The development of the town of Roanne motivated the establishment of many religious communities which provided, in particular, teaching.
In 1614, Father Pierre Cotton, originally from Néronde, the confessor of Henri IV and Louis XIII, founded the Jesuit College.
His brother, Jacques Cotton, lord of Chenevoux, had a large chapel constructed at his expense, from 1617 to 1626, and it remains one of the most prestigious witnesses to 17th century religious art for the Roanne region.

The plans were drawn up by Brother Etienne Martellange, an architect responsible for several chapels and churches.
The building is austere and unpretentious. This simplicity is representative of the "Jesuit" style, the buildings being designed above all for prayer.

One can admire the panelling of the transept, the woodwork of the stalls (18th century), the high altar with polychrome marbles (19th century), the woodwork and credence table of the sacristy (17th century), the bronze bell in the sacristy (1623).

In 1628, when the plague was ravaging Roanne and the surrounding area, mariners had a chapel built in the port in honour of their patron saint, Nicolas. Named Saint Nicolas du Port, it hosted corporative meetings of mariners. Masses or weddings were more occasionally celebrated there.

The building underwent considerable work in 1717, and was then deconsecrated and sequestered at the Revolution.

In turn a grain store, a drinking house, a port office or a post office, the chapel was used as a dwelling until about 1970, before being restored by the Town.

The chapel dates from 1779. Until 1967, the chancel was reserved for the sisters serving in the hospital.
In the transept, top left, a small balcony with a door enabled the patients to follow the services.
The ceiling of the chancel presents scenes painted by Zacchéo in the 19th century. Amongst the art works are a group representing the Virgin Mary, Saint Anne and the infant Jesus from the château de Saint-André as well as a Saint Barbe, a gift from Joseph Déchelette.