Van road trip: La Roche-sur-Yon and the treasures of the Vendée bocage

Discover La Roche-sur-Yon, a bright and lively city, then explore the Vendée bocage, a land of preserved nature and authentic heritage. The perfect itinerary for van and motorhome enthusiasts.

By the Le Campeur editorial team · 21 August 2026

In Vendée, between land and sea, La Roche-sur-Yon welcomes you with its pedestrianised city centre and lush parks. Around the city, the Vendée bocage unfolds its landscapes of hedgerows, woods and typical villages, ideal for van trips. Here are five must-see spots, all accessible by motorhome, for a road trip full of discoveries.

Place Napoléon

At the heart of La Roche-sur-Yon, this central square is surrounded by neoclassical buildings and lively fountains. An ideal starting point for exploring the city on foot, with your van parked nearby.

Where to sleep nearby

Les crins au bord du lac Motorhome area ★ 4.8 Private area by the lake, family farm with animals. £5 per night, 4.8/5, 5 km by car. › La Maçonnerie, Mouilleron-le-Captif Motorhome area ★ 4.7 Shaded lawn, full services, warm welcome. £8 per night, 4.7/5, 5 km by car. › Quiet parking near a park La Roche-sur-Yon Parking ★ 4.8 Free quiet parking near a park, ideal for cycling. 4.8/5, 14 min walk. › Nature picnic parking Mouilleron-le-Captif Parking ★ 3.8 Shaded picnic area, close to Vendéspace. Free, 4.2/5, 5 km by car. › Camping Campilô Campsite ★ 3.6 Lakeside campsite, heated pool, activities. Paid, 3.6/5, 6 km by car. ›

Haras de la Vendée

Just a few minutes from the city centre, this national stud farm combines equestrian heritage with elegant architecture. Perfect for a cultural and green break with the family.

Where to sleep nearby

Les crins au bord du lac Motorhome area ★ 4.8 Farm by the lake, £5 per night. 10 km walk, animals nearby. › La Maçonnerie, Mouilleron-le-Captif Motorhome area ★ 4.7 Shaded area, £8 per night. Full services, warm managers. › Nature parking riverside Nesmy Parking ★ 4.4 Wild nature parking, free. River and 4 spacious pitches. › Camping Campilô Campsite ★ 3.6 Lively lakeside campsite, heated pool. Fishing ponds, friendly atmosphere. › Quiet parking near a park La Roche-sur-Yon Parking ★ 4.8 Quiet free parking. Near park, reassuring lighting. ›

Église Saint-Louis

A symbol of the city, this neo-Gothic church impresses with its stained glass and pointed steeple. Its parvis offers a clear view of the surroundings.

Where to sleep nearby

Les crins au bord du lac Motorhome area ★ 4.8 Private area by Lake Moulin Papon, animals and walks. £5 per night, 4.8/5, 5 min by car. › La Maçonnerie, Mouilleron-le-Captif Motorhome area ★ 4.7 Shaded area with full services, warm managers. £8 per night, 4.7/5, 6 min by car. › La Roche-sur-Yon motorhome area Motorhome area ★ 3 Free city centre area with services (water, waste disposal). 7 min walk, 3/5 rating. › Quiet parking near a park La Roche-sur-Yon Parking ★ 4.8 Free quiet parking near a park, ideal for exploring the city by bike. 13 min walk, 4.8/5. › Camping Campilô Campsite ★ 3.6 Lakeside campsite with heated pool and summer activities. 6 min by car, 3.6/5 rating. ›

Forêt de Mervent-Vouvant

30 minutes from La Roche-sur-Yon, this state forest is a haven of peace for hikers. Its shaded trails and ponds invite you to relax in nature.

Where to sleep nearby

Les Écuries du Fougeray Campsite ★ 4.9 Idyllic setting on the edge of the forest with retired horses. Quick access (5 min by car) and absolute calm. › Aire de camping-car Foussais-Payré Motorhome area ★ 4.6 Free area in a classified village, full services. Perfect for a restful night, 5 min by car. › Parking du Chêne Tord Motorhome area ★ 4 £5 per night, large flat and quiet space. Near forest and trails, 19 min walk. › Parking by river Pissotte Parking ★ 5 Wild parking by the river, preserved nature. 6 min by car, very calm atmosphere. › Camping de la Grande Perrure Campsite ★ 4.3 Family-friendly shaded campsite near a cheese farm. 12 min walk, forest and local atmosphere. ›

Vouvant

Listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Vouvant charms with its medieval ramparts and cobbled streets. A delightful detour to discover the soul of the Vendée bocage.

Where to sleep nearby

Motorhome area Vouvant town center Motorhome area ★ 4.1 5 min walk from the medieval village, 37 grassy pitches with electricity. 4.1 rating, 215 reviews. › Parking du Chêne Tord Motorhome area ★ 4 £5 per night, large flat and quiet space near the forest. 6 min by car. › Quiet parking by the dam Vouvant Parking ★ 4.8 Free, by the dam, ideal for large motorhomes. 8 min walk, 4.8 rating. › Quiet parking with shade Mervent Parking ★ 4.2 Spacious and elevated, lake and river views. Free, 6 min by car, quiet at night. › Camping de la Jamonière Campsite ★ 3.3 Shaded campsite by a pond, clean toilets. 5 min by car, family atmosphere. ›

Marais poitevin vendéen

On the border of Vendée and Deux-Sèvres, this mysterious marshland can be explored by boat or bike. A unique experience to observe preserved wildlife and flora.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping Le Marais Sauvage - Marais Poitevin Campsite ★ 4.9 5-star campsite in the heart of the marsh, 54 spacious and wooded pitches. 9 min walk, 4.9 rating. › Aire Communale du Praineau Motorhome area ★ 4.4 Municipal area 5 min by car, £12 per night, 40 electrical hook-ups. 4.4 rating from 220 reviews. › Parking with tables and shade Bouillé-Courdault Parking ★ 4.3 Free parking by a pond, picnic tables and water point. 6 min by car. › Camping d'Arçais Campsite ★ 4.8 2-star calm and shaded campsite in the village centre. Spacious pitches, 5 min by car. › Marsh canal parking Azire Parking ★ 4.6 Free parking by a canal, shaded by plane trees. Hiking departures, 50 min walk. ›

See all spots on the map