DISCOVERING THE VILLAGE

Saint-Haon-le-Châtel: Medieval village of character in Côte Roannaise

An exceptional historic village near Roanne

Perched on a rocky peak at the foot of the Monts de la Madeleine , Saint-Haon-le-Châtel majestically dominates the Roanne plain. Ranked among the most beautiful villages in the Loire , this exceptionally preserved medieval town invites you on a journey through ten centuries of history.

The historic capital of Roannais

From the year 900 until the beginning of the 18th century, Saint-Haon-le-Châtel was the historic capital of Roannais , exerting its political and economic influence over the entire region. Today, this fortified village bears witness to its past grandeur and is an essential tourist destination for lovers of medieval heritage and ancient architecture .

What to see and visit in Saint-Haon-le-Châtel?

Medieval and Renaissance Architecture

Half-timbered houses : Admire these remarkably preserved medieval residences, true witnesses to daily life in the Middle Ages. These authentic buildings make Saint-Haon one of the best-preserved villages in the region.

Elegant Renaissance Residences : Discover the refined architecture of the 16th century with its ornate facades and harmonious proportions.

Private mansions : Admire these aristocratic residences adorned with local granite and Charlieu stone , noble materials characteristic of the region.

Defensive and religious heritage

Historic ramparts : Stroll along the medieval fortifications which recall the defensive function of this stronghold overlooking the Roannais plain.

Romanesque Church : Visit this jewel of Romanesque art, home to magnificent medieval wall paintings restored, precious testimonies of the sacred art of the Middle Ages.

Old cemetery on the Couzan hill : Peaceful site offering an exceptional panorama of the region and recognized as a privileged place for astronomical observation and stargazing thanks to its elevated position and its sky preserved from light pollution.

The characterful villages of the Côte Roannaise

Saint-Haon-le-Châtel is part of a magnificent string of characterful villages that make up the tourist wealth of the Côte Roannaise . Extend your heritage tour by discovering:

Saint-Jean-Saint-Maurice-sur-Loire : Picturesque village perched above the Loire gorges and the Villerest dam

Ambierle : Famous for its Gothic priory, which houses an exceptional 15th-century Flemish altarpiece, a listed Historic Monument. This village, a stopover on the Way of St. James, is attractive for its remarkable religious heritage.

Le Crozet : Charming winegrowing village with flower-lined streets, ideal starting point for hikes in the vineyards with panoramic views of the Loire Valley.

Activities and visits around Saint-Haon-le-Châtel

Walk through the largely pedestrianized medieval village and the surrounding countryside

Hiking : Explore the marked trails around the village, offering panoramic views of the Monts de la Madeleine and the Roannais plain.

Côte Roannaise Wine Route : Explore the surrounding wineries and taste AOC Côte Roannaise wines renowned for their fruity character.

Astronomy and sky observation : Enjoy the exceptional starry sky from the Couzan hill, a site renowned for the quality of its astronomical observation.

Heritage photography : Immortalize the medieval alleys , thehalf-timbered facades and the panoramas from the ramparts.

Practical information for visiting Saint-Haon-le-Châtel

Location : Côte Roannaise, Loire (42), Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Access :

• 15 km south of Roanne
• 1 hour from Lyon via A89
• 1 hour from Clermont-Ferrand via A89
• 1 hour from Saint-Étienne

Recommended visit duration : 2 hours for a complete discovery of the village
Best time : All year round, especially pleasant in spring and autumn
Parking : Free parking in the village (pedestrian village)
Services : Restaurant, local shops, accommodation nearby

Where to sleep near Saint-Haon-le-Châtel?

To fully enjoy your stay in Côte Roannaise , several charming accommodation options are available to you.

The Relais Saint Jacques and othersAuthentic guesthouses welcome you nearby for an immersive tourist experience .

Tourist circuit in Côte Roannaise

Include Saint-Haon-le-Châtel in your discovery tour of the region:

• Day 1 : Saint-Haon-le-Châtel and its characterful villages
• Day 2 : Wine route and tasting in the wine estates
• Day 3 : Hiking in the Monts de la Madeleine and natural heritage

Book your stay in Côte Roannaise and discover Saint-Haon-le-Châtel, a medieval jewel of Roannais!