Saint-Étienne on a Budget: Adventures & Eats

Discover the hidden gems of Saint-Étienne without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

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.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Saint-Étienne's Culture

  • Hotel:
  • Stay at Hotel Terminus du Forez for a comfortable and budget-friendly stay.
  • Activities:
  • Start the day at the Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain for a dose of modern art.
  • Walk to the Place Jean Jaurès and admire the beautiful fountain and impressive buildings.
  • Visit the Saint-Étienne Cathedral, a stunning Gothic-style church with intricate details and rich history.
  • Stroll through the Parc de l'Europe for a relaxing break and enjoy the greenery and sculptures.
  • End the day at the Cité du Design to feast your eyes on innovative designs and exhibitions.
  • Eats:
  • Have a traditional meal at Chez Grand-Mère for authentic French cuisine.
  • Treat yourself to some delicious pastries at Pâtisserie Cyrille Lorho.
Day 2

Outdoor Adventures and Local Foods

  • Activities:
  • Hike up to the Pilat Regional Nature Park for some breathtaking views of the city.
  • Visit the Mine Museum to learn about Saint-Étienne's mining history and see the impressive machinery.
  • Take a walk across the Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle Bridge and marvel at its unique design.
  • Wander through the Marché Saint-Charles for a taste of local produce and specialty foods.
  • End the day with a trip to the Cité du Chocolat to indulge in some delectable chocolate treats.
  • Eats:
  • Enjoy some pizza and wine at Le Petit Carré for a cozy atmosphere and delicious food.
  • Satisfy your sweet tooth with some macarons from La Maison Sève.
  • Saint-Étienne offers a diverse range of activities and culinary delights, perfect for a memorable budget-friendly getaway.

Length of stay

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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

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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Budget Fun in Saint-Étienne: A 4-Day Adventure!

A trip to Saint-Étienne, France on a limited budget would involve exploring the city's rich industrial history, enjoying local cuisine at affordable restaurants, and visiting free attractions such as the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Accommodation options include budget hotels and hostels, while transportation can be easily accessed through the city's tram and bus network.