La Roche sur Yon
Capital of the Vendée, La Roche-sur-Yon is located in western France, in the heart of the Pays de la Loire region. The prefecture of the department of Vendée is a Napoleonic town that appeals for its unique architectural heritage, its many green spaces, its rich cultural life and its constant dynamism.
<Visiting La Roche-sur-Yon is like immersing yourself in a town full of history, taking a cultural trip, relaxing in a green setting and enjoying the friendly, lively atmosphere in the town centre.
An essential part of your stay in our Vendée campsite !
History of the town of La Roche-sur-Yon
La Roche-sur-Yon is a town closely linked to Napoleon. This commune, founded by the Romans, was then called Rupes before taking the name La Roche-sur-Yon, in reference to its rocky terrain and the Yon, the river that runs through the Vendée.
In 1804, the Emperor, seduced by the strategic position of La Roche-sur-Yon in the Vendée, decided to transform it into a modern town organised around a central square. His aim was to make La Roche-sur-Yon, which had just emerged from ten years of revolution and civil war, the economic revival of the Vendée department. Napoleon named the town after himself, as well as the central square, which features a statue of him that still stands today.
The town has since reverted to its original name, La Roche-sur-Yon. With a population of nearly 55,000, La Roche-sur-Yon is a major economic, administrative and cultural centre in the Pays de la Loire region.
Places not to miss in La Roche sur-Yon
Place Napoléon
It's impossible to visit La Roche-sur-Yon without stopping off at Place Napoléon. This square, built by the Emperor, is the historic heart of the town. From both a heritage and geographical point of view, the town is structured around this square, where the four main roads linking it to the various towns in the Vendée department converge.
In the centre sits the equestrian statue of Napoleon, inaugurated in 1854 to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the creation of La Roche-sur-Yon by Napoleon. A rare statue of the Emperor still standing, it is listed as a Monuments Historiques.
Stroll along the cobblestones of this huge 2.6-hectare square. You'll pass water basins, planted areas and hand-operated animal sculptures: crocodile, dromedary or even hippopotamus and ibis.
Saint-Louis church in La Roche-sur-Yon
Located on Place Napoléon, this 19th-century church is a listed Monument Historique. It was built under the orders of Napoleon.
The distinctive feature of this building in La Roche-sur-Yon is its neoclassical architecture, inspired by the canons of classical Greek and Roman antiquity: basilical plan, antique-style decoration, columned facade, clean lines, pediment surmounting the facade, carved stone...
Inside, don't miss the trompe-l'œil painted vault, the wooden furniture and the stained glass windows.
The Renaissance House
Located in the Vieille Horloge district, the Maison Renaissance dates back to 1566. It is therefore one of the oldest buildings in La Roche-sur-Yon.
This building of Italian architecture, formerly a private mansion, is now a venue for exhibitions on the history of the town and the region.
On the outside, admire the triangular pediment façade and stone arch. Inside, take time to admire the imposing granite fireplaces.
The municipal theatre
This 1846 building in La Roche-sur-Yon is another example of neoclassical architecture in the Vendée, with its peristyle façade featuring columns and pilasters and a triangular pediment.
His ancient temple will appeal to culture lovers who want to be entertained by a play or a show in the Italian room.
The Ornay Valley
The Ornay is a tributary of the Yon that flows through part of La Roche-sur-Yon. The Vallée de l'Ornay, a classified Espace Naturel Sensible, is a haven of peace where it's great to stroll along the walking path surrounded by nature, which runs alongside the river.
Lake Moulin-Papon
To the north of La Roche-sur-Yon, Lac de Moulin-Papon is an extremely pleasant place to take a stroll. Here you can walk or cycle, fish or take part in water sports.
This lake in the Vendée surface area of 90 hectares is a popular destination for the people of the Vendée.
