All about Roanne's region : Circuit 7 - The medieval Town of Charlieu

Language and cookery lessons in a friendly, convivial atmosphere taught by fully trained professionals.

Founded about 872 AD, it was attached to the Benedictine order of Cluny around 930 AD. The gates date from the 11th or 12th century, while the Romanesque colonade, cloister, charterhouse and Prior's Mansion date from the 14th to 15th centuries.

Visitors' Centre: tel. 04 77 60 09 97

The Cordeliers' Convent

Founded in the 13th century, the well-preserved cloister of this Franciscan convent is a true marvel of gothic art. As well, visit the church with its visible framework and the chapel and library.

Tel. 04 77 60 07 42

The Museum of Charlieu

The Museum of Charlieu is a museum with a regional identity that offers high quality collections on: the hospital heritage, the history of the silk industry, sacred art. It is situated in the former hospital, which dates back to the 18th century.

In the Silk Museum you will discover antique weaving machines, see how various weaving looms work, marvel at the textures of antique silks (silk fabrics and garments) and you will also be kept up-to-date on present-day, local silk production.

The rooms dedicated to the Hospital Heritage carefully recreate the atmosphere of a small hospital as it existed in the past: the main ward, dispensary, operating theatre, treatment room, surgery... even the hospital odours have been recreated.

The Museum of Charlieu regularly organises temporary exhibitions of art, history or ethnology.

For more information contact us by mail learnfrench@hotmail.fr