The potters' kilns

The potters' kilns, in Roanne

The potters' kilns of Roanne are old vestiges that testify to the ancient past of Rodumna, renowned for its ceramics. The Roanne audio-guided tour stops here to evoke these archaeological treasures, visible during the European Heritage Days, that tell the Gallo-Roman origins of the town.

The vestiges of the ancient ceramics

You are in front of a staircase that leads to the doors of the history of Roanne. You will unfortunately only be able to descend there on rare occasions, mainly during the European Heritage Days, the privileged moment when the visit of these vestiges is offered. These potters' kilns testify to the ancient past of the town, that was then called Rodumna, in the Gallo-Roman era. Roanne was indeed an important centre of ceramic production: its workshops manufactured in great quantity pottery and tableware, fired in kilns, that were diffused and marketed throughout the region and beyond, making the reputation and the prosperity of the ancient town. These kilns, brought to light by the archaeological excavations, are precious vestiges that illuminate the industrious history of Roanne, well before its textile rise, and reveal the know-how of its potter artisans nearly two thousand years ago. Preserved and protected, they constitute a rare archaeological treasure. Ancient vestiges and witnesses of the know-how of the potters, the potters' kilns are a fascinating stop of the discovery of Roanne.

What to see

Here you discover the vestiges of potters' kilns that testify to the ancient past of Roanne, then called Rodumna in the Gallo-Roman era, an important centre of ceramic production whose workshops manufactured pottery and tableware marketed throughout the region; brought to light by the excavations, they reveal the know-how of the artisans nearly two thousand years ago. The potters' kilns are an archaeological treasure of Roanne. It is a fascinating stop, to be discovered during the Heritage Days.

Practical information

The potters' kilns lie in the heart of Roanne, reachable on foot. The descent towards these vestiges is generally only offered during the European Heritage Days, the privileged moment of their visit. It is best to inquire about the dates and conditions before coming.

What are the potters' kilns of Roanne?

Archaeological vestiges that testify to the ancient past of Roanne, then called Rodumna in the Gallo-Roman era, an important centre of ceramic production whose workshops manufactured pottery and tableware marketed throughout the region; brought to light by the excavations, they reveal the know-how of the potter artisans nearly two thousand years ago, and are visited especially during the Heritage Days.

Where are the potters' kilns in Roanne?

In the heart of Roanne, in France.