The town of La Roche sur Yon was founded by a royal decree of Napoleon 1st on May 25, 1804. On the same date, it was promoted Prefecture of the Vendée in place of Fontenay le Comte. Populated by about 52,000 inhabitants, it was built on a regular plan in the shape of a Pentagon. The city center is organized around the large square where the equestrian statue of the Emperor sits enthroned on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of this new city. The town is endowed with imposing buildings: the Museum of La Roche sur Yon which gives a large place to painting, graphic arts and contemporary photography, the Saint-Louis church, inspired by Roman basilicas, the Theater à l Italian, the Renaissance House ...
The Vendée National Stud is also worth a visit.
The proximity of the Parc du Puy du Fou and renowned seaside resorts (Les Sables d'Olonne, the island of Noirmoutier, the island of Yeu) as well as the organization of major events such as the Vendée Globe also contribute to the influence of The rock on yon.
