Romans-sur-Isère

Romans grew on the Isère around the collegiate church of Saint Barnard. Its inhabitants received a charter of municipal liberties in 1160 from the archbishop of Vienne and the church's chapter. In 1580 tensions between artisans, the wealthy and the surrounding countryside erupted during carnival. Festivities became violent, and after the killings the authorities executed men identified as leaders of the artisans' party. The bloody carnival left a lasting mark on the town's history.