Saint-Nicolas-du-Port Chapel

The Chapel of Saint-Nicolas-du-Port, in Roanne

The Chapel of Saint-Nicolas-du-Port is a small chapel of Roanne built in 1630 by the boatmen of the Loire. The Roanne audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this touching sanctuary, dedicated to the patron saint of the boatmen, witness of the fluvial past of the town.

The chapel of the boatmen of the Loire

You certainly wonder what this small building that stands here is, as if come from nowhere: it is in fact a chapel, called Saint-Nicolas-du-Port, that was built in 1630 by boatmen. At this time, Roanne was an important port on the Loire, starting point of the river navigation that descended the river to the middle Loire and beyond. The boatmen, these bargemen who transported goods and travellers on their vessels, formed a numerous and united community, whose activity made the prosperity of the town. Exposed to the dangers of the river, they were profoundly attached to their faith and placed their chapel under the protection of St Nicholas, the patron saint of the bargemen and the sailors, venerated to rescue those who are in peril on the waters. This modest chapel, erected by their devotion, is thus a moving testimony of the fluvial past of Roanne and of the life of these men of the river. A small building with a singular charm, it recalls an essential page of the history of the town. A sanctuary of the boatmen and a witness of the fluvial past, the Chapel of Saint-Nicolas-du-Port is discovered with respect.

What to see

Here you discover, with respect, the small chapel built in 1630 by the boatmen of the Loire, at the time when Roanne was an important port on the river; placed under the protection of St Nicholas, patron of the bargemen venerated to rescue those in peril on the waters, it is a moving testimony of the fluvial past of the town and of the life of these men of the river. The Chapel of Saint-Nicolas-du-Port is a witness of the fluvial past of Roanne. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Chapel of Saint-Nicolas-du-Port lies in Roanne, on the side of the port and the Loire, reachable on foot. You admire its exterior from the street; the interior access, a place of worship, follows its own hours and conditions, which vary. It is best to inquire before coming and to respect the character of the place.

Who built the Chapel of Saint-Nicolas-du-Port in Roanne?

Boatmen, in 1630, at the time when Roanne was an important port on the Loire; these bargemen, profoundly attached to their faith and exposed to the dangers of the river, placed their chapel under the protection of St Nicholas, patron of the bargemen, and this building is a moving testimony of the fluvial past of the town.

Where is the Chapel of Saint-Nicolas-du-Port in Roanne?

In Roanne, on the side of the port and the Loire, in France.