Créé par Romane, le 7 mai 2026
Votre guide Ryo
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Let's talk a bit about our sweet France and focus on one of its well-known communes in the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region: the city of Roanne. Often, when we pronounce the name of this city, it's primarily the taste of good living that comes to mind. Indeed, Roanne is one of those places where everyone finds a balance between professional life and family life where amusement and laughter are the rule. It's the kind of place that brings tranquility and keeps stress and anxiety at bay. Needless to say, it feels good to get away from negative thoughts and come to find peace in a welcoming place. That's why if you're planning a road trip in the south of France, you absolutely must stop by Roanne. Here's a list of six activities to do once in the city.
What to do in Roanne?
1. The Saint Maurice Tower
Category: Free/Cultural
Description: When you arrive in the city of Roanne, and you ask a Roannais "What is there to see first in the region"? It's quite likely that they will answer without a shadow of hesitation "the Saint Maurice Tower of course"! And yes, located in the lovely quiet village of Saint Maurice, the mythical tower turns many heads each time. It must also be said that it offers an absolutely remarkable viewpoint and extends to the horizon like a silver platter. But before reaching the tower, we strongly advise you to stroll through the small village, where people all know each other and where smiling is not an option ^^. You'll quickly feel at ease there and it will make for a lovely walk, preferably during the morning or late afternoon, when the weather is nice.
2. The Joseph Déchelette Museum
Category: €€/Cultural
Description: Every city has its must-sees. The Joseph Déchelette Museum is undoubtedly one of the most important museums in the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region. Why so? This Museum of France houses an entire artistic collection related to the fields of archaeology, fine arts, photography, decorative arts, visual arts... We could continue like this for hours there are so many things to see, discover, and learn. A true sanctuary, the Joseph Déchelette Museum offers family activities to do throughout the year: you could for example spend a pleasant moment around a painting workshop all together and then keep your artworks for yourself, as a souvenir to display them at home so that your home also becomes in a way a museum ^^.
3. A bike ride in the Marina
Category: €€/Cultural/Sports
Description: We don't praise the benefits of cycling enough. In addition to maintaining fitness, being easy to use, and costing less than a car, this sport helps strengthen the immune system while reducing the risk of diabetes and promoting sleep. Well, who would have thought! So imagine practicing cycling in the marina. Where the still water brings a sense of well-being. You can enjoy the view while admiring the few boats of various colors moored at the port. This will allow you to clear your mind by taking a good breath of fresh air and boosting your morale. After all, upon reflection, that's also what vacation is: wandering, strolling, and taking a little time for yourself while taking care of your mental health... So, don't hesitate to pedal harder and let yourself be carried by the wind of Roanne!
4. Saint-Etienne Church
Category: Free/Cultural
Description: Visits to sacred places are always interesting when arriving in a new city. It's to Saint-Etienne church that we would like to take you in Roanne. If among our readers there are those who know about churches, or more precisely about ancient architecture, you would have largely guessed by seeing the photo above that the monument we propose you visit is inspired by Gothic art. With a flamboyant style, it's the kind of edifice that cannot be ignored, its magnetic aura attracts us so much and arouses in us a certain curiosity, which pushes us to cross its doors. The building is made of ochre stone and the stained glass windows inside give both an ancient and modern aspect. It's time to pull out your camera to immortalize this precious moment!
5. Discover local gastronomy
Category: €€/Gastronomy
Description: Yes, we must dedicate a part of this article to gastronomy. After all, the choice of the city where we're going to spend a stay is closely linked to its local cuisine. Know that in the city of Roanne, you can fill your belly, and for cheap too! Gastronomy is considered a true art of living there and you'll find all sorts of restaurants, bars, terraces, stands, ready to welcome you. Here, gluttony is not a flaw, it's even a quality that will allow you to taste absolutely everything. Among the culinary creations to try, there's the Charolais steak, pike-perch fillet with Côtes Roannaise, and brioche creation with pralines. True delights that we savor on our fingertips and of which each spoonful leaves an indelible memory in us.
6. Saint-Anne Church
Category: €€/Cultural
Description: In the city of Roanne, churches are not lacking. There are some on every street corner, and one of them that stands out particularly is Saint-Anne church. It's a very beautiful monument, as imposing as the one mentioned previously, but even more luminous. Visitors also affirm that the parishioners are quite friendly. Recently restored in the 1960s, it has beautiful architecture and was built in 1860. Moreover, a nice little anecdote for the Lyonnais who are reading us: the organ that resonates there is none other than the one that was present in the Fourvière church in Lyon. Saint-Anne church is a quiet place, where people enjoy coming to meditate.