Hiking in the Saint-Gilles Area

An incredible region with a wide variety of natural environments—dunes, forests, marshes, countryside—perfect for outdoor and water-based activities, all depending on your interests.

Between ocean and countryside, enjoy 300 km of marked hiking trails at your own pace.

Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie – 9.2 km loop – approx. 2h30

Discover the Vendée coast as you’ve never seen it—between sea, river, and dunes!
Starting point: Village Vacances Port la Vie
Highlights: Boisvinet district, Jaunay marshes, Garenne dune, marina and fishing port, Sardine Workshop, old town of Saint-Gilles and its church

Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez (4 km from Saint-Gilles) – Several trails

Must-sees: Bourrine du Bois Juquaud ecomuseum (entry fee), Chapel of Notre Dame de la Pitié, Vie salt marshes, “Devil’s Hole”

Coastal Trail (ONF-marked) – 13 km – 5h
Start: Sion beach parking or Demoiselles nautical base

Between Fresh & Salt Marshes – 9.2 km – 2h15
Start: Bourrine du Bois Juquaud

Hauts Peys Walk (Monts Forest) – 3.9 km – 1h45
Hilly forest & sand trail, requires good physical condition

La Dune Trail (Monts Forest) – 3.6 km – 1h15
Start: Parée verte or Saint-Hilaire beach roundabout

Brétignolles-sur-Mer (13 km from Saint-Gilles) – Several trails

Must-sees: Vendée Miniature (scale model village, entry fee), Pierre Levée dolmen, St. Nicolas de Brem Church, Girard Marsh

Pierre Levée Trail – 7.8 km – 2h
Start: Tourist info center

Coastal Trail – 8.7 km – 2h30
Start: Tourist info center

Countryside Trail – 9.2 km – 3h
Start: Tourist info center

Brem-sur-Mer (19 km from Saint-Gilles)

Vineyards & Countryside Trail – 13.5 km – 3h30
Highlights: La Mignotière, Fiefs Vendéens vineyards, Mulnière farm, Salibaudière
Start: Town hall

Coëx (16 km from Saint-Gilles) – Several trails

Must-sees: Philippe Perrocheau Park, Château de l’Audardière, Gué-Gorand Lake

Gué-Gorand Lake Trail – 12.9 km – 3h30
Start: Gué-Gorand car park

Jaunay Lake Trail – 14.2 km – 3h30
Start: Gué-Gorand car park

Audardière Trail – 8.3 km – 2h30
Start: Clergerie car park

Commequiers (16 km from Saint-Gilles) – Several trails

Must-sees: Feudal Castle, old railway station, Vélorail, Pierres Folles dolmen

Paradis Trail – Two loops: 7.3 km or 8.2 km – 2h15
Start: In front of the Vélorail

Village Trail – 5 km – 1h30
Start: Church square

Givrand (8 km from Saint-Gilles) – Several trails

Discover the Jaunay Marshes

Ocean Trail – 9.6 km – 2h30
Start: Maison de la Cour
Highlights: town center, Arnaudières Park, dunes, coastline

Village Trail – 5.3 km – 1h30
Start: Maison de la Cour