Europe > France > Roanne: Weather, Climate and Travel Guide

A French town in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, located in the heart of a verdant valley, Roanne has a population of just over 35,000 and has retained some vestiges that will delight visitors: the Musée des Beaux- Archeology Joseph Déchelette exhibits beautiful collections of earthenware, contemporary ceramics, and a superb section of Gallo-Roman archeology. You will also be able to admire the church of Saint-Etienne, erected on the old square of the Castle, and its 15th century stained glass window representing the martyrdom of San Sebastian, as well as, on the same square, the Gallo-Roman potters' ovens, and The Caveau de Roanne, a pretty little half-timbered house. Also worth seeing is the chapel of Saint-Nicolas-de-Port, built in 1630 by the sailors in the hope of escaping the plague; The yacht harbor, formerly the "huts", oak boats which transported cargoes of coal from Paris and Nantes; The ten locks, and the "canal bridge upside down"; The dungeon of the 12th century which now houses the Tourist Office, built with the pebbles of the Loire; The Bourbonnais house with its half-timberings, dating from the 15th century; The many craft shops in the city center. Finally, do not miss to taste the gastronomic delights that the city offers. You can reach Roanne by the A77 from Paris (4H30 journey) or by the A89 from Clermont-Ferrand, but also by train from Lyon or Paris. A bus service provides transportation to the city.