May 2025, it is a shame that some of the items had been removed and I couldn't find information about them. The mechanisms available worked well and moved as expected based on the available input controls. Some thought had been given to the besign and function.

As a solo traveler, stumbling upon The Animal Place - Le Crocodile in Place Napoléon felt like finding a little slice of magic in the middle of La Roche-sur-Yon. The animal sculptures come to life in the most unexpected ways-mechanical, whimsical, and oddly charming. I wandered among crocodiles, hippos, and flamingos that moved with a surreal elegance. It's peaceful, thought-provoking, and fun all at once. Perfect for solo adventurers, curious couples, and especially families with kids who’ll love the interactive vibe. It’s not your typical tourist stop-it’s a gentle surprise that invites you to slow down and smile. Highly recommend!

Great free fun. Just a very small park in the middle oftown but lovely none the less.

Not everything is working but cool anyway

Great place to spend a couple of hours in between when you going to the beach in veillon beach. All mechanical workings press the button and see them go baby,free car park at the beach you can park campervans there to.

Amazing attraction. Free and creative. A few of the animals didn't work fully, but there were still plenty that did. Thank you to whoever dreamt this up and installed it!

No camel or frogs or hippo or fish there. But owl and flamingos and otter and ibis all working and great fun. Also real large fish and ducklings. Crocodile is there but not working. All free.

Excellent exhibition. Very interesting displays and watching chocolate workers ply their trade was fun. Good small shop. Weĺ worth a visit.

This was a nice little museum with some very interesting information about the history and making of chocolate. We were very disappointed with the amounts of samples as, with the cost of the items in the shop, we felt they could have afforded a few more tastes. We travelled 50 minutes to get there and were a little disappointed. I wouldn’t advise travelling more than 10 minutes to get there, but if you are in the area, worth a visit.

Although lovely to see some chocolate creations, the tour was somewhat disappointing with little to actually see. The tour finished in 30 minutes

Nice little museum with great chocolates and a history of the industry. On the right day, there are workshops for children to join in. There was just enough to keep us entertained for an hour or two without overkill.

It was amazing!!! The history was cool and the shop after the toor was good

The most tasty educational visit!!! The entrance fee is balanced by the amount of chocolates you get to eat along the way of the visit. Not to be missed if you stop at La Roche Sur Yon

A nice place to visit. The museum is not very big but it is well built up. You do get the complete story of how chocolate came to be what it is now. All the posters explaining the history have French and English text. You can also taste a bit of chocolate. Nice shop at the end of the tour.

(Translated by Google) Impressive exterior and interior structure, remarkable lighting, very photogenic building inside. Note the chapel dedicated to an uninteresting statue, but magnificent chapel bears his paintings and its associated furniture, Fascinating nave supported by columns worthy of an ancient temple! Original! Worth the detour, I (Original) Impressionnante structure extérieure et intérieure, mise en lumière remarquable, bâtiment très photogénique à l'intérieur. A noter la chapelle dédiée à une statue sans intérêt, mais magnifique chapelle porte ses peintures et son mobilier associé, Fascinante nef soutenue par des colonnes dignes d'un temple antique! Original! Vaut le détour, I

(Translated by Google) A magnificent church that's well worth a visit. It's one of the few historical sites in La Roche-sur-Yon. Well-presented, it adds a touch of richness to the town center. The liturgy is magnificent. (Original) Magnifique Église qui vaut le détour. Il s'agit d'un des seuls lieux un peu historique de la Roche sur Yon. Bien mise en valeur, elle donne un minimum de richesse au centre ville. La liturgie est magnifique.

(Translated by Google) We no longer have a moment to collect ourselves "in peace". The organ can be nice but why at LOUD. It becomes unbearable and people don't stay long because it hurts their ears... (Original) Nous n avons plus un moment pour se recueillir "dans le calme" . L orgue ca peut être sympa mais pourquoi à FOND . Ça en devient insupportable et les gens restent pas longtemps car ça casse les oreilles...

(Translated by Google) The construction of the Saint-Louis church, like those of many monuments in La Roche-sur-Yon, was decided by Napoleon I in 1804, wanting to change this village into the capital of the department. Begun in 1813, its construction was completed in 1829, the church was consecrated in 1830 under Louis-Philippe. I find this church very beautiful, the neoclassical style is impressive, the trompe l'oeil paintings have their effect, I do not find excessive pretension in this architecture. Frequented by a few tourists but above all many parishioners, it seems "inhabited" and alive, lending itself very well to meditation despite its large size. There are some pretty things to see, sculpted decorations and/or paintings. But more particularly, a treasure is to be discovered in the chapel of the Virgin: "NOTRE DAME DE LA ROCHE" polychrome wooden sculpture dating from the 14th century, seven hundred years old and superbly restored. The Saint-Lienne chapel, which houses many relics, was closed for work. Raphaël Toussaint, painter, born in La Roche-sur-Yon in 1937, paints it in a very poetic way. (Original) L'édification de l'église Saint-Louis, comme celles de nombreux monuments de La Roche-sur-Yon, fut décidée par Napoléon 1er en 1804, voulant changer ce village en chef-lieu de département. Débutée en 1813, sa construction se termina en 1829, l'église fut consacrée en 1830 sous Louis-Philippe. Je trouve cette église fort belle, le style néoclassique en impose, les peintures en trompe-l’œil font leur effet, je ne trouve pas de prétention excessive dans cette architecture. Fréquentée par quelques touristes mais surtout beaucoup de paroissien, elle semble "habitée" et vivante, se prêtant fort bien au recueillement malgré sa grande taille. Quelques jolies choses sont à voir, décors sculptés et/ou peintures. Mais plus particulièrement, un trésor est à découvrir dans la chapelle de la Vierge : "NOTRE DAME DE LA ROCHE" sculpture en bois polychrome datée du 14ème siècle, sept fois centenaire et superbement restaurée. La chapelle Saint-Lienne qui abrite de nombreuses reliques, était fermée pour travaux. Raphaël Toussaint, artiste peintre, né à La Roche-sur-Yon en 1937, la peinte de façon très poétique.

(Translated by Google) Very beautiful and imposing church. It’s a monument to remember! It really looks like a cross between a "temple" (rather in the idea of ​​antiquity), a conventional church like you see everywhere in France and a boat hull. The imposing pillars in front of the facade, the rounded roof and even the atmosphere inside. Not to be missed. (Original) Très belle et imposante église. C'est un monument dont on se souvient ! On dirait réellement un croisement entre un "temple" (plutôt dans l'idée de l'antiquité), une église conventionnelle comme on en croise partout en France et une coque de bateau. Les imposants piliers devant la façade, le toit arrondie et même l'atmosphère à l'intérieur. A ne pas rater.

(Translated by Google) Magnificent church with a beautiful, very lively Sunday mass with many faithful. What a shame that so few servants of God give to the poor at the end of the Office. (Original) Magnifique église avec une belle messe dominicale très animée avec de nombreux fidèles. Quel dommage que si peu de serviteurs de dieu donne aux pauvres, à la fin de l'Office.

(Translated by Google) First review: I would have loved to visit it, but it's undergoing restoration. Second review in November: Large church with beautiful stained-glass windows. Work has just begun. (Original) 1 er avis: J'aurais bien aimé la visiter mais elle est en restauration. 2 ème avis en Novembre : Grande église avec de beaux vitraux. Début de travaux.

(Translated by Google) First visit to this site. Large parking lot with PMR access. Visit in 30 minutes but adequate price 4 euros for adults. Small souvenir welcome. We took advantage of the heritage days and participated in a giant Cluedo. A site with a history to also visit with children. (Original) Première visite sur ce site . Grand parking accès pmr. Visite en 30 minutes mais prix en adéquation 4 euros pour adulte. Petit accueil souvenirs. Avons profité des journées du patrimoine et participé à un Cluedo géant. Un site avec une histoire à visiter également avec les enfants.

(Translated by Google) A preserved, austere and calm place, which immerses us in the world of the monks of the time. Short videos enhance the visit of the place. The visit is quite quick. A good time spent in this place. (Original) Un lieu préservé,austère et calme,qui nous plonge dans l'univers des moines de l'époque. Des petites vidéos agrémentent la visite du lieu. La visite est assez rapide. Un bon moment passé en ce lieu.

(Translated by Google) Very pretty, quiet and modest, almost austere place. The visit is done quickly (half an hour, 3/4 hour) but the price is appropriate. Located in the countryside, this priory reminds us of the simple and isolated existence that the monks who lived there must have led. The welcome is very good and the little tour guide is very useful. This summer, a photographic exhibition on Benin was offered. The images are magnificent and the expressions of the people are striking. (Original) Très joli lieu calme et modeste presque austère. La visite se fait rapidement (une demie heure, 3/4 d'heure) mais le prix est en adéquation. Situé en pleine campagne, ce prieuré nous évoque bien l'existence simple et isolée que devait mener les moines qui y vivaient. L'accueil est très bon et le petit guide de visite très utile. Cet été, une exposition photographique sur le Bénin était proposée. Les images sont magnifiques et les expressions des personnes saisissantes.

(Translated by Google) I would have given 5 stars for this Priory, all in the chosen modesty of the Grandmontains, very well highlighted by the Department of Vendée... But I was offended by the total absence of reference to Gilles BRESSON who devoted most of his free time to making the old buildings of the department better known and in particular the Priory of Grammont (also Réaumur), actively participating in its restoration for many years. Orbestier editions have published several of his books including at least 2 on the Grandmontains... And at the reception, wanting to mention him, the hostess kindly replied to me "who is he? Never heard of him... It must be very old all that..." (Original) J'aurais mis 5 étoiles pour ce Prieuré, tout dans la modestie choisie des Grandmontains, fort bien mis en valeur par le Département de la Vendée... Mais j'ai été offusqué par l'absence totale de référence à Gilles BRESSON qui a consacré l'essentiel de son temps libre à faire mieux connaître les édifices anciens du département et tout particulièrement le Prieuré de Grammont (Réaumur également), participant activement à sa restauration durant de longues années. Les éditions d'Orbestier ont publié plusieurs de ses livres dont 2, au moins, sur les Grandmontains... Et à l'accueil, voulant l'évoquer, les hôtesse m'ont répondu, gentiment "qui c'est ? Jamais entendu parler... Ça doit être bien vieux tout ça..."

(Translated by Google) Entrance €4 per adult which is very reasonable. About 45 minutes of visit, small store with souvenirs and delicacies. The entire site is wheelchair accessible. Very large parking lot, green spaces. Toilets on site and very clean. The site is very pretty and very well preserved, each piece is well explained and illustrated. The church at the end of the visit is magnificent. There are leftover paintings almost everywhere, it's a shame there aren't more left. The lighting highlights the first rooms very well. I recommend this visit, there are plenty of visits to do in the surrounding area for those like us who spend whole days visiting. Château St Mesmin, fortified church of Boupère, château de Pouzauge etc...... (Original) Entrée 4€ par adulte ce qui est très raisonnable. Environ 45mn de visite, petit magasin avec souvenirs et gourmandise. Le site dans sa totalité est accessible aux fauteuils roulants. Très grand parking, espaces verts. Toilettes sur place et très propre. Le site est très joli et très bien conservé, chaque pièce est bien expliqué et illustré. L'église en fin de visite est magnifique. Un peu partout subsiste des reliquats de peintures, dommage qu'il n'en reste pas plus. Les éclairages mettentent très bien en valeur les premières pièces. Je recommande cette visite, il y a pleins de visites à faire dans les environs pour ceux qui comme nous font des journées entières de visites. Château St Mesmin, Église fortifié de Boupère, château de Pouzauge etc ......

(Translated by Google) Very beautiful priory visited during heritage days. The visit is very quick however, there is not much to see. But the place is peaceful, bucolic, large parking lot, shaded picnic tables. (Original) Très beau prieuré visité pendant les journées du patrimoine. La visite est très rapide par contre, peu de choses à voir. Mais le lieu est paisible, bucolique, grand parking, tables de pique-nique ombragées.

(Translated by Google) A quick visit. Little to see outside the perfectly preserved walls. No furniture, but the place is very well maintained. (Original) Une visite rapide. Peu de choses à voir en dehors des murs, parfaitement conservés. Pas de meubles, mais l'endroit est très bien entretenu.

Interesting small museum with 5 rooms showing local painters and sculptors from the 18th to the 20th century. Entrance is free but lighting is not very good (the museum is temporarily hosted in an elementary school until the new museum is built in 2028…) and parking around is very easy.

Friendly staff, beautifully presented exhibits. Interesting back story.

(Translated by Google) Discovery of the work of Benjamin Rabier in an atypical place: a school. Some paintings are unfortunately too large to benefit from good lighting but it is worth seeing 😉 (Original) Découverte du travail de Benjamin Rabier dans un lieu atypique car une école. Certains tableaux sont hélas trop grand pour bénéficier d'un bon éclairage mais il mérite que l'on y passe 😉

(Translated by Google) A beautiful little museum in the city center with a very pleasant welcome to explain to us the purpose of the place which preserves numerous works The rooms are well arranged, with a floor to discover another atmosphere dedicated to Benjamin Rabier, creator of Gédéon and the Laughing Cow! The best part: free entry! (Original) Un beau petit musée en centre ville avec un accueil très agréable pour nous expliquer la vocation du lieu qui conserve des nombreuses œuvres Les salles sont bien agencées, avec un étage pour découvrir une autre ambiance dédié à Benjamin Rabier, créateur de Gédéon et de la vache qui rit ! Le plus : entrée gratuite !

(Translated by Google) A wonderful discovery of this museum in the heart of La Roche-sur-Yon, which allows us to admire works by painters from the region, including Baudry. In addition, there are puzzles for children in some rooms and explanatory texts about the exhibition. (Original) Belle découverte de ce musée en plein centre de la Roche sur yon qui nous permet d admirer des œuvres des peintres de la région : baudry. De plus, il y a des puzzles pour les enfants dans certaines salles et des textes explicatifs sur le salon

(Translated by Google) Superb museum, surprisingly varied for a town like Roche Sur Yon. Quite a few works on Beaudry and a complete floor on the work of Mr Rabier, the creator of the drawing of the laughing cow! The guide was passionate and fascinating, look out to take part in the guided tours which are very complete! Lots of magnificent paintings but also sculptures, etc., this museum is worth the detour! (Original) Superbe musée, étonnamment varié pour une ville comme la Roche Sur Yon. Pas mal d'oeuvres sur Beaudry et un étage complet sur le travail de Mr Rabier, le créateur du dessin de la vache qui rit! Le guide était passionnée et passionnant, regardez pour participer aux visites commentées qui sont très complètes ! Beaucoup de magnifiques peintures mais aussi des sculptures, etc, ce musée vaut le détour !

(Translated by Google) Free access to sublime works. The setting is unique; it's a former school. You're not overwhelmed by the space, and the works feel right at home. A must-see. (Original) Accès gratuit à des œuvres sublimes. Le cadre est unique, c'est une ancienne école. On n'est pas écrasé par le lieu et les œuvres y trouvent leur place. À voir absolument

(Translated by Google) A priori not very serious: in 3 months, a conference moved then canceled and an outing also canceled: only one of the 3 requested activities took place and was interesting: the range of activities seems interesting but if 2/3 are canceled ... and what's more, in the last days, this calls out 😏 (Original) À priori pas très sérieux : en 3 mois, une conférence déplacée puis annulée et une sortie annulée elle aussi : une seule des 3 animations demandées a eu lieu et était intéressante : l’éventail des activités paraît intéressant mais si les 2/3 sont annulés... et en plus dans les derniers jours, cela interpelle 😏

(Translated by Google) Beautiful place, very few people during our visit. Good ideas. Well suited to children. For the rest, you have to like pinned insects and stuffed birds. (Original) Bel endroit, très peu de monde lors de notre visite. De bonnes idées. Bien adapté aux enfants. Pour le reste, il faut aimer les insectes épinglés et les oiseaux empaillés.

(Translated by Google) Third release of toys and there is still something new. THANKS. This place is a place of consciousness and emergence to observe love play learn (Original) Troisième sortie jouets buissonniers et y a encore du renouveau. Merci. Ce lieu est un lieu de conscience et d émergence pour observer aimer jouer apprendre

(Translated by Google) A place conducive to escape through the discovery of animal and plant civilizations Suitable for all ages and for armchairs Lots of information for the curious through courses and games Very beautiful natural and preserved site Bring suitable clothing (Original) Un lieu propice a l'evasion a travers la decouverte des civilisations animales et végétales Adapté pour tout les âges et pour fauteuils Beaucoup d'infos pour les curieux a travers des parcours et des jeux Tres beau site naturelle et préservé Prévoir tenu adapté

(Translated by Google) Everything for biodiversity, magnificent bright and wooded building on stilts, very pleasant gardens with guided tour, beautiful collection of birds and insects, I recommend (Original) Tout pour la biodiversité, magnifique bâtiment lumineux et boisé sur pilotis, jardins très agréables avec visite guidée , belle collection d'oiseaux et d'insectes, je recommande

(Translated by Google) A very beautiful place, a very friendly and competent welcome - everything about nature for young and old. (Original) Un très bel endroit, un accueil très sympathique et compétent - tout sur la nature pour petits et grands.

(Translated by Google) I went there for a business conference. The site is superb and very welcoming. (Original) J'y suis allé pour un congrès d'entreprise. Le site est superbe et très accueillant.