You Absolutely Need To See ...
During your vacation at Camping Europa, discover the atlantic coast and the forest of Vendée!
The casino of Saint-Gilles Croix de Vie: in the heart of the sea resort, the casino offers varied games but also a pub, a restaurant and a performance hall (4km).
The church Ste Croix (Holy Cross) of St Gilles Croix de Vie: rebuilt during the XIXth century according to the architect Ménard's drawings, the church still contain an artistic heritage from the ancient church, as the statue of Notre-Dame de Bon Port. You can also admire the altar that is in the choir since 1994, or the pulpit completed in 1902, adorned wit many iconographic symbols with sometimes a complex meaning. The church also has a high quality organ with 12 sets.
The Josephine Tower: High and majestic, the tower has been overlooking the harbour since the XIXth century. Restored on 2000, the tower is a peerless historical testimony of the entire history of Saint-Gilles Croix de Vie. According to custom, newlyweds have to make a round-dancing around the tower to ensure good fortune !
The Gendreau-La Perle des Dieux (The Gods'Pearl) canning factory is a traditional fish canning factory based in Saint-Gilles Croix de Vie. In 1903, Eugène Gendreau, great-grandfather of the current manager Philippe Gendreau, took over a small sardine "confectionery" settled since 1856 in Saint-Gilles Croix de Vie. Here he discovered he local speciality, an old recipe to prepare sardines, the key of his success. The Gendreau-La Perle des Dieux canning factory is the oldest canning factory of Vendée. You can find there a wide variety of sea products. It's about 1 km from the campsite.
The Château d'Apremont: built on a high steep rock, overlooking the Vie valley, at first the castle was a medieval fortress. The village developed around the castle, looking for protection and safety. The chapel welcomes permanent and temporary exhibitions, and a magnificent model of the castle (15km)
The Château of Barbe-Bleue is well-known since the XVth century,when Bluebear, the infamous Gilles de Rais, Jeanne d'Arc's partner, owned the place. With the sea on one side, the castle was built on a defensive position. In the past, it used to be surrounded by water on both sides (50 km from the campsite).
The 18-hole Golf des Fontenelles: 5-minute drive from the campsite.
