Firminy

Firminy (Firminiaco: "place of Firmin") is a town of central France in the département of Loire, on the Ondaine River 8 mi. S.W. of Saint-Étienne by rail. At the 1999 census it had a population of 19,297 inhabitants. The commune has a land area of 10.45 km² (4.035 sq mi).

History

The name was first recorded in a 971 charter by the King of Burgundy.

Sights

Two historic churches from the 12th and 16th centuries are located here. The architect Le Corbusier designed a group of modern buildings, called "Firminy Vert", which includes a church Saint-Pierre, Firminy, cultural center, and a residential building.

Economy

It has important coalmines known since the 14th century and extensive manufactures of iron, steel, and aluminum goods, including railway material, machinery and cannon. Fancy woolen hosiery is also manufactured.

References

External links

• Official website