A link with history to discover...
The region's industrial past has left its mark on the town, with old mansions scattered throughout the city. Try to spot them on your strolls. The most emblematic is the Maison Déchelette, located on the Place du Marché, which bears witness to the flourishing development of the textile industry at the end of the 19th century.
Joseph Déchelette, a Roanne-born archaeologist, also gave his name to the town's museum. Housed in an 18th-century mansion, it boasts magnificent collections combining fine art and archaeology. You can admire works of art from all over the world, including Egyptian art, paintings, sculptures, textiles and ceramics. The archaeology collection showcases Gallo-Roman remains. Regular temporary exhibitions add a touch of novelty. The landscaped gardens surrounding the museum invite you to take a stroll, and an incredible library is another of the site's curiosities.
Next, the old town opens up to you. As you explore, you'll find that the Middle Ages come to life around every corner, with baptisteries, thechurch of Saint-Étienne and theancient château. All that remains of the latter is the 12th-century granite tower, the oldest witness to Roanne's history. Today, it houses the Maison du Tourisme.