Published on September 9 2025

Guided tours, unusual places and unique discoveries – September 19, 20 and 21, 2025

The 42nd edition From September 19 to 21, 2025, La Roche-sur-Yon participates in the 42nd edition of the European Heritage DaysThis year, the national theme highlights architecture, a reflection of our history and our know-how. For three days, set off to discover emblematic buildings, unusual sites and contemporary creations through guided tours, exhibitions and free activities.

Bank of France

Among the must-sees of this edition:

  • The Prefecture and the Departmental Hotel : guided tours behind the scenes of local power and discovery of the architecture of the First Empire.
  • The Italian Theatre : escape game, guided backstage tours, concert and free discovery of the 19th century performance hall.
  • Haras de la Vendée : equestrian activities, self-guided tours and discoveries of this emblematic site.
  • The Municipal Museum (Espace Malraux) : exhibitions and concerts around artistic heritage and childhood in the 19th century.
  • The Bank of France : a unique opening to discover the history of the building, its missions and participate in educational workshops (registration required).
  • The Concorde Cinema : guided tours of this new complex inaugurated in 2024, followed by the screening of the documentary Architecton by Victor Kossakovsky.
Malraux Museum
Vendée stud farm
Prefecture of Vendée

Heritage Days are also an opportunity to discover rarely accessible sites:

  • Saint Louis Church : exceptional climb up the towers to admire a breathtaking view of the nave and the framework.
  • The New City and Urban Hall : guided tour retracing two centuries of urban history through this rapidly changing place.
  • The Georges Mazurelle Hospital Center : exhibition and guided tour on the architectural and medical evolution of the establishment.
  • The Masonic Temple : guided tour and conference on Freemasonry (by reservation).
  • The Saint-Louis Presbytery : discovery of the rehabilitation project and the building archives.
  • Georges Mazurelle Garden

Beyond buildings, heritage is also embodied in culture, know-how and landscapes:

  • Coux Quarry : guided nature walk with discovery of biodiversity and the “berger des Coux”, a monumental work by the MONsTR collective. Upon reservation.
  • The Benjamin-Rabier Media Library and the Riding School : guided tours and conference with the architect Guy Durand, as well as a tribute to the destiny of Narcisse Pelletier.
  • Quay M : behind-the-scenes tour of this contemporary music scene.
  • The Soulère at the Moulin Sec : craft demonstrations (stone cutting, basketwork, lace, etc.).
  • Art exhibitions : at La Gâterie, at CYEL, at Maison Renaissance or at the Maison de Quartier du Pont-Morineau.
Shepherd of the Coux

The heritage of La Yonne is not limited to the city center! Many activities are also offered in neighboring towns:

  • Dompierre-sur-Yon : visit to the Gâts dovecote and opening of the Margerie chapel.
  • La Chaize-le-Vicomte : guided tours of the Saint-Nicolas church, the Charles Payraudeau ornithological museum and exhibitions of local artists.
  • Mouilleron-le-Captif : visits to the lodge and the Beaupuy castle, concert and discovery of the Saint-Martin church in Tours.
  • Nesmy : discovery of the castle's landscaped park and guided tour of the Rambourg mill, with an exhibition by illustrator Benoit Perrotin.
  • Rives-de-l'Yon : storytelling walk in the footsteps of Eleanor of Aquitaine in the Garden of the Dragonfly House.
  • Venansault : exotic immersion in the Jardins du Loriot, between nature, stories and Asian culture.

A meeting for everyone !

Workshops, concerts, exhibitions, conferences, games and live performances will punctuate these three days. The operation

“Look up”, aimed at younger children, will allow them to develop an attentive and curious look at the architecture that surrounds them.

ℹ️ Full program and reservations: lrsy.fr