Tour
3 km
1h15
21 audios
Text version
Head for the Loire department! A historical tour awaits you in this town located just 1 hour away from Lyon. Roanne’s rich heritage, delicious cuisine, gourmet vineyards and attractive surroundings are just some of the things you’ll love about the town. The city once known as Rodumna has stood the test of time, and even today, it still features ancient and medieval remains, as well as rich evidence of its most prosperous period as a craftsman town. It is bordered by the Loire, which gives the town an unrivalled charm, making it an ideal destination to unwind for a day or two. Now, let’s embark on a tour of the Roannais region!
The staircase before you leads to the gateway to Roanne's history. Unfortunately, you can only climb them on European Heritage Days, which is the only time they are open to the public. Preserved underground at the bottom of these steps Read more
On your right, you'll find a charming medieval house that stands out in this square thanks to its outstanding timber-framed walls. It's known as the Ramparts Mansion, a nickname inspired by its unusual shape, which once followed the curve of the fortified wall. Read more
Shopaholics, unite! Roanne's city centre is the place to be! Here, you'll find all the most famous brands, alongside a rich historical heritage in what is now known as Charles de Gaulle Street. Along with Maréchal Foch Street a little further down, Read more
You are now standing in front of the Saint-Michel Chapel, or the Lycée Jean-Puy Chapel. It was built by Etienne Martellange and belonged to the high school founded by Pierre Coton, a Jesuit priest and confessor to Kings Henri IV and Louis XIII. Read more
Together with Charles de Gaulle Street, Maréchal Foch Street is one of Roanne's main thoroughfares. In fact, the locals still call it Commerce Street. With its many clothing, shoe, and accessory shops, it leads straight to the Town Hall Square. Read more
This is the heart of Roanne's city centre known as Market Square. As its name suggests, every Tuesday and Friday morning it hosts the stalls of numerous local producers who showcase all the delicious flavours the town has to offer! Read more
Roanne's Town Hall is one of the town's most beautiful buildings. It was built on the site of a former convent which was already used as the town hall. This typical 19th-century building was completed in 1874, and features a stunning combination of different stones Read more
In the heart of the Town Hall Square, which hosts the annual Christmas market and music festival, you'll find a very special building: the Municipal Theatre. At the end of the 19th century, the people of Roanne petitioned for the construction Read more
Introducing the Church of Notre Dame des Victoires, also known as Minimes Church, in reference to the former convent that stood here from 1634. In 1860, the city decided to build a church in a beautiful neo-Gothic style, based on plans by Lyon architect Desjardins. Read more
The little building standing here, as if out of nowhere, is the Saint-Nicolas-du-Port Chapel, which was built in 1630 by bargemen. At that time, the plague had just swept through the town, leaving many victims in its wake. Read more
You're now standing on the banks of the Loire. This new space that was recently developed here is called les Bords de Loire and is divided into 2 parts: the first, on your right, is called Roanne Plage or Roanne Beach. Read more
You have arrived at the marina, overlooking the banks of the canal. It’s one of the most popular spots in town! This 60km-long canal links Roanne to Digoin, connecting the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté regions. Read more
While you're on your way back to Roanne's historic centre, I'd like to mention one of the things you absolutely must try during your stay here, and that's wine. The Côte Roannaise vineyards are the pride and joy of local winemakers and wine lovers alike. Read more
Welcome to the Diderot Covered Market, renowned for its gastronomic delights! Located in a building that opened in 1983, the Diderot covered market features the finest specialities from the town and the region. It replaced the old covered market on the Bourse du Travail Square, Read more
Did you know that, in the 19th century, Roanne was a major industrial town that was almost as important as Lyon? In fact, Roanne was also renowned for its textile industry, especially when the Canuts crisis broke out in Lyon. Read more
This beautiful church is one of Roanne's historic gems. It is believed that a place of worship had already been established here in Roman times, however, the first church to be officially built here dates back to 1610, making it the oldest in Roanne. Read more
George Clémenceau square is home to 2 of Roanne's landmarks. The first is the building on the other side of the road which is the courthouse. Formerly located within the walls of a castle, in 1810 it was transferred to this building, Read more
This fresco takes us straight back to medieval times. In the Middle Ages, Roanne was known by its Roman name, Rodumna. In the 11th century, its castle was built, of which all that remains today is the keep, on your left. Read more
A few centuries ago, this was the site of a large fortified castle. Its construction began in the 11th century. Nowadays, all that remains is the building in front of you, which was the castle's keep. Unfortunately, it is not open to visitors. Read more
Take a look at the two houses in the middle of the square. With their magnificent timber-framed facades, these Bourbonnais houses are a true testament to Roanne's medieval past. They are remnants dating straight back to the 15th century! Read more
Découvrez Roanne avec l’application navaway®
An interactive guide through the most beautiful streets, squares, and districts
20 fun audioguides full of historical facts, anecdotes, and legends
Those lucky enough to spend a few days in the Roanne region must visit the splendid La Roche castle, just twenty kilometres from Roanne. This historic landmark has stood right in the middle of the Loire since the 13th century. To discover every nook and cranny, there is a dramatised tour led by actor-guides, and 2 escape games for those seeking adventure. Note that in autumn, when the Loire River’s water level is low, the castle is no longer submerged. It sits on a rocky outcrop and is transformed into a mighty fortress that truly dominates the landscape!
This is one of the best views of the Roanne region! The Pêt d’Âne site offers breathtaking landscapes, including the largest meander of the Loire River, with the Monts du Lyonnais and the Forez plain in the background. A must-see spot where you can stop for a moment, picnic or hike in the Cierve woods.
If there’s one village you should definitely visit near Roanne, it’s Saint-Jean-Saint-Maurice-sur-Loire. This village picturesque village boasts a magnificent medieval centre, an imposing keep and a spectacular view of the surrounding area, as it is set in the meandering Loire. You’ll also find a number of workshops run by local craftspeople. Furthermore, the village is on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route, making it a key stopover.
On a fine summer’s day, you can dip in Lake Villerest, just 10 km from the centre. Swimming is supervised during summer, and you’ll find a sandy beach, water slides for children and paddle boats for those who want to get away from the shore. The surrounding hiking trails are also very pleasant for the more sporty among you.
Perched on a rocky outcrop, this village has stood the test of time. To this day, you can still see remnants from its medieval period, particularly its ramparts and towers. In addition, there are some beautiful mansions from the Renaissance period, giving the village an unrivalled charm. The village’s little bonus is its exceptional panoramic view of the surrounding area!
The Loire carved its path through the heart of the forest, and the two dams at Renaison were built to supply drinking water to the entire Roanne region. The first dam was completed at the end of the 19th century, while the other was added in 1976. There are many beautiful trails along the dams, incredible viewpoints, walks in the surrounding area and even a leisure park with donkey rides, a mini-golf course and all sorts of activities for children.
For those who love cycling, there’s the verdant 25km-long Véloire route that takes you on a tour of the north of the region. Starting from the Roanne port, you can rent a bike or take your own for a picturesque ride through a variety of landscapes to discover the countryside around Roanne. The route takes you through some magnificent scenery and the charming Charlieu village, ranked among France’s 100 most beautiful villages.
The Gravière aux Oiseaux is one of the most interesting sites in the region, offering peace and quiet, walks and relaxation. Here you can watch birds, spot frogs, dragonflies and butterflies, and enjoy a soothing spot for a picnic or a stroll. Learn more about all the activities on offer in this little peaceful haven – there’s something for all ages and tastes!
200 audioguided tours for cities all around the world
Download
Our rating
Budget
When you arrive in the city of Roanne and ask a local, “What should I see first in the region?” it is very likely that they will answer without a moment’s hesitation, “The Saint Maurice Tower, of course!” Indeed, located in the charming and peaceful village of Saint Maurice, the legendary tower never fails to turn heads.
It must be said that it offers a…
Read more
Our rating
Budget
See Our Full Review
Our rating
Budget
See Our Full Review
Our rating
Budget
What we appreciate about “The Originals City Hotel Hélios Roanne” is that it is not just a place designed for…
Read more
Highlights
Free parking
Free high-speed internet
Swimming pool
Bar/lounge
Fitness center/gym
Car and bike rental
Pets allowed
Breakfast available
Restaurant
Snack bar
Location: 55 Route de Paris, 42300 Mably, Roanne, France
Our rating
Budget
See Our Full Review
Our rating
Budget
See Our Full Review
The city of Roanne has a rich culinary history with many facets. Eating there will be a wonderful way to get acquainted with the local terroir while also learning more about its history through its unique dishes. Head to Quai Commandant l’Herminier for unforgettable culinary discoveries in a truly… unique setting. One thing is certain: you will have a sensational experience where the refined flavors and aromas will gently awaken your taste buds. You can also explore Rue de l’Église and Place Jean Troisgros, two renowned locations home to Michelin-starred restaurants, where the enticing scents wafting from the kitchens are enough to draw visitors in for a meal. Great places for delightful gourmet moments!
The best place to stay in Roanne is undoubtedly Rue de Matel. It’s THE street where most travelers stay, and for good reason: the accommodations offer great value for money, it’s close to historic landmarks, the rooms are cozy and spacious, and the staff is welcoming. Plus, you can even bring your furry friend along! This is where you’ll find the perfect place to stay. Some accommodations even have small balconies, allowing the morning sunlight to gently brighten your room and wake you up softly. Additionally, the hotel restaurants serve balanced menus featuring fresh and varied local products.
The best way to reach Roanne is by train or bus. Every day, three trains and two buses arrive in Roanne. The train is the fastest and safest option, making it the most eco-friendly choice for our beloved planet. There are also direct train routes from Paris, Lyon, and Nantes to Roanne. A little tip: if you choose the train, it’s best to travel in the middle of the day during the week or very early in the morning to avoid crowds and take advantage of the lowest ticket prices. Yes, that’s right! While the bus is a slower option, it is safe and affordable, much like carpooling. It’s the perfect way to get to Roanne if you’re traveling with family and looking to save money.
The city of Roanne and its picturesque surrounding villages make for a lovely excursion for those who want to explore the area. You can get there on foot, by bike, or even by boat. Château de la Roche is a must-see, located near Roanne. With its fairytale-like atmosphere, it’s a dreamlike spot perfect for relaxation. Strolling along the Loire means immersing yourself in peaceful serenity while visiting legendary sites that are just waiting to be captured in a photograph. You can also visit Lake Villerest, where various outdoor, sports, and water activities take place. It’s an ideal destination for those looking to take a break from their daily routine and enjoy some fun with family or friends. Make the most of the joys of water!
Comments