Country France Department Loire Time zone CET (UTC+1) Population 17,569 (2007) Arrondissement Saint-Étienne | Region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Canton Firminy Area 10.45 km² Local time Sunday 7:53 AM | |
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Intercommunality Saint-Étienne Métropole Weather 9°C, Wind S at 13 km/h, 63% Humidity Points of interest Site Le Corbusier, Saint‑Pierre - Firminy, Château des Bruneaux, Musée des Sapeurs Pompiers | ||
Firminy is a commune in the Loire department in central France.
Contents
Map of Firminy, France
It lies on the Ondaine River 8 mi. S.W. of Saint-Étienne by rail.
History
The ancient name of the town was Firminiaco or Firminiacus (lit. "place of Firmin"). The name was first recorded in a 971 charter by the King of Burgundy.
Firminy had historically 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 was also manufactured.
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 the Saint-Pierre Church, a stadium, a cultural center, and an Unité d'Habitation.