5-Day Romantic Escape: Saint-Étienne, France

Fall in love with the charm and beauty of Saint-Étienne on your romantic getaway.

22 April 2023

Saint-Étienne offers a romantic getaway in the heart of France. Couples can explore the charming, historic city center and indulge in local cuisine and wine. Nature lovers can also take a scenic hike in the nearby Pilat Regional Natural Park.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival and Exploration

  • Check into Hotel Astoria, a charming boutique hotel in the heart of the city
  • Walk around the charming neighborhood of Saint-Jean-Bonnefonds and visit the Fontanès Tower, a striking 13th-century tower
  • Discover the history of the region at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, which also houses works from local artists
  • Stroll around the lively Place Jean Jaurès and stop by the numerous bakeries and cafes for a snack or coffee
  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at the renowned restaurant Les Côtelettes, known for its mouth-watering meat dishes
Day 2

Gastronomic Delights

  • Start the day off with a French breakfast at La Panetière, a cozy bakery with an antique ambiance
  • Take a tour of the famous Brasserie Stéphanoise, which has been producing beer since 1880
  • Indulge in a decadent lunch at the Michelin-starred restaurant La Table de Suzanne, known for its innovative cuisine
  • Visit the Cité du Design, an impressive museum showcasing modern design and architecture, for a dose of creativity
  • End the day with a romantic dinner at La Ferme des Copains, set in a restored farmhouse and specializing in fresh, local ingredients
Day 3

Outdoor Adventure

  • Head to the Parc Naturel Régional du Pilat for a day of hiking and stunning natural scenery
  • Stop by the charming village of Pélussin for a coffee break and a chance to see the ruins of a medieval castle
  • Visit the Chateau de Grangent, a picturesque castle set on a lake, for a tour and some stunning views
  • Spend the afternoon kayaking on the calm waters of the Barrage de Grangent reservoir
  • Enjoy a picnic dinner at one of the many scenic spots in the park before heading back to the hotel
Day 4

Culture and Art

  • Start the day with a visit to the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, housed in a 19th-century mansion and showcasing the history of the region's industry and arts
  • Stroll around the Parc-Musée de la Mine, an open-air museum located in an old coal mine
  • Check out the lively local art scene at L'Arroseur Arrosé, a contemporary art gallery showcasing emerging artists
  • Head to the La Comédie de Saint-Étienne theatre for a show, known for its innovative productions
  • End the day with a chic and stylish dinner at the restaurant Les Gens Heureux, known for its trendy decor and inventive cuisine
Day 5

Relaxation and Chill

  • Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel
  • Spend the day at the nearby Spa Mineral et Jungle, a luxurious spa known for its natural mineral waters and serene environment
  • Take a break for lunch at the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Novateur, for some exquisite cuisine
  • Enjoy an afternoon of wandering around the ancient streets of Saint-Étienne, taking in the architecture and local scene
  • End the trip with a romantic farewell dinner at the refined and elegant restaurant Le Brin de Sel, known for its intimate atmosphere and French delicacies.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.

Destination

Saint-Étienne

Welcome to a city where the baguette is as sacred as the Mona Lisa and the wine flows like the River Loire. Saint-Étienne is the perfect destination for those who want to experience French culture without breaking the bank (or their diets).

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

4 Days of Fun in Saint-Étienne, France

Saint-Étienne, France is an ideal destination for travelers who want to explore the rich industrial heritage of this charming city. Visitors can take a stroll through the quaint old town, visit the famous Cité du Design and explore the iconic architecture of the city. With plenty of museums, galleries and cultural events on offer, Saint-Étienne has something to offer to every tourist's taste.

Saint-Étienne on a Budget: Adventures & Eats

Saint-Étienne, located in the central-eastern region of France, is a great destination for budget travelers looking to escape the tourist crowds. There are plenty of affordable accommodation options in the city and visitors can explore its rich cultural heritage by visiting the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and the Saint-Étienne Cathedral. Outdoor enthusiasts can also explore the nearby Pilat Regional Nature Park and enjoy hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting.

Saint-Étienne: From Design to Natural Delights in 2 Days

Saint-Étienne, located in the Rhône-Alpes region of France, offers a wonderful family-friendly trip with a mix of culture, nature, and entertainment. Explore the city's vibrant history by visiting its museums, such as the Museum of Art and Industry, or take a walk through the beautiful parks and gardens. Enjoy family-friendly activities like trampoline parks, escape rooms, and even a visit to the nearby Pilat Regional Natural Park for outdoor adventures.

Saint-Étienne: A Day of French Culture & Charm

Saint-Étienne offers a blend of modern and traditional French culture. Visitors can explore the unique architecture of the Cité du Design, wander through the lush landscapes of Parc Naturel Régional du Pilat, and sample delicious local cuisine at one of the many restaurants and cafes. With its laid-back atmosphere and artistic charm, Saint-Étienne is a destination worth exploring for any tourist.