A small town with a permanent residency of just over 7,000 people, the amalgamated towns of St Gilles-Sur-Vie and Croix-de-Vie have been one since the 1960s; since which time, the new town has grown and grown, becoming one of the most frequented seaside resorts on the Vendée‘s famous Côte de Lumière.
A good proportion of the 35,000 summer visitors are Irish and sardines are one of the town’s big industries, along with tourism.
The markets here are a focal point for the community that brings the elements of the town together (the beach, the marina, the port and the local ship-building) in good way that’s not immediately apparent when you first set eyes on the place.
Every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday morning from 08:00 to 13:00, there’s a local market throughout the year on Place du Vieux Port overlooked by the church.
Every Wednesday and Saturday morning from 08:00 to 13:00, it’s the turn of the Croix-de-Vie side of the river to hold its markets on Place Guy Kergoustain.
During the months of July and August, however, it’s worth sampling the very pleasant atmosphere of the night-time market that runs from 20:00 to midnight on the Place Marché aux Herbes and the afore-mentioned Place du Vieux Port, as well as around the corner by the sea on the Quai du Port Fidèle.
Tootlafrance Interactive Market Guide Map
View Tootlafrance Market Guide in a larger map