3 Days of Fun in Saint-Étienne, France

Discover the charming industrial heart of France in Saint-Étienne.

03 May 2023

A trip to Saint-Étienne, France as a tourist promises a mix of modern and historic experiences. Visitors can experience the architectural marvels of La Cité du Design and Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain, delve into the town's industrial history through a visit to the Mine Museum, and enjoy nature walks in the Pilat Regional Nature Park. The city is also famous for its cuisine, with a wide range of dining options offering specialties like charcuterie, cheeses and wines.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Discover Saint-Étienne

  • Stay at the quirky hotel "Le Franklin" located in the heart of the city.
  • Visit the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art showcasing modern art icons.
  • Hike up the iconic Mont Pilat and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
  • Visit the Saint-Etienne's Cathedral with its stunning stained-glass windows, and a rich history worth exploring.
  • Tantalize your taste buds with some local specialty – "La Crique", crispy potato cakes served with fresh tomato sauce.
  • Grab a beer or a glass of Rhône Valley wine at "Les Fines Becs" – a cozy bar filled with Saint-Étienne memorabilia.
Day 2

Exploring the outskirts of Saint-Étienne

  • Take a day trip to the stunning Gorges of Loire National Park for some hiking or wild swimming.
  • Visit the Manufacture de la Loire, the oldest weaving factory, showcasing ancient techniques followed by the locals.
  • Explore the vibrant Cité du Design, a design museum, with interactive exhibitions showcasing contemporary and innovative design.
  • Enjoy a cup of coffee or have lunch at the charming Cafe-de-la-Presle restaurant located in the Saint-Victor-sur-Loire village.
  • Take a stroll to the scenic Le Béal dam, a perfect spot for a picnic or to get some Instaworthy photos.
Day 3

The Industrial Heritage of Saint-Étienne

  • Begin the day by visiting the Musée de la Mine, a historical coal mining museum, and learn about the region's mining history.
  • Visit La Maison de la Culture to explore the art galleries showcasing contemporary art exhibitions.
  • Stop by the Museum of Art and Industry, which tells the story of Saint-Étienne and the role it played in the industrial revolution.
  • Take a tour of the beautiful Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Étienne, where the rifles used by French soldiers were manufactured.
  • End the day by experiencing some French gastronomy at the highly-rated gastronomic restaurant La Table de Suzanne.
  • With so many interesting things to see, eat, and experience, Saint-Étienne is a great place, and you can't afford to miss it!

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Saint-Étienne by plane is to fly to Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport and then take a train or bus to Saint-Étienne. From the airport, take the Rhônexpress tram to Lyon Part-Dieu train station where you can catch a train to Saint-Étienne. Alternatively, take the Navette Aéroport bus to Lyon Perrache bus station where you can then take a bus to Saint-Étienne.

Car

The best way to get to Saint-Étienne by car is to take the A72 motorway from Lyon, which takes approximately 45 minutes. Other major cities such as Grenoble and Clermont-Ferrand are also connected by motorway to Saint-Étienne.

Train

Saint-Étienne has good train links with cities across France. The best way to get there by train is to catch a direct train from Paris Gare de Lyon, which takes approximately two hours. Other cities such as Marseille and Bordeaux also have direct train links to Saint-Étienne.

Boat

Unfortunately, Saint-Étienne is not accessible by boat as it is located inland and does not have a river or sea port.

Bus

Saint-Étienne is well-connected by bus with cities across France. The best way to get there by bus is to catch a bus from Lyon Perrache bus station, which takes approximately 1 hour. There are also bus services from other major cities such as Paris, Marseille and Bordeaux.

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