La Roche-sur-Yon

The town sits along the Yon River at an elevation of 74 meters, featuring a pentagonal layout with straight streets radiating from Place Napoleon.

Napoleon Bonaparte established the city in 1804 as a new prefecture, transforming an existing settlement into a planned urban center with military facilities.

The Place Napoleon square displays mechanical animals, including a large crocodile, created by François Delarozière as permanent public art installations.

The central train station connects to major cities like Paris and Nantes, while local bus networks provide transportation throughout the urban area.

The city changed its name four times between 1804 and 1870, alternating between references to Napoleon and the Bourbon dynasty according to political shifts.

Location: Vendée

Location: Communauté de communes du Pays Yonnais

Location: arrondissement of la Roche-sur-Yon

Elevation above the sea: 68 m

Shares border with: Aubigny-Les Clouzeaux, La Chaize-le-Vicomte, Dompierre-sur-Yon, La Ferrière, Mouilleron-le-Captif, Nesmy, Rives-de-l'Yon, Venansault, Aubigny

Address: 21 Rue Pierre Bacqua, 85000 La Roche-sur-Yon, France 85000 La Roche-sur-Yon

Phone: +33251474747

Email: mairie@larochesuryon.fr

Website: https://larochesuryon.fr

GPS coordinates: 46.66972,-1.42778

Latest update: September 22, 2025 08:28