One hour from Lyon, Saint-Étienne and Clermont-Ferrand, the Roanne region is doing well thanks to bewitching landscapes, villages of character and renowned gastronomy. A natural and historical heritage which is a real invitation to travel through time.
In the Loire, Roanne has all the advantages of a city break, plus the great outdoors. But first of all, let’s give back to César what belongs to César… in this case the Praluline à Roanne! This delicious praline brioche, which makes all Lyonnais salivate, will undoubtedly have a completely different flavor, tasted in the middle of the town where it comes from.
Roanne still retains many traces of its medieval past thanks to numerous vestiges. The Saint-Etienne church, in the heart of the city, is a monument worth seeing.
If you look up, you can see the keep of the old castle dating from the 12th century.
Roanne is also an industrial past. From this period, there are some magnificent mansions. The best known is the Déchelette house, partly classified as a Historic Monument. Joseph Déchelette, an archaeologist from Roanne, also gave his name to the town museum. It houses beautiful collections combining fine arts and archeology.
As an echo of all these precious traces of the past, Roanne very recently developed its banks of the Loire, which constitute a natural area rich in biodiversity. To better understand it, walks on the river are possible from the marina.
To complete an already busy day, you can treat yourself to a gourmet detour. The table of the three-star chef Michel Troisgros, very close to Roanne, promises through its exceptional menus, a discovery of the soil, between creativity, subtlety and generosity.
Pralus Shop – 8, rue Charles-de-Gaulle – 04 77 71 24 10
Joseph-Déchelette Museum – 22, rue Anatole-France – 04 77 23 68 77
Many castles dot the territory of Roanne. The remains of the castle of the Horns of Urfé allow you to project yourself into the past and the medieval imagination. Built between the 12th and 16th centuries, it was the home of one of the most powerful families of Forez, close to the King of France.
Perched at an altitude of 927 meters, it is accessible by a walk of about two hours from the village of Champoly. And for the less athletic, you can come by car. A car park is a 5-minute walk away. It is possible to reach the top of the building without danger, to contemplate the beautiful panorama.
On the way back, do not hesitate to cross the Loire countryside over the streams. Many circuits have been marked out around the castle.
Impossible to miss the romantic gem of the region: the Château de la Roche. Sumptuous jewel set in a haven of water and greenery, this building dating from the 13th century floats above the Loire. Connected to the earth by a promontory, it is a magical place full of mysteries.
It is possible to follow a theatrical visit, thanks to guides who bring it back to life in the 1900s. If the visit has not satisfied you, it is because you have to take the next step, by playing the game. one of the two escape games.
Castle of the Horns of Urfé, Champoly – 06 46 86 28 33
Castle of La Roche, Saint-Priest-la-Roche – 04 77 64 97 68
Do you like slow strolls on a bicycle? The banks of the Loire have a neighboring greenway, popular with cycling enthusiasts: the Canal de Roanne à Digoin. This portion of the famous Véloire stretches over 25 kilometers and links Roanne to Charlieu via Briennon.
The bonus? Natural picnic and rest areas that border this peaceful canal, where electric boats sail in particular that offer river trips.
To enjoy this greenway for the day, there is no need to bring your own mount since shops offer bicycles for hire.
Extend the pleasure by borrowing the Véloire on a larger portion. From Montrond-les-Bains to Paray-le-Monial, there are 140 kilometers of routes.
Bikez with the green lane – Pouilly-sous-Charlieu – 06 80 56 90 76
Canoe Loire Aventure – Briennon – 06 07 88 48 78
Located about twenty minutes from Roanne by car, the village of Saint-Jean-Saint-Maurice-sur-Loire is a witness to history. With an important medieval heritage, such as the choir of the Church of Saint-Maurice, entirely covered with classified 13th century frescoes, this village is ideal for a treasure hunt.
To be sure not to miss any of the heritage, embark on the adventure with Léo the little sailor. The treasure hunt will amuse both the youngest and the oldest. Using a map, a compass and clay, explore all the corners of this medieval village. There is a version for 3/6 years (3.5 euros) and a version for 6/12 years (4 euros).
In the village of Crozet, another page of history has been written. Again, a stronghold of the Middle Ages, this village is a vestige of the time of the powerful County of Forez.
In the streets, we stroll in the footsteps of medieval times. Once is not custom, with the Randoland treasure hunt, walk the alleys while investigating to solve the mysteries of Crozet. Three courses for different ages of children.
To end this tour of the cities of character, a last step is required in Charlieu.
A fortified town since 1180, it is ranked among the “most beautiful detours in France”. The visit is even more exciting thanks to a guide-lecturer who will take you to visit every corner. And it is this time with the Baludik application, that the youngest will be able to attack the mysteries of Charlieu. Using your alchemist skills, help Capucine find a healing potion to save the prior of the city.
Léo le petit marinier is on sale at La Cure and at the Roanne Tourist Office.
Randoland files can be downloaded from www.randoland.fr or made available at the Crozet information point.
The Baludik game can be downloaded for free from the Play Store or the Apple Store
Roanne Tourist Office – 8, place du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny – 04 77 71 51 77
Over more than 20 kilometers, the Gamay grape vines produce wines that will satisfy all palates. Labeled AOC, the Côte Roannaise even received the Vignobles et Découvertes distinction in 2020. About thirty independent winegrowers particularly appreciate having their production discovered and tasted.
Not to be missed, the Balade Gourmande en Côte Roannaise. In Renaison this July 11, enjoy a 9-kilometer walk in the vineyards. During the effort, comfort, since a meal, organized in 5 gourmet breaks, is offered throughout the route. Count 37 euros per person and 17 euros for children up to 12 years old (free for children under 6). Reservations are required at the Roanne Tourist Office.
Field of Palaces – Ambierle – 06 19 14 28 80
Domaine Désormière – Renaison– 04 77 64 48 55
Domaine Vial – Saint-André-d’Apchon– 04 77 65 81 04
Walking is good, traveling the territory over several days is even better! If you are fit and in good physical condition, put on your hiking shoes and set off on the great trails for which this region is famous.
The territory is known to be crossed by four stages of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, with routes of 20 to 25 kilometers. In the middle of a forest, on the hillsides, in the vineyards or in the heart of the villages, the stages are all of equal difficulty, but have their own charm and uniqueness. These trails are punctuated with good gourmet addresses, to discover the terroir.
Roanne Tourist Office – 04 77 71 51 77
• The Férus
Street festival from July 2 to 4
The city of Charlieu is a stage open for 4 days of exceptional celebrations with theater, music, circus and dance on the program. The squares of the charliendine city vibrate to the rhythm of a magnificent street festival where humor, friendliness and entertainment ensure an unforgettable family detour.
• The summer quarters at the Château de la Roche
July and August
Come and discover a varied musical program while having a drink in a picturesque and romantic setting. Jazz, world music, French song: there will be something for everyone!
• Roanne Open Table
October 1 to 31
For a month, Roanne once again puts the small dishes in the big for this 19th edition of the festival. An original concept that is expressed through a hundred dinner shows, a tasting evening, workshops … With family or friends, a vintage not to be missed under any circumstances!
More information on www.leroannais.com
• Troisgros – Ouches – 04 77 71 66 97
• The Rongefer workshop – Charlieu – 04 77 60 01 57
• Auberge du Vieux Crozet – Le Crozet – 04 26 54 63 22
• Marie’s huts – Cordelle – 06 74 04 52 47
• The Grand Hotel / Brit Hotel – Roanne – 04 77 71 48 82
• Domaine de la Plagnette – The Halls – 04 77 97 74 10
All the addresses of restaurants and accommodation can be found on www.leroannais.com
–
– .
