Explore Vendée on the doorstep of our Square Lodge hotel
Discover a world of mechanical animals in Place Napoléon, defy your limits on Nestie’s sports track, awaken your senses with a trip to Le Concorde cinema, explore beautiful beaches in Vendée and be amazed by the epic wonders of Puy du Fou theme park.
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10th edition of the Vendée Globe
Imagine yourself staying at the Square Lodge in La Roche-sur-Yon, Vendée, at the end of the year and experiencing the epic 10th edition of the Vendée Globe 2024 up close. This legendary solo around-the-world race on 18-meter IMOCA yachts represents a true human adventure. On Sunday, November 10, 2024, at 1:02 PM, the skippers will depart from Les Sables-d'Olonne to cover 45,000 kilometers, crossing the iconic capes of Good Hope, Leeuwin, and Horn before returning to their starting point.
The Dubreuil Group, owner of the Square Lodge, a 4-star hotel in La Roche-sur-Yon, is proud to be a partner of the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe 2024. They support Sébastien Simon, a Vendée skipper, on a state-of-the-art IMOCA yacht. Sébastien perfectly embodies the values of boldness, determination, and respect that the Dubreuil Group has promoted for nearly 100 years.
PUY DU FOU THEME PARK
Go back in time to the unique Puy du Fou theme park in Les Épesses, Vendée. Discover magnificent shows where knights, Vikings and musketeers come to life, transforming Les Épesses into a living theatre. Every show offers thrilling historical immersion, with epic battles, bewitching dances and breathtaking stunts.
Puy du Fou is so much more than a theme park - it’s an adventure for all ages! Children will be enthralled by the magical and imaginative shows, while adults will be transported by the sheer magnitude of the historical re-enactments. With medieval streets and authentic villages, Puy du Fou creates the ultimate escapist paradise.
Alongside the shows, the park offers unique experiences, like a stroll around the gardens and craft workshops. The themed restaurants showcase local food, offering the perfect pit stop to refuel between your many adventures.
Puy du Fou is not just a destination, but a journey through time, as every detail transports visitors back to a bygone era. Don’t miss the moving night-time show, “La Cinéscénie”. Located just a few kilometres from our hotel, this day out promises magical memories and timeless emotions. It’s an essential experience for anyone looking for a bit of magic and a memorable day of discovery.
BEACHES AND SEASIDE RESORTS IN VENDÉE
Escape to the spectacular Vendée coastline along the shores of the Atlantic. The golden sand beaches stretch as far as the eye can see, drawing you into an intoxicating coastal escape. Whether you’re looking for a quiet walk by yourself, or exciting water sports, Vendée’s beaches offer a variety of experiences.
The waves breaking along the shoreline are a surfer’s paradise, as families watch on as their children build sandcastles on the picture-postcard beaches. In Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, you’ll find something for everyone, with beaches, history and fishing. In Les Sables-d’Olonne, a well-known seaside town, you’ll find the famous beach, La Grande Plage, and the world-famous sailing race, Vendée Globe. La Tranche-sur-Mer boasts dune-bordered beaches that offer an idyllic backdrop, perfect for water sports. Take a ferry to Île d’Yeu island and explore its picturesque landscapes, wild beaches and charming port. Perfect for a day trip.
Explore coastal trails, breathe in the fresh sea air, discover picturesque fishing villages and fall in love with this authentic coastal region. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or some simple family time, Vendée’s beaches offer the ideal backdrop. Soak up the seaside atmosphere, let your thoughts wander with the crashing of the waves, and enjoy the magical Vendée coastline for an unforgettable seaside experience.
EXPLORE THE PEACEFUL MARAIS VENDÉEN
Nestled peacefully in the heart of Vendée lies the Marais Vendéen nature park, offering authentic experiences. Set sail from the small makeshift port of Maillezais to explore the still waters of Marais Poitevin, either with a tour guide or alone.
Known as Venise Verte (Green Venice), prepare to fall in love with the tranquillity of this little gem in South Vendée where time seems to stand still. As you travel along the water, sit back and admire the diverse plant and animal life supported by these preserved landscapes. Every moment is as wonderful as the next as you enjoy the light shimmering in the trees, peaceful bird song and the soft trickling of the water.
Make the most of your time here by stopping at the picnic area, where you can enjoy a meal surrounded by nature in the peaceful marshland.
Whether you’re a nature-lover, looking for some peace and quiet, or simply an authentic experience, set sail for a timeless adventure through the Marais Vendéen.
PLACE NAPOLÉON IN LA ROCHE-SUR-YON
Discover the heart of La Roche-sur-Yon as you explore the majestic Place Napoléon, a three-hectare urban oasis designed by architect Alexandre Chemetoff. This square has been designed as an “open-air lounge”, offering a welcome break with sun loungers and grassy areas, perfect for a relaxing picnic around the four shallow pools.
You’ll be captivated by the intriguing tale of the animals created by François Delarozière, in pride of place at the centre of the square. According to legend, when the city was created by Napoleon in 1804, wise men returning from Egypt preserved a mechanical bestiary for nature observation. These mechanical animals were discovered after archaeological digs and are now waiting for you to bring them back to life. Take control, pull the levers and observe as the otter stands on its hind legs or the crocodile bares its sharp teeth, all with the help of explanatory panels.
Place Napoléon is more than just a place to relax. It’s a sensory experience offering a mix of nature, architecture and mechanical art. It’s a place where history and creativity intertwine, fully immersing you in the very essence of La Roche-sur-Yon.
Located in the heart of the city, Place Napoléon offers a charming backdrop for a leisurely stroll.
THE EXTRAORDINARY VEGETABLE GARDEN
The Extraordinary Vegetable Garden, established in 1995 in the heart of Vendée, is much more than just a garden. Its goal is to surprise and amaze by cultivating unusual botanical varieties: you will discover over 1000 varieties of vegetables in a 7-hectare park. Through both educational and playful approaches, the Extraordinary Vegetable Garden offers visitors the opportunity to discover innovative cultivation techniques and an exceptional diversity of edible plants. In short, it is a place where one realizes that the plant world still holds many surprises to explore.
By staying at the Square Lodge Hotel, you receive a 2€ discount on Adult tickets.
NESTIE’S SPORTS TRACK
Around SQUARE LODGE hotel, you’ll find an invigorating escape inspired by Nestie, where each emblematic point comes together to form a whole web of adventures. Follow the lazy Yon river and explore the trail towards Les Sables, along the peaceful Ornay river. Take a break at Brossardière lake, a haven of peace surrounded by pristine nature.
Test your sports skills at the Les Terres Noires sports centre, with around fifteen challenging activities. Cross the Moulin-Papon dam, which starts the gradual transition between town and countryside. Discover the charming Beaupuy park, with over 33 hectares of beautiful nature.
Explore the busy streets of La Roche-sur-Yon, such as the Boulevard des États-Unis and the Boulevard des Belges, as you wander along kilometres of back streets.
Whether you’re a passionate jogger, enthusiastic cyclist or just looking for a peaceful stroll, Nestie’s sports track offers total immersion. At Square Lodge, discover hidden treasures along these trails, as you connect with nature and explore the beautiful surroundings.
TAKE A TRIP TO LE CONCORDE CINEMA
Lose yourselves in Le Concorde cinema in La Roche-sur-Yon, which is an essential destination for all film-lovers. Nestled in the heart of Vendée, this unique cinema has been recognised by three French labels celebrating its commitment to research and discovery, heritage and cinematic history, and cinema for young people. It’s a cinematic gem that does more than just show films, but offers a complete cultural experience.
Le Concorde cinema goes beyond its simple function as a projection room, and has become a space for community, debate and conversation with movie teams. It’s much more than a screen. It’s a project rooted in ambitious cultural policy, as demonstrated by the International Film Festival, organised by the cinema team across the entire city.
Le Concorde cinema can meet all your needs, whether you love contemporary movies, have a passion for cinematic heritage, or perhaps you just want to have fun with your family. The warm atmosphere and its commitment to cultural diversity make it the perfect place for a unique cinematic experience.
Just a stone’s throw from our hotel, Le Concorde cinema is the perfect opportunity to experience the magic of cinema while discovering the rich cultural offering of La Roche-sur-Yon. Embrace a passion for cinema in this place of cinematic adventure, where every movie showing takes you on an adventure.
Show your booking at Square Lodge hotel to get a special rate of €6.50.
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