Are you heading for Vendée, the « land of the Chouans »? Discover our guide to the best places to stay in La Roche-sur-Yon!
La Roche-sur-Yon, or La Roche, is a commune in west-central France, in the Vendée département (85), in the Pays de la Loire region. Founded in 1804, the town grew from a small market town to a modern city under Napoleon I, around the central esplanade, Place Napoléon. Baptized successively – according to political quarrels since the French Revolution and the First Empire – La Roche-sur-Yon, Napoléon, Bourbon-Vendée, Napoléon-Vendée, it reverted to its original name in 1870.
Located between Nantes and La Rochelle in the center of the Vendée, La Roche-sur-Yon is the main urban center and economic hub of the Vendée, with 52,732 inhabitants over 87.79 km² and 116,600 people in the entire urban area. The town takes its name from its toponymy, built on a rock and crossed by the River Yon. Not sure where to stay in and around La Roche-sur-Yon? Here’s a list of areas to stay in and around La Roche-sur-Yon to make your job easier!
La Roche-sur-Yon center
Photo credit: Flickr – William Chevillon
LikeAix-en-Provence, La Roche-sur-Yon’s small town center is encircled by a pentagonal courtyard, boulevard Aristide Briand and boulevard d’Italie. The Place de la Vieille Horloge was once a medieval town, and the Maison Renaissance, dating from 1566, bears witness to this bygone era. The town center revolves around Place Napoléon – or Place Nap’ as the locals call it – and stretches all the way to the Haras de la Vendée. With its 3 hectares and four ponds, Place Nap’ is a peaceful place to stroll, snack or picnic, right in the heart of town.
The city’s commercial heart, the center is home to 500 independent and franchised businesses, so you’ll find everything you need for your shopping. You’ll also find most of the city’s bars and nightlife. It’s an ideal place to stay in La Roche-sur-Yon, as everything is within walking distance. Between rue Salvador Allende and rue La Fayette, you’ll find numerous restaurants. If you like cultural outings, visit the Musée de la Roche-sur-Yon and check out the Grand R’s program: there may be a concert, play or show on at the city’s iconic venue!
Find a hotel in the center of La Roche-sur-Yon
Find an apartment in downtown La Roche-sur-Yon
La Courtaisière
Photo credit: Flickr – William Chevillon
To the northeast of Boulevard des Belges lies the University district of La Roche-sur-Yon. A university campus means a young, festive and attractive (in terms of prices) neighborhood. If you’re looking to stay in apartments or houses away from the city center, without being too far away, this is the place to stay in La Roche-sur-Yon. There will be fewer hotels, but try homestay! The Yon River runs through the district, making for some great walks along its banks.
The airfield is also just 5km from the neighborhood, perfect for learning aerobatics or discovering the region by hot-air balloon!
Find a vacation home in La Courtaisière
Morineau Bridge
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Billy69150
Pont Morineau is the ideal place to stay in La Roche-sur-Yon, crossed by Rue Roger Salengro, west of the SNCF train station. You’ll be on the road to Sables d’Olonne and the ocean, with a few hotels to stay in and a wide range of shops and facilities (institutions, schools, stadiums and green spaces).
Now you know where to stay in La Roche-sur-Yon to make the most of your stay!