In the very heart of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, Villa Boisvinet places you perfectly to enjoy the charm and energy of one of the Vendée’s most beloved seaside towns. With the train station, lively centre and sandy beaches all within easy reach, this is a destination where the car can happily stay parked while you soak up the relaxed Atlantic atmosphere on foot.
The house is located on one of the roads leading to the harbour, parallel to the single track train track – you can reach Tour Joséphine within a 5-minute walk and the town’s train station is only 650m on foot (with occasional departures towards Challans and Nantes).
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie’s fishing port, famed for its sardine fleet, brings a wonderfully authentic feel, while bustling cafés, markets and shops line the streets nearby. Just a short stroll away, Plage de Boisvinet (750m) is a charming little beach, especially great when the tide is out. Across the river, the town’s main beach can be reached in around half an hour on foot and offers a livelier setting in the summer, complete with seasonal surfing schools, beach restaurants and long stretches of sand backed by a charming promenade.
Beyond Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, the surrounding coastline reveals some of the Vendée’s most picturesque seaside landscapes. Brétignolles-sur-Mer (13km) is loved for its rugged shoreline, sandy coves and laid-back surf culture, while nearby Brem-sur-Mer offers an altogether different charm with Michelin-starred dining, excellent local wines and the wild beauty of Plage des Dunes. This area also serves as a gateway to the Marais salants de l’Île d’Olonne, where traditional salt marshes create a striking natural landscape rich in birdlife and local heritage.
For a livelier day out, Les Sables-d’Olonne (34km) combines elegant promenades, expansive beaches and a vibrant marina atmosphere. From Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie’s harbour, boat trips to the beautiful Île d’Yeu offer another unforgettable experience, with glorious beaches, hidden coves and peaceful cycling routes waiting to be explored.
Whether you are seeking ocean adventures, fantastic cuisine or coastal town living, Villa Boisvinet enjoys an enviable location at the heart of it all.
The Region
From the Loire estuary to cosmopolitan La Rochelle and historic Saintes, this part of the Atlantic coast and its surroundings attract visitors who come for the region’s superb beaches, charming market towns, delicious oysters and rich history.
Starting just south of the fine city of Nantes, the Marais wetlands are a paradise for keen bird watchers and the perfect place for peaceful nature walks, cycle rides and canoeing through the marshes. Then there’s the blue-flag beaches, seaside resorts and fishing villages of the Côte de Jade alongside walking paths, cycling trails and horse-riding opportunities. The sunsets along this part of the coastline are especially idyllic.
The Atlantic island of Noirmoutier-en-l'Île is loved for its vast beaches, sand dunes and watersports. Admire its incredible landscapes, dig for shellfish, learn about the history of the island’s salt production and cycle to your hearts content passing historic sites, forests, salt marshes and coast – stop off for oysters en route for an authentic island experience.
Back to the mainland, discover characterful markets in the likes of Machecoul, Challans and La Roche-sur-Yon with Vendée specialities including beef, pork, Challans poultry, oysters, mussels, sardines, salt, white beans and a great range seasonal fruit and vegetables.
The Atlantic beaches of the Vendée coastline are wonderful, ideal for surfing and other water-based adventures, many backed by endless nature and woodland. La Tranche-sur-Mer has earned its ‘Famille Plus’ designation with its blue-flag beach, attractive promenade and family-friendly activities. For a change of scene, explore Le Marais Poitevin by boat and appreciate it’s magnificent natural surroundings -it's known as the ‘Green Venice’,
Puy du Fou is another highlight of this region, often considered one of the best theme parks in the world with its immersive adventures, period villages and spectacular shows.
Further south, passing La Rochelle and the wonderful islands of Île de Ré and Île d'Oléron, head inland in the Charente Maritime and spend time in the historic town of Saint-Jean-d'Angely with its Abbaye Royale, a UNESCO World Heritage site and part of the Santiago de Compostela route.
Historians will also adore the 11th century Abbaye aux Dames in Saintes. The city’s old quarter is a joy to explore whilst the Roman amphitheatre and Basilique Saint Eutrope de Saintes, another UNESCO World Heritage site, are a must-see during your time. End your day with a cruise along the Charente, a picturesque river that continues east towards Cognac, Jarnac and the vibrant city of Angoulême.
