Dolphin Gîtes are situated in the attractive coastal village of La Chaize Giraud, in the North of Vendée between Les Sables d'Olonne and St Gilles - Croix de Vie. The village is 5 km from the seaside town of Brétignolles sur mer, 10 minutes from the fishing port of St Gilles (to the North) and 20 minutes from the resort of Les Sables d'Olonne (to the South).

Approximate driving distance in France from the different ports.

St Malo = 170 miles

Caen = 240 miles

Roscoff = 250 miles

Cherbourg = 270 miles

Le Havre = 290 miles

Dieppe = 321 miles

Calais = 400 miles

We are approximately 1 hour's drive from Nantes airport, and about 90 minutes drive from La Rochelle airport. The nearest train station is St Gilles-Croix de Vie, which is 10 minutes by car.

Our gîtes are situated in the heart of the village next to the beautiful 12th century church. The gîtes overlook the valley of the river Jaunay and have 1.5 acres of gardens. 

The village is 5 km from the beach and it is possible to walk, cycle or drive to the beach. There are good cycle paths from the village to the beach and to the Jaunay lake which is a scenic area in the local countryside.

Photos of the Local Area

Beaches and Coast

Bretignolles-sur-mer

Les Sables d'olonne

Jaunay Lake

Apremont

It is often said that Vendée offers the best climate in easy travelling distance from the UK! Less than half a day's drive from Caen, Cherbourg or St Malo. The nearest airport is Nantes which is about 1 hour's drive. 

Local Shops

The local baker stops outside our gîtes every morning selling baguettes and croissants. There is a Spar, post-office and café in walking distance from the gîtes (10 minutes). The nearest supermarket is Super U in Brétignolles which is  5 minutes' drive and the nearest hypermarket is E. Leclerc in St Gilles, 15 minutes' drive. There is a doctor in the village, and a chemist in Brétignolles.