Visit La Roche-sur-Yon

Shaped by Napoleon 1st since 1804, La Roche-sur-Yon is the prefecture of the large Vendée département in west-central France. A major tourist destination in the Vendée region, thousands of tourists and holidaymakers visit the town every year. This interest in the Napoleonic city is justified by its tourist attractions. Indeed, La Roche-sur-Yon is home to several historic monuments, squares, sites and many other treasures. To give you an idea of the town’s tourist appeal, and to help you enjoy your vacation here, we invite you to take a look around.

A little history!

La Roche-sur-Yon was founded by decree on May 25, 1084 by Emperor Napoleon 1st. But long before that, there is ample evidence that the town’s existence dates back to the historical period. During the French Revolution, the town was destroyed. It was then that Napoleon decided to turn it into a “new town”, with the peculiarity that its geometric plan resembled a pentagon. The Place Napoléon was erected in the center of the town as a mark of its founder.

Tourist attractions

All honour to all. Let’s start with Place Napoléon. This square is where the city’s main thoroughfares meet. It offers a beautiful esplanade where many people meet. Here, you can take a photo with the equestrian statue of Napoleon. The Church of Saint-Louis, built in the 19th century in a neoclassical style, is recognized as the largest in the Vendée region. It’s an emblematic place to visit in La Roche-sur-Yon.