07/10/2026
We managed to spend an afternoon exploring La Roche-sur-Yon thanks to the recommendation of Céline Cappelaere! 😉
It was a lovely mix of cycling, history, culture and something a little different...
We parked on the outskirts of town in a quiet spot at the entrance to a park (see Park4night #223254) and then cycled into the centre, arriving at the impressive Place Napoléon, the heart of the city and a great starting point for exploring.
From the square, we wandered over to the beautiful Saint-Louis Church, which is beautiful example of neoclassical architecture, before discovering one of La Roche-sur-Yon’s most unusual attractions - Les Animaux de la Place. This unique attraction features a collection of 13 mechanical animals, crafted from wood and steel, that manage to bring the square to life, creating a fun and unexpected experience right in the centre of town.
We then continued our afternoon with a visit to the Art Museum - Musée municipal Espace Malraux, which is free to enter. It was a great way to finish our exploration, taking in the museum's collection before cycling back to the motor home and spending a quiet night.
Thank you for another relaxed afternoon discovering another fascinating corner of France.