Discovering La Roche sur Yon: Hidden Gems of Western France

The Erasmus+ project isn’t just about work—it’s about exploring new places, immersing yourself in cultures, and diving into local traditions. I spent over three weeks with the guys in the charming town of La Roche sur Yon, tucked away in the northwest of France. It’s not a bustling metropolis like Paris or Marseille, but it definitely has its own unique charm.

The Authentic Charm of the City: A Personal Perspective

The Vendée region, home to La Roche-sur-Yon, is roughly the size of Žilina _ Slovakia but with a much smaller population. Despite this, it offers plenty of opportunities for exploration and great connections—from historic sites and local restaurants to the unforgettable charm of daily strolls through the town.

In this little town, you can take advantage of free bus rides on weekends. Personally, I never used them—I preferred walking instead. Everything was relatively close. Most days, my walk to work took about 15-20 minutes. I worked at a small local restaurant called Le Sale Gosse, which offered traditional daily menus and an à la carte dinner selection.

The entire town radiated calmness and was full of friendly people who were always ready to help one another. There were no huge corporations, just local businesses. For instance, whenever the restaurant needed more wine, we’d simply walk two doors down to a neighbor’s place to buy it. Honey or meat? Those were bought at the local market, ‘hidden’ under a small square near the U Express supermarket in the town center.

Shopping and Life in the City

In France, the typical lunchtime ‘siestas’ are a thing. Most businesses (especially restaurants) are open from 12 PM to about 3 PM and then close for a break. Work picks up again around 7 PM and runs until 10 PM. This schedule has its pros and cons. The main advantage is that you’re less tired, as the break in the middle of the day gives you time to recharge. However, the biggest downside is that once you start working or doing something, you finish it without interruptions—something that isn’t as common here.

Peace, calm, and a friendly atmosphere greet you from every corner. You’re on your way to grab a classic French baguette at Maison Potier when out of nowhere, a random lady approaches you on the street. You can’t quite tell if she needs help—maybe she’s struggling with her big shopping bags or something else. Before we could catch up to her with Rolo to offer assistance, she was already by her car, chatting away. She was probably just curious and wanted to know something about us, especially since we were clearly strangers to her.

The sun here feels different—at least to me as a Slovak—it’s much stronger during the day. The sun rises quite late and sets late as well. Even in the summer, the sun doesn’t make its appearance until after 6 AM, and in the evening, you can still see daylight outdoors past 10 PM. During the winter, the sun waits until just before 9 AM to rise.

Transport

In a smaller town like this, you can use public transportation, though I wouldn’t really recommend it. Everything is relatively close, and taking a walk won’t hurt anyone. As an alternative, you can use shared “bolt-style” scooters. They use BIRD (link to download: App Store, Google Play)—perfect for quick city trips. They’re fast, convenient, and get you everywhere you need to go.

Just be careful about where you park them! You can’t leave them just anywhere. There are designated zones shown in the app, and we learned this the hard way—many times we had to walk a few extra meters to park them properly and take a picture in the app to confirm the location.

One time, on our way to the beach, we almost missed the train because of all the scooter adjusting and photo-taking. We literally sprinted to the train station—about 30 meters from the platform—and as we ran up to the train, we shouted at the conductor to wait. Just as we stepped on board, the doors closed, and the train took off. We were so relieved to have made it!

Trains are an incredibly comfortable way to get around France. How to navigate them? I highly recommend the SNCF Connect app (link to download: App Store, Google Play). It allows you to buy tickets easily, quickly, and stress-free—no waiting at ticket machines. The app is simple and intuitive, though it does ask for the passenger’s age, for some reason. Just like using the Ubian app, you type in your departure and destination, and you’re all set.

Bird scooters

Must-See Spots in the Town?

This little town might seem like it doesn’t have much to offer at first glance, but that really depends on what you’re looking for—whether it’s local pubs, cultural landmarks, or history. The main hub here is Place Napoléon, a charming park and square located right in the heart of the town. Surrounding it are historic buildings, and on one side, you’ll find the Church of St. Louis. Built in the 19th century by order of Napoleon Bonaparte himself, the square is named in his honor.

Outside the church, you’ll often find homeless people—entire makeshift shelters had been set up there, which is definitely something to note. But inside the church? Absolutely breathtaking.

At the very heart of the square stands an impressive equestrian statue of France’s greatest strategist and general of all time—Napoleon Bonaparte. Nearby, you’ll also find small ponds featuring interactive metal animals that you can control from platforms using levers—perfect for a bit of fun and exploration.

After exploring the charming streets and hidden corners of La Roche-sur-Yon, it’s definitely worth heading to Square François Mitterrand. This modern, green square in the heart of the town offers a peaceful spot to unwind after a day of walking. With its beautiful fountain, comfortable benches, and inviting atmosphere, it’s the perfect place for a short break or to observe local life. Here, you can experience authentic French living at its most serene.

While strolling through the city center, don’t miss the Préfecture de la Vendée, an important historic building and the seat of the prefect in the region—the highest government official in the area. This historic structure is more than just an administrative hub; it’s a symbol of tradition and organization in this part of France. Its impressive architecture aptly represents the history and culture of the region. While the interior isn’t typically open to the public, the view of its façade and its prominent location make it well worth a stop during your exploration of the town.

If you’re looking to refresh yourself or grab a bite to eat, make sure to head over to Le 18 B, located in the Place Napoléon. Whether you sit on the terrace or inside under the glass ceiling, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the surrounding area while sipping on a cold beer, enjoying a few shots, or indulging in a delicious pizza or burger. As evening falls, the lights come alive all around, creating a magical and unforgettable atmosphere.

If you’re in the mood for some fun and want to play a game of pool, I highly recommend L’Highlander. Here, you can enjoy a great beer and play as much billiards as you like. If you’re a fan of craft beer, Cervoiserie La Roche-sur-Yon is a must-visit. This brewery offers a wide selection of beers from all over the world, and if you’re a true beer enthusiast, you’re sure to find your favorite here!

Local Traditions and Life in the Surroundings

Life in La Roche-sur-Yon is significantly different from life in Slovakia. People here live in a calm, stress-free way, with a strong emphasis on siestas and friendliness. Many locals are open to chatting and are happy to help, even if your French isn’t exactly perfect.

If you’re in France, it would be a crime not to try their wide variety of local cheeses, different wines, and of course, the classic French baguette — the real kind, not the ones from Lidl or Kaufland. Don’t even think about it! For your shopping needs, you can head to the local shopping center Fnac. Be prepared for a lot of walking — it’s a single-story shopping center but quite long. Nearby is Hyper U, which is similar to a large Tesco — a great option for bigger shopping trips.

And where will it be the next?

If you’re in the mood for a mix of history, and authentic French culture, La Roche sur Yon will be the perfect choice for you. Natural beauty, great food, a peaceful lifestyle, and historically rich locations will undoubtedly captivate you.

Where will the next part take place? I’ll give you just one hint: it’s the sixth largest city in France. It has a castle, a huge park, and a fountain where families with small children swim, almost like at a public pool. Don’t miss it—make sure to start following me on Instagram, where I’ll keep you updated, and sign up for the newsletter!

Flying Easterner

Cross your boundaries – that’s where the treasure you’re seeking is hidden