Saint-Romain-le-Puy is a commune in the Loire department in central France. The town is located from Montbrison along the D8. It was originally built on the volcanic peak, but has since migrated to the plain.
Geography
Le Puy itself is of volcanic origin and the surrounding plain of Forez has basaltic conglomerates. Wells have been sunk to exploit the naturally sparkling mineral waters.
History
Le Puy is located on the Roman road, the Bolène Way, linking Lyon to Bordeaux, which was constructed during the reign of the emperor Augustus, by his son-in-law Agrippa. It is also on the Gallo-Roman way from Sury to Changy. These roads were later reused by pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela. About 500, Carétène replaced a temple of Venus by a Christian church dedicated to Saint Michael. Guy II de Forez, the feudal lord of Saint-Romain-le-Puy, was the vassal of Louis VII. In 1173, the fief of Saint-Romain was transferred from Ainay Abbey to the County of Lyon. In 1218, Count Guy IV de Forez, gave the priory into the care of the religious of Saint-Thomas-les-Nonnains. There was longstanding conflict between the chateau and the priory. In 1431, the town was pillaged by routiers under Rodrigo de Villandrando on orders from the Crown as part of the quashing of a jacquerie. In 1531, Forez passed from the control of the Dukes of Bourbon to the Crown of France. In 1633, the surrounding town wall was destroyed by order of Richelieu. During World War I, the town lost 102 soldiers.
Population
Economy
Local industries include Mineral Waters and Glassmaking. Agriculture includes beef rearing, dairying and wine-growing.
Sights
Gallo-Roman villa at the nearby Chézieux;
Priory of Saint-Romain-le-Puy 10th century to 14th century. Fortified priory on a hill, founded by Ainay Abbey. Historic Monument;
Château de La Bruyère and its outbuildings are late 18th century - early 19th century. The current castle was started in 1792 by Damian Battant de Pomerol, a lawyer in Montbrison, and was completed about 1803. Quid mentions that a castle in the town was referred to in the 12th century. Historic Monument - protected elements include the pigeon loft, roofing, salon and interior décor. There is also a fine park. Ref: E. Salomon, Les châteaux historiques de Forez, In-4, 1926, t. I, p66-70;
Parish church of Saint-Martin was built by Bouchetal at the very end of the reign of Conrad the Peaceful, king of Bourgogne-Provence 937 - 983 and was placed under the authority of Ainay Abbey in Lyon. The exterior has some Celtic symbols such as the swastika and horned feet. It is a successor to the church of Saint-Michael founded by Carétène.
