Romans-sur-Isère (; 'Romans-on-Isère'; known simply as Romans until 1920; or Rumans d'Isèra; Old Occitan: Romans) is a commune in the Drôme department in Southeastern France. With a population of about 33,000, it is the third-most populous city in Drôme after Valence and Montélimar.

Geography

Romans-sur-Isère is on the right bank of the river Isère, northeast of Valence. There are more than 50,000 inhabitants in the urban area including the neighbouring town of Bourg-de-Péage across the river. Romans is close to the Vercors.

History

thumb|The [[Hôtel de Ville, Romans-sur-Isère|Hôtel de Ville]]

About twenty artisans were killed at the annual carnival in the town in 1580.

The Hôtel de Ville was completed in 1802.

On 18 July 2017, the city was the end point for Stage 16 of the Tour de France.

Population

Transport

Romans-sur-Isère is served by Romans–Bourg-de-Péage station on the Valence–Moirans railway.

Economy

  • Nuclear fuel manufacture (FBFC, Franco-Belge de Fabrication du Combustible), Framatome subsidiary.
  • Shoe manufacture (including Robert Clergerie)

Sights

thumb|Collegiate Church of Saint-Barnard

Sights in Romans-sur-Isère include:

  • The Collegiate Church of Saint-Barnard
  • The International Museum of Footwear
  • The Tower of Jacquemart clock

Twin towns and sister cities

Romans-sur-Isère is twinned with:

  • Coalville, England, United Kingdom
  • Corsano, Italy
  • Straubing, Germany
  • Varese, Italy
  • Zadar, Croatia
  • Zlín, Czech Republic

Notable people

  • Hippolyte Charles (1773-1837), lover of Joséphine Bonaparte
  • Robert Clergerie, shoe designer
  • Érik Comas (1963-), former Formula One driver
  • Pierre Latour (1993-), cyclist
  • Jules Nadi (1872-1928), former mayor and councilor who did much to develop the city
  • Baptiste Reynet, professional footballer
  • Philippe Saint-André, rugby player and national team coach
  • Thomas Arthur, Comte de Lally, general of Irish Jacobite ancestry

Climate

See also

  • Communes of the Drôme department
  • Vercors Regional Natural Park

References

  • Town council website
  • Communauté de communes du Pays de Romans website