The port and the canal, right outside the apartments
Les roses du port overlooks the port of Roanne, often described as the most inland port in France. Dug in the 1830s, the Roanne–Digoin canal once carried freight; the port became a marina in the 1990s. Stroll along the quays, or rent a small licence-free electric boat for a trip on the canal.
The historic centre
A few minutes’ walk away, the place du Château keeps the 12th-century keep, the oldest remnant of the town, and a half-timbered house. The Joseph-Déchelette museum, in an 18th-century mansion, holds a remarkable collection of Revolutionary-era faience and Gallic and Gallo-Roman archaeology.
The market hall and local specialities
The Halles Diderot market hall gathers the best local produce. Don’t leave without tasting the praluline, the pink-praline brioche created in Roanne by Auguste Pralus in 1955, or visiting the Révillon chocolate maker, founded in Roanne in 1898. Roanne is also home to the famous Troisgros family of chefs, whose bistro Le Central stands opposite the station.
By bike: the Véloire greenway and the Loire
The Véloire greenway starts at the port and follows the canal towards Briennon and Charlieu. Easy and almost flat, the “D’un port à l’autre” loop (about 30 km round trip) links the port of Roanne to the port of Briennon, passing the bird-watching gravel pits. Bikes can be rented at the port.
Around Roanne
15 to 20 minutes by car, the Côte roannaise vineyards produce wines from the gamay grape. Further south, the hilltop village of Saint-Jean-Saint-Maurice-sur-Loire overlooks the Loire gorges, Lake Villerest is great for swimming and water sports, and the Château de la Roche stands on its rock by the river.