a town of France, in the department of Loire, on the right bank of the Gier, 12 miles N.E. of St Etienne. It is entirely a modern town, having nearly trebled its population since 1815; and it derives its importance and prosperity from the coal-fields amongst which it is situated. Formerly it had fortifications, but these have been destroyed. There are no public buildings of any importance. The river was once crossed by an ancient Roman bridge which has been removed, and its place supplied by five of modern erection. There are more than forty coal-mines in operation in the vicinity worked by steam. Lyons and many other towns derive their supply of fuel, in whole or in part, from Rive-de-Gier. It has large glass-works, and manufactories of steel, hardware, machinery, silk, &c. The trade is very considerable; and the canal of Givors connects the place with Givors on the Rhone. Pop. 11,694.