Published January 8 2026
A year full of highlights and new developments for tourism in La Roche-sur-Yon!
The year 2025 marked a key milestone for Destination La Roche-sur-Yon and tourism in the metropolitan area.
New developments, immersive experiences, artistic projects and popular events have enhanced the attractiveness of the area.
First of all, nnew premises for the tourist office right in the heart of the city. Virtual reality, a monumental mural, the arrival of the first giant, summer activities at Moulin Papon, a music festival, charity events, company visits…
Thus, these are just some of the initiatives that have punctuated the year and contributed to making La Roche-sur-Yon an ever more vibrant and experiential destination.
A look back at the highlights of 2025, month by month.
March 2025: The Tourist Office moves to Place Napoléon
In fact, this is one of the major changes of the year.
Since March 18, 2025The tourist office opened its doors at 33 Place Napoléon, right in the heart of La Roche-sur-Yon.
That said, this new strategic location enhances the visibility of our tourist information center and makes our services more accessible. We offer personalized advice, brochures, a Made in Vendée shop, tickets for cultural and leisure activities, suggestions for outings, and practical information. A central, more accessible location, designed as a true gateway and showcase for the destination.
Athus, new immersive virtual reality experience !
Indeed, the tourist office has developed a decidedly experiential dimension with a immersive virtual reality spaceEquipped with VR headsets, visitors and residents embark on a journey to discover...es Hero of History, a modern and innovative way to discover La Roche-sur-Yon directly on site and in a different way.
April 2025: a monumental mural and media attention..
In April, La Roche-sur-Yon took center stage,
In the city center, on Clemenceau Street, the artist ALI (Arthur-Louis Ignoré) made a monumental ground mural approximately 1,000 m².
Conceived as an immense "graphic garden," the work blends stylized plant motifs and geometric lines. It transforms the street into an open-air artistic space, in dialogue with its environment and heritage.
Another highlight: the arrival of Lorànt Deutsch for the filming of an episode of At Full Speed! dedicated to La Roche-sur-Yon. With over 120,000 views on YouTube, the show provided a great showcase to introduce (or reintroduce) the destination.
June 2025: The Shepherd of the Coux, the first giant of the Yon Valley
Le 20th June 2025The Yon Valley has taken a symbolic step with the installation of its first giant :leShepherd of the Coux. This monumental sculpture
Installed at the Coux quarry, this wooden sculpture launches an artistic journey intended to grow and expand sustainably.
This project enhances the attractiveness of the Yon Valley and invites people to discover it in a different way, through art, landscapes, tales and legends.
July 2025: Papon City, the leisure and refreshment spot at Moulin Papon lake !
Summer began under the sign of relaxation and sharing with Papon City, installed at Moulin Papon lake in partnership with City Zebras.
Thought like a spot for young people and families. This summer event offered fun and accessible activities: a giant 65-meter water slide, inflatable structures, outdoor games… A simple, joyful and friendly place, which has become a true landmark of the summer in La Roche-sur-Yon.
August 2025: Au Son de l'Yon, a 7th edition that will be even more unifying !
In particular, on the music front, the summer also resonated with the rhythm of the festival. To the Sound of the Yon, whose 7th edition was held at the Moulin de Rambourg in Nesmy. Over three evenings, nearly 10,000 people have come together around a program that blends discoveries and established artists.
In terms of programming, the 2025 edition blended emerging artists with established acts. The opening night began with Butter'n Jam, local group from La Roche-sur-Yon, before giving way to Jim Murple Memorial, an iconic Parisian band with a festive style, somewhere between ska and R&B. The second date continued with afro-funk and electro sounds with Ireke, followed by Sylvain Duthu (formerly Boulevard des Airs), generous and close to the public. Finally, the closing event reached its peak with the Vendée rock band Dead Leaf as an opening. Voodoo Game takes over and plunges the audience into an electric afro-funk trance.
October 2025: Solidarity, know-how and revitalization of the city center
The month of October was marked by several emblematic highlights.
Josephine It has, once again, brought together thousands of participants around a powerful message of solidarity. It is becoming an unmissable event of the autumn in La Roche-sur-Yon.
At the same time, Destination La Roche-sur-Yon mobilized extensively for the Regional Company Visit Days (JRVE), organized from October 18 to 25, 2025. Driven by the momentum of the Vendée Centre Industrial TerritoryThis edition allowed the public to discover the behind-the-scenes aspects of local know-how.
So, 22 companies participated across the territory, including 11 in the La Roche-sur-Yon Agglomeration, welcoming 784 visitorsA unique opportunity to better understand the professions, sectors and innovations that sustain the region.
December 2025: a national spotlight with the return of the RTL suitcase !
In December, La Roche-sur-Yon benefited from national visibility by being selected for the RTL Suitcase Hunt. Relayed by radio, local media and social networks, the operation generated strong engagement. It attracted attention far beyond the local area, through a fun and unifying life-size game.
All year round: enhanced ticketing and experiences to enjoy..
Finally, throughout 2025, Destination La Roche-sur-Yon continued the development of its shop & ticket officeboth at reception and online, in order to facilitate access to cultural, leisure and discovery activities.
New partners have joined the offering, including: Comédie Bis, Top Gun, Salvia, shows at the Parc Expo des Oudairies.
At the end of the year, the Halloween and Christmas creative workshops confirmed the public's interest in these experiential formats. They reinforced the new office's role as a place for activities, meetings, creation, and sharing.
Looking ahead to 2026… a momentum that continues!
Building on the particularly rich and eventful year of 2025, Destination La Roche-sur-Yon approaches 2026 with ambition and enthusiasm.
New projects, experiences and events will extend this dynamic, serving the attractiveness of the territory and the quality of hospitality.
Residents, visitors, professionals and partners come together around a destination in motion, which innovates, surprises and brings people together all year round.
To keep up with the new year and not miss any of our upcoming events, check back regularly. our agenda For our ticketing offers, visit our shop area and simply walk through the door of the tourist office. 33 Place Napoléon, starting point for all discoveries in La Roche and the Yon Valley.
Wishing everyone a wonderful year! ✨