Port

Port-La-Vie

4.2Saint Gilles Croix De Vie, FranceVendée
Maximum length
20 m
VHF channel
9
Maximum draught
3 m

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. Strong cross current from the river on the ebb, approach with caution at low water springs when swell builds on the bar. 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. Fish market on quai des Greniers every morning, sardines from the local fleet still landed fresh.

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
3 m
Maximum length
20 m
VHF channel
9
Boaters' rating
4.2/5
Updated
July 7, 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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Frequently asked questions

What boat length does Port-La-Vie accept?

Port-La-Vie accepts boats up to 20 m.

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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