Roanne is a town in France in the Rhone-Alpes region of France; a drivable distance north of Lyon and St- Etienne for those wanting to explore a little further. The town is close to some incredible natural Loire scenery including the gorges to the south. Roanne itself is known for its excellent museum – Le musée de Beaux-arts et d'Archéologie Joseph Déchelette – as well as its canal, and its proximity to a number of interesting medieval abbeys and buildings. Hiring a car from Roanne also gives you access to the stunning roads around the Monts de la Madeleine.
For visitors to Roanne, Le musée de Beaux-arts et d'Archéologie Joseph Déchelette is essential. You'll notice from the Place des Promenades and the decent road networks that Roanne is no small town. If you're hiring a car from Roanne, the town really comes into its own. Climb to the quaint town of Ambierle via the D8/D9; head for the Benedictine Abbey at Charlieu; or take it easy on the inland beach at The Lac de Villerest – just a short drive down the banks of the Loire on the D84. Or alternately, rent a car from Roanne to explore a little further and visit the bright lights of Lyon in around an hour on the A89.
