History of the town
Built on the banks of the Loire, the history of the town stretches back 2000 years.
It was in the 2nd century that traces were found of what at the time was called Rodumna. The pottery kilns present in the ancient centre witness to the Gallo-Roman period.
The Château de Roanne, the dungeon of which still remains, was constructed in the 11th century. Tours of this monument are regularly organised by the Roanne Tourist Office on the site.
It was in the reign of Henri IV that the borough of Roanne developed. In addition to the château quarter, today called the "ancient centre", one finds the Bourg Neuf and the Bourg Basset which extended to the Loire. The port became more and more important and lodgings and hostelries were created then for travellers and merchants.
In 1630, Roanne was not spared by a terrible plague epidemic. Following this scourge, the mariners constructed a chapel dedicated to their patron saint, Saint Nicolas. The chapelle des mariniers, a meeting place and place of worship, is still in the port (marina).
In 1864, Roanne was the fourth town to get the Légion d'honneur. This distinction marked the recognition of the action of François Populle, the town's Mayor, who opposed the pillaging of Roanne by the Austrians.
From 1865 to 1874, on the site of the Couvent des Capucins (Capuchin Convent), the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) was constructed. Ten years later, nearby, the Italianate Theatre went up and many shows are still put on there.
The stone bridge over the Loire which links Roanne to the town of Le Coteau, dates from 1834. Before that year, many wooden bridges were constructed and destroyed whenever the longest river in France flooded.
Place de l'Hôtel de ville
42300 ROANNE
Tél : 04 77 23 20 00
Fax : 04 77 23 21 90
Reception opening hours
Monday to Friday
from 8 am to midday and from 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm