sardines de Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie

Sardine fishing has been listed in the inventory of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of France since the end of 2018, to the great pride of the sardine fishermen from the Vendée port of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. Designated Label Rouge for their quality, their sardines are caught between April and October, and either sold fresh (they are delicious grilled) or canned by La Perle de Dieux cannery.

The finest fish go into special Millésime tins, with pretty labels (you can even send in your own design or photo of any loved one who deserves to be on a sardine can). They can be stored for up to ten years, as long as you turn the can every six months, to make sure the sardines are completely covered with oil.