Roanne combines a long urban history with culture, routes and leisure activities along the Loire, as well as regional specialities. When planning a stay, you can choose from a signposted cycling route, historic landmarks, a programme of performances and the offerings at Les Halles Diderot to focus on different interests.
Outdoors along the Loire and the canal
For cyclists, La Véloire offers a clearly defined route: it runs from Roanne’s marina to Saône-et-Loire and covers 25 kilometres. The route is safe, signposted and closed to motor vehicles. This clearly measured route differs from another option: along the Canal de Roanne à Digoin, nature lovers can travel on foot, by bicycle or by boat.
The Loire riverbanks also have their own character. In Roanne, five hectares have been completely redesigned, combining green spaces, paths, play areas and leisure facilities. At the Bords de Loire, there are sports grounds, fitness equipment and a 800 m² wooden platform beside the river. The redevelopment of the riverbanks therefore includes both green spaces and paths as well as specific leisure facilities.
City history, museum and stage
Roanne has a history spanning more than 20 centuries. Among its oldest surviving remains are half-timbered houses, which are a distinctive architectural feature and testimony to the city’s history. The Donjon of the Château de Roanne is another notable historical landmark: it has been classified as a Monument historique since 1930.
The Musée Joseph Déchelette is housed in a private mansion between a courtyard and a garden. Its collections currently list just over 36,000 works and art objects. The museum thus combines a distinctive architectural setting with an extensive collection.
The Théâtre municipal de Roanne is a lively cultural venue with an auditorium in the Italian style. Its seasonal programme includes at least 45 performances spanning theatre, dance, circus, puppetry and music. This range offers a variety of cultural experiences, without limiting the programme to a single art form.
Regional specialities at Les Halles Diderot
Les Halles Diderot offers regional produce and sweet or savoury specialities from Roanne. Praluline has been a Roanne speciality since 1958 and is the leading product at the Pâtisserie Pralus stall in the market hall. Coffee breaks, as well as oyster and wine tastings, are also available there.
For a tasting that requires a reservation, there is Le Flacon des Halles, the wine shop at Les Halles Diderot. It offers wine and spirits tastings by reservation. Les Halles therefore feature both regional produce and Roanne specialities, as well as specific options for a break or a planned tasting.
Discover more destinations: Cordelle, Saint-Martin-la-Sauveté, Doizieux, Saint-Marcellin-En-Forez, L'etrat, Usson-En-Forez, Saint-Marcel D'urfé, Saint-Médard-en-Forez.
Return to the main travel overview: Loire.
