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, new premises for the tourist office in the heart of the city. Virtual reality, a monumental mural, the arrival of the first giant puppet, 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, 2025 , the tourist office has been open at 33 Place Napoléon , 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 an immersive virtual reality space . Equipped with a VR headset, visitors and residents embark on a journey to meet the Heroes 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 centre, on Clemenceau Street, the artist ALI (Arthur-Louis Ignoré) created a monumental ground mural of 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 was the visit of Lorànt Deutsch for the filming of an episode of À Toute Berzingue dedicated to La Roche-sur-Yon. With over 120,000 views on YouTube, the show provided excellent exposure for the destination.
June 2025: The Shepherd of the Coux, the first giant of the Yon Valley
On June 20, 2025 , the Yon Valley reached a symbolic milestone with the installation of its first giant : the Shepherd of the Couloirs . 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 opened under the sign of relaxation and sharing with Papon City , located at Moulin Papon lake in partnership with City Zèbres.
Conceived as 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 Au Son de l'Yon festival , whose 7th edition was held at the Moulin de Rambourg in Nesmy. Over three evenings, nearly 10,000 people gathered around a program blending emerging talents and established artists.
In terms of programming, the 2025 edition blended emerging artists with established acts. The opening night kicked off with Butter'n Jam, a local band from La Roche-sur-Yon, before giving way to Jim Murple Memorial , an iconic Parisian group with a festive style, somewhere between ska and R&B. The second night continued with Afro-funk and electro sounds from Ireke , followed by Sylvain Duthu (formerly of Boulevard des Airs), who was generous and engaging with the audience. Finally, the closing night reached its peak with the Vendée-based rock band Dead Leaf opening the show. Vaudou Game then took over, plunging the audience into an electrifying Afro-funk trance.
October 2025: Solidarity, know-how and revitalization of the city center
The month of October was marked by several emblematic highlights.
The Joséphine event once again brought together thousands of participants around a powerful message of solidarity, becoming an unmissable autumn event 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 gained national exposure by being selected for the RTL Suitcase Hunt . Covered by radio, local media, and social networks, the event generated significant engagement. It attracted attention far beyond the local area through a fun and unifying life-sized 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 office , both at the reception and online, in order to facilitate access to cultural, leisure and discovery activities.
New partners have joined the offer, including: Comédie Bis, Top Gun, Salvia, shows from 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 success of this particularly rich and busy 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 follow this new year and not miss any of our upcoming events, regularly consult our agenda and ticket offers, visit our shop area and simply push open 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! ✨