which has left its mark on history, its coastline, which is ideal for water sports, and its pedestrian streets, which conceal a few historical gems. Located on the Côte Lumière, this commune in the Vendée is also a recommended destination for yachtsmen, who can set a course for a number of renowned seaside resorts such as Les Sables-d'Olonne.
A real seaside resort
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie was recognized as a seaside resort in 1982. It boasts delightful sandy beaches perfect for water sports such as sea kayaking, surfing, sand yachting, kite surfing, stand up paddle boarding, sea fishing or fishing on foot and sea excursions. Yacht charter in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is also recommended for vacationers who wish to follow the sandy 3.5 km coastline of the Vendée resort, hauled in by a pedestrian promenade lined with shops, cafés and restaurants.
Between the Corniche and the pier lies Boisvinet beach, ideal for families. Facing south, it is home to a water sports center and a sailing center that will entertain young and old alike. Lovers of peace and quiet will be delighted to leave the beach for a moment of privacy in the small coves hidden among the rocks.
Stretching for almost 3 km between the port and the locality of Pont Jaunay, the Grande Plage is, as its name suggests, the longest beach in the seaside resort. It is home to board sports enthusiasts such as surfers and sand yachting enthusiasts, as well as families busy at the beach club. Family fans of fishing on foot are invited to head north, near the port. Not far from the Joséphine tower are 2 beaches with small coves suitable for this activity, which is very popular on the Vendée coast.
Why rent a boat in Saint-Gilles-de-Vie?
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is located on the Vendée coast, a magnificent region with numerous beaches, coves and islands. By renting a boat, you can explore the coast at your own pace and discover places you wouldn't otherwise be able to see. On the other hand, the Vendée is an ideal place for fishing. Thanks to your yacht charter, you can go out to sea and fish for species such as mackerel, sea bass and tuna. All the more so as the waters of the Vendée are calm and sheltered, making them ideal for sailing. Finally, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is ideally located for sailing to the islands of Noirmoutier, Yeu and Ré, or to the cities of Nantes, La Rochelle and Bordeaux.
Filovent offers a wide range of boats for rent along the Atlantic coast and in the Vendée. Whether you are looking for a sailboat, a motorboat or even a catamaran, you are sure to find what you are looking for!
What are the rates for a yacht charter in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie?
The prices of a yacht charter vary according to several criteria: the model of the boat, its size, its capacity, the season of the charter.
This table will give you an idea of the prices for a weekly yacht charter. Please note that the prices are given as an indication.
| Type of boat | High season (July and August) | Mid-season (May, June and September) | Low season (April and October) |
| Monohull with 1 cabin | From USD1100 per week | From USD800 per week | From 600USD per week |
| Monohull with 2 cabins | From USD1400 per week | From 1200USD per week | From USD1000 per week |
| Monohull with 3 cabins | From USD1700 per week | From USD1500 per week | From USD1300 per week |
| Catamaran | From USD2850 per week | From USD2650 per week | From USD2450 per week |
| Motor boats | From USD2500 per week | From USD2300 per week | From USD2100 per week |
Why rent a boat with a skipper?
The skipper will take care of navigation and boat-related tasks, leaving you free to enjoy your cruise. You can relax, enjoy the beautiful scenery and go for a swim. What's more, a skipper can provide you with information about the region, the best beaches, tourist attractions and restaurants. They can also help you plan your sailing itinerary. Finally, if you have some knowledge of sailing but feel you are not experienced enough, a skipper can help you learn more throughout your cruise!
What are the embarkation areas for a yacht charter in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie?
To board your yacht charter, you can go to the charming Port la Vie. It has around 1000 pontoon berths, including 160 visitor berths. It has all the services necessary for the departure of a cruise or a day trip: fuel service, toilets, showers, electricity on the pontoons and a laundromat!
What is there to do in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie before embarking on your yacht charter?
No anchored boat in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie can ignore its surprisingly rich historical heritage. You only have to forget about the coastline for a few minutes to be amazed by the beautiful religious buildings, such as the church of Saintes-Gilles, built in the 9th century, or the church of Sainte-Croix, which stands out for its neo-Byzantine architecture.
Also pay attention to the monuments and tourist sites that characterize the commune of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, such as the menhir of La Tonnelle, standing alone in the town cemetery, which dates from the Neolithic period. The small Tour Joséphine and the fisherman's house will give you an insight into the homes of seafaring families in the 1920s.
In terms of activities, partygoers will linger in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie in the spring or summer to attend the La Déferlante festival, a cultural event offering various free events. Music lovers will certainly not miss the international Saint-jazz-sur-Vie festival, held every year during the Whitsun weekend.
Foodies will also find what they are looking for in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. It is not for nothing that its fishing port bears the title of the leading sardine port on the Atlantic coast. You can find out more about the port's traditional activity, sardine fishing, by visiting the Conserverie de la Perle des Dieux. It will also be a great opportunity for gourmets to taste the local sardines. The maritime world of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie can also be discovered at the Maison des Écrivains de la Mer, which brings together all the maritime literature of the town.
Markets will also set the pace of your days in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. When summer ends, night markets liven up the Quai du Port Fidèle and the Place du Vieux Port.
What are the best times for a yacht charter in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie?
If you want to rent a boat in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie to enjoy swimming in the sun, we recommend renting in July and August, when the temperatures are warm and the waters clear, ideal for swimming, diving and fishing. There are also numerous cultural and sporting activities in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie in summer, such as markets, festivals and concerts.
You can also decide to rent in May or September, when the temperatures are mild and the waters clear, so you can fully enjoy sailing and hiking. There are also fewer people in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie during these months, making it easier to enjoy the city and its surroundings.
What information should you keep in mind for your yacht charter in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie?
| Number of boats | 357 |
|---|---|
| Types of boats | Monohulls, Catamarans, Power boats |
| Average price | 1600 USD per week |
| Minimum price | 600 USD per week |
| Maximum price | 2850 USD per week |
| Manufacturers | Beneteau, Jeanneau, Lagoon and others |
Good to know
| Number of boats available | 421 |
|---|---|
| Types of service | Skipper, Hostess |
| Average price per week | $2,300 |
| Minimum weekly price | $496 |
| Maximum price per week | $10,236 |