Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie

A little history...

When Julius Caesar conquered Gaul, Saint-Gilles was first settled by the Romans. But it wasn't until the 13th century that traces of the town's existence appeared. For many centuries thereafter, the population of the mouth of the River Vie prospered thanks to a thriving port and commercial market where products such as wheat and salt were traded. It was between the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century that the commune of Croix de Vie grew considerably and became a parish in 1690.

In contrast to the minimal repercussions of the Vendée troubles of 1793, the revolts of 1815 gave rise to clashes between Giras (the Republicans) and Croix de Viots (the Loyalists).the tragedies of war struck Louis de la Rochejacquelin, Henri's brother, when he landed at Croix de Vie and succumbed at the Battle of Les Mattes. In addition, the river 'La Vie' physically separates the two places due to their ideological separation.

The limited contact between the two communes was only made possible by a "ford" and boats. But it wasn't until 1836 that they were linked by a proper bridge! Then, in 1838, the first commercial exchanges took place between them. But it was not until 129 years later that Saint Gilles Croix de Vie saw the light of day, when the two banks of the Vie joined in 1967.

A visit not to be missed during your holidays in the Vendée on a campsite.