Let’s travel back to the end of the 1980s: the sound of the ocean, music, laughter and the aromatic scent of freshly grilled sardines fill the air. As a child, I experienced a sardine festival in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie with my parents. A wonderful vacation memory! It was a celebration of life, of summer and, of course, of these wonderful fish that are the symbol of this harbor town on the French Atlantic coast. Every year, the people here celebrate their sardines, in Apri/May at the “Printemps de la sardine”, at the start of the new sardine season or on the last weekend in August at the “Village des saveurs et traditions”.
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is also the only French port to be awarded the “Site Remarquable du Goût” (Remarkable Place of Taste) label thanks to its sardine fishing industry. With over 2,500 tons of sardines caught every year, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is one of the largest sardine ports in France. Fishing is a tradition here, especially thanks to the Gendreau cannery, which was awarded the Label Rouge in 2000.
Art meets cuisine: sardine tins with collector potential
The artfully designed tins in which the sardines from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie are presented are a highlight in themselves. Almost too good to open. Each one is a work of art in itself. The sardine tins are designed in the conserveries with great attention to detail and a pinch of French charm. Many people even collect the artistic tins, creating an ever-growing, colorful memory of this taste experience. Did you know that there is even a name for these tin collectors? Puxisardinophiles are the collectors of the coveted sardine tins.
What makes the sardines from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie so special?
1. traditional fishing and cultural heritage
The sardines are caught here in the traditional way, which guarantees their quality and unique taste. Sardine fishing has been a tradition here since the 17th century. In October 2018, the Saint Gilles Croix de Vie sardine fishery was added to the French Intangible Cultural Heritage List. A recognition of the local know-how of an entire industry that has been passed down from generation to generation.
2. vintage sardines
Not only wine has vintages! These special sardines are caught in their best year, pickled and given a vintage label. Over the years, they mature in the tin and develop an intense, tasty aroma.
3. processing & taste
After being caught, the sardines are lovingly processed by hand and marinated in high-quality oil or other delicious marinades. This makes them particularly tender and tasty.
4. Label Rouge
The “Label Rouge” quality seal guarantees that the sardines from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie are of the highest quality. A difference you can taste!
5. versatile preparation options
Whether fresh on the grill, marinated or canned, prepared as delicious rillettes, in a salad or as a carpaccio. The little blue fish is the perfect ingredient for creative chefs!
A little culinary tip
For all those who fancy a quick and tasty dish right now: Try bruschetta with sardines from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie! Simply top a few slices of toasted bread with tomatoes, garlic, basil and, of course, sardines. A squeeze of lemon and a pinch of piment d’Espelette provide a slightly fruity spiciness.
The Rouge label: a sign of quality
The Label Rouge is not just an official French seal of quality. It is a promise. A promise of quality, taste and authenticity. Many people associate the Rouge label with agricultural products. But some seafood, wild fish and fish from aquaculture also carry this label. This is then called “Aqualable”. This includes our favorite sardines from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, which were the first wild fish to be awarded the Label Rouge.
Worth a trip
Finally, a recommendation for all travel-loving gourmets: don’t just put the sardines from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie on your menu, but also on your travel list! A tip: you can buy freshly caught sardines directly in front of the ship “Le Bozo” at the harbor. And if you want to find out more about the history of sardine fishing, visit the “Atelier de la Sardine”, a museum with an art gallery and small museum store. This place was founded by “La Perle des Dieux”, an important canning factory (since 1887 in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie). Admission is free!