Roanne

Roanne is a commune in the Loire department of central France, located on the Loire River at the confluence with the Lignon. It is part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and serves as the seat of the arrondissement of Roanne. The town sits in a river valley with a historic center that blends medieval and 19th‑century urban development.

Historically, Roanne grew as a river port and market town, with its fortunes linked to trade along the Loire and to industrial activity during the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. The local economy has long included manufacturing and crafts, notably textiles, ceramics and metalworking, and today it remains a diversified center for industry, services, and logistics.

Roanne is connected by regional rail and road networks, with a railway station that provides connections to Lyon and other destinations. The surrounding area combines urban neighborhoods with agricultural land and green spaces along the river.

Culturally, Roanne preserves a number of historical buildings and hosts venues such as theaters and museums that reflect its industrial and social history. The town also offers markets, festivals, and outdoor activities along the Loire valley.

Administrative and demographic notes: as a commune, Roanne is the seat of the arrondissement of Roanne. The population is in the tens of thousands, and the local economy is oriented toward both industry and services.