The site was settled by monks in the 9th C. and the present day main street formed a basis for the port it was to become. Located on the Côte de Lumière between St-Jean-de-Monts in the north and Sables-d’Olonne in the south this relatively small port specialising in sardines and resort is the result of the unification of two communities: St-Gilles-sur-Vie and Croix-de-Vie one from each side of Vie Estuary.

Although St-Gilles is a fairly relaxed resort it has plenty of restaurants especially the seafood variety, as you would expect, some pizzerias and a few shops but it is close enough to the resorts mentioned above if you want something a little more lively.

There are nice walks along the beach which is long and sandy with fine views across the estuary and on up into the town.