Loop no. 27: route of the Pays de Saint Gilles

Through its variety of scenery, the route of loop 27 offers you varied pleasures by regularly alternating types of terrain: roads, paths.

Gravel cyclists and mountain bikers will have plenty to enjoy: some technical sections and nice climbs to spice up the outing just right.

More than a route, it is an ode to a change of scenery: dunes, coastline, vineyards, rivers and lake, fields, marshes and forests…

STARTING POINT: SAINT GILLES CROIX DE VIE

The start of loop No. 27 is at the foot of the Josephine Tower in Saint Gilles Croix de Vie. Discover its fishing port and town centre, then follow the Jaunay river where you will enjoy immersion in the wide dune area of the Dune du Jaunay and La Sauzaie. The dunes will then give way to the generous panoramas of Bretignolles sur Mer that will enchant you.

THE INLAND AREA, THE OTHER TREASURE OF PAYS DE ST GILLES CROIX DE VIE

While the coast enjoys a fine showcase via the Vélodyssée route, there is no doubt that loop 27 also gives pride of place to the inland area, where quiet roads, paths and greenery abound. Get off the beaten track and discover the unexpected, all while pedaling with a light spirit. The route mainly uses small roads with low traffic and paths.

Main stages of the inland area

Brem sur Mer
In Brem sur Mer, the port of la Gachère marks the transition between the coast and the inland area. Then a completely different world, green and peaceful, will reveal itself. At first, you will have the opportunity to explore part of the Brem vineyard, between vines and plains. Then gradually you will find yourself in settings of unsuspected beauty, where the vegetation is as dense as the silence. The Jaunay Lake
Many will be happy when crossing the Jaunay Lake area. This section will offer great sensations for cyclists and mountain bikers. Let's not forget to mention the beauty of the site, in its wild and preserved setting. Apremont
This charming Small Town of Character offers you the contemplation of a beautiful heritage, including the castle, the Saint-Martin church in Apremont, and its numerous period houses. Bonus: two nice consecutive climbs to get your legs going halfway! Commequiers
After a generous stretch on a path, the rest of the route brings you back to asphalt to cross the commune of Commequiers. A stop is highly recommended; it would be a pity to miss the surprising remains of the Commequiers castle, recently listed as a Historic Monument. Soullans
In Soullans, panoramas alternate between marshes and pockets of greenery. You will also pass by the Charles Milcendeau Museum. Saint Hilaire de Riez
The largest commune of Pays de Saint Gilles Croix de Vie, Saint Hilaire de Riez shines through the diversity of its natural environments. This is evidenced by the crossing of part of its sweet and salt marshes, where time seems to have stopped.
After a green escape on the edge of the Saint Hilaire de Riez forest, get ready for the grand finale. From Sion beach, let yourself be carried by the call of the ocean winds. For 4km, a parade of rare beauty will unfold before your eyes: the Vendée Cliff, the Fire of Grosse Terre, the Boisvinet district with its collection of exceptional villas, the Adon bay.