With its colorful facades and banks on the banks of the Loire, it blows like an air of dolce vita in Roanne. The city varies the pleasures and pampers its visitors, offering so many delicacies, testifying to its history (industrial and textile in particular) or simply inviting to explore its heritage and nature close by.
A break 1 hour from Lyon, Saint-Etienne and Clermont-Ferrand
To make the link with history ...
The region's industrial past has marked the city. Old mansions are scattered throughout the city. Try to spot them as you walk. The most emblematic, the Déchelette house is located on the market square and bears witness to the significant development of the textile industry at the end of the XNUMXth century.
Joseph Déchelette, archaeologist from Roanne, also gave his name to the city museum. This brings together beautiful collections combining fine arts and archeology in an XNUMXth century mansion.e century. You can admire arts from all over the world such as Egyptian art, paintings, sculptures, textile or ceramic objects. The pride of place is given to Gallo-Roman remains in the archeology collection. Many temporary exhibitions come to blow a wind of novelties. The landscaped gardens around the museum call for a walk. Another curiosity of the place: an incredible library.
The old center then offered to you. As you explore it, you will notice that the Middle Ages come to every corner: baptistery, Saint-Etienne church… as well as the old castle. All that remains of it is the XNUMXth century granite keep, the oldest witness to Roanne. It now houses the Tourist Office.
Roane, for a gourmet break
Peckish ? Now is the time to head to the halles Diderot, the haunt of all foodies. You will be amazed and will easily find something to awaken your taste buds. Roanne producers are waiting for you. So we let ourselves be tempted by the delicious Mons cheeses, we fall for a confectionery from the Pralus House and we don’t forget the Chavrier fishmonger whose expertise is recognized as “Meilleur Ouvrier de France”.
On leaving, arms loaded with good products, go through the Town Hall square. The XNUMXth century buildinge century looks great. The architect Edouard Corroyer used different stones which give a polychrome appearance to the whole. A little further, the municipal theater, recently renovated, has also stood since the same period: its Italian-style decor inspires artists as much as it takes spectators on a journey.
Roane, for a zen moment
The favorite park of the Roannais is called the Place des Promenades. It is the perfect place to relax in Roanne if you want to laze around with friends or as a couple.
Traveling souls will take the lead from the marina. A stone's throw from the city center, it is the starting point for various circuits on or at the water's edge. Take the opportunity to find out about boat or bicycle rental and program at your own pace, sweet parentheses.
The banks of the Loire, freshly furnished, also call for a moment of zenitude, calm and relaxation along the water. The largest river in France comes to the heart of Roanne for a 100% natural atmosphere.
Bloggers' words
"Our road now leads us into the capital of Roanne: Roanne. So we set off to discover its cobbled streets, the Place du Marché where we were surprised to find a building with the same glazed tiles as the priory of Ambierle, through its pedestrian shopping streets up to Place George Clemenceau: the heart of the old town. Besides, since you're in the area, don't hesitate to stop by Pralus to buy there the local specialty: Praluline"
Ambre and Mathieu from French Wanderers
Visit Roanne
Roane, 2e city of the Loire department offers many guided tours. All year round, come and discover and browse Roanne: its old center, the lively shopping streets, the built heritage, the port ...
If you are keen on guided tours, let yourself be tempted by the neighboring villages of Roanne, Saint-Jean-Saint-Maurice-sur-Loire, Saint-Haon-leChâtel…
The visit can also be done using a flyer available at Roanne Tourist Office which offers to discover the rich heritage of the city by following the circuit proposed from the Office. 30 installed totems will punctuate your walk. Let yourself be surprised!