- Maximum length
- 65 ft
- VHF channel
- 9
- Maximum draught
- 9 ft
Marina of 1 000 berths at the mouth of the Vie river in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, on the Vendee coast.
Guide
Approach and anchoring
Entry between two jetties at the mouth of the Vie, buoyed channel dredged to 1.5 m below chart datum. The river sets a strong cross current, felt keenly at the visitor pontoon 8 at the far end past the fuel berth, so aim for slack or mid to high water; there is little water at low water springs, when swell builds on the bar. The team meet boats in a rib and take their lines. Avoid in strong onshore winds from W to SW. VHF 9. Max draught 3 m inside the floating basin.
Practical
Two basins either side of the river. Fuel berth with diesel and petrol near the lock. Water and electricity on every pontoon, toilets and showers ashore. Boatyard with travel lift on the north bank. Bakery, supermarket and tackle shops within 300 m.
Ashore
Plage de Boisvinet at the south jetty, sheltered by the pier. Large beach of La Grande Plage on the Saint-Gilles side, 500 m long and lifeguarded in summer, with a harbour shuttle to the beach on request. Fish market on quai des Greniers every morning, sardines from the local fleet still landed fresh; the harbour office hands visitors a tin of Saint-Gilles sardines on arrival. Le Banc des Sardines near the fishing port is a good spot for local plancha sardines.
History
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie has been a sardine fishing and canning port since the 19th century, with canneries still operating on the Croix-de-Vie side. The two former villages of Saint-Gilles and Croix-de-Vie were merged into one commune in 1967.
Story
The town gives its name to the Vendee Globe solo non-stop round-the-world race, whose winner Alain Gautier grew up in Saint-Gilles and won the 1992-1993 edition.
Key facts
- Type
- Harbour
- Coordinates
- 46.69265, -1.93846 (46°41.56'N 1°56.31'W)
- Town
- Saint Gilles Croix De Vie
- Country
- France
- Maximum draught
- 9 ft
- Maximum length
- 65 ft
- VHF channel
- 9
- Phone
- +33 2 51 55 30 83
- Boaters' rating
- 4.2/5
- Updated
- October 15, 2026
Getting there
Port-La-Vie lies at 46°41.56'N 1°56.31'W, that is 46.69265, -1.93846 in decimal degrees. Call the harbour on VHF channel 9 before entering.
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Write a reviewFrequently asked questions
What boat length does Port-La-Vie accept?
Port-La-Vie accepts boats up to 65 ft.
Which VHF channel for Port-La-Vie?
Port-La-Vie answers on VHF channel 9.
How do boaters rate Port-La-Vie?
Port-La-Vie is rated 4.2/5 by boaters on BoatMap.
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