Tartaras

Tartaras is a commune in the Loire department in central France.

Geography
It is in the Gier valley just north of the river, between Rive-de-Gier to the west and Saint-Romain-en-Gier to the east.

History
The village dates back to the Roman era. Gallo-Roman sarcophagi are still visible in the town. During the 19th century Tartaras was in the heart of a coal basin.

Sights

 * The maison familiale rurale de Tartaras (Tartarus rural family home) is an institution recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture that offers training schemes in the 4th of the professional baccalaureate: horticulture and landscape works.
 * The Givors canal, built in 1761–81, passed by the village. At coordinates 45.55011°N, 4.67374°W in Tartaras a tunnel 100 m long and 5 m wide was broken through solid rock. The tunnel and double lock at its entrance have been preserved as a monument, although the canal has mostly been filled in.

Personalities

 * Charles Bossut (1730-1814), mathematician, was born in Tartarus.