Roanne is a town on the Loire that used to be an important commercial port in the past. A lot of historic buildings have been preserved in its center.
From the Middle Ages on, Roanne was an important point on the trade routes between Paris and the Mediterranean coast. The Loire River flowing through them was used to float various goods. Initially, mainly food products were transported, but over time they were joined by textiles, and in the 18th century, coal was mined in the vicinity of St-Etienne.
The city center is concentrated in cobbled streets. There are houses mainly from the 17th and 18th centuries. The Loire embankment, which is a popular place for walks, is also representative. There is a port on the river bank, and the city is now also a frequent stop on a tourist cruise along the Loire. Roanne's big attraction is the Jesph Dechelette Museum, located in an 18th-century mansion and displaying a rich archaeological, painting, sculpture and ceramics collection.
