A Romantic Long Weekend in Saint-Étienne, France
Indulge in love and romance amid the quaint charm and captivating beauty of Saint-Étienne, France.
22 April 2023
Raymonde Gagnon
France Travel Writer
Saint-Étienne is a charming city nestled in the heart of France, offering couples the perfect romantic getaway. With its medieval architecture, quaint cafes, and stunning scenery, visitors can lose themselves in the city's charm. Saint-Étienne also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous galleries and museums to explore, making it an idyllic destination for any couple seeking a romantic escape.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check in to the cozy and charming Hotel Astoria
- Start the day with coffee and pastries at Le Gaulois
- Walk around the city center and admire the stunning architecture of the Cathedral and City Hall
- Visit the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art to see works by French artists
- Have a romantic dinner at Le Jardin Intérieur, a restaurant in a courtyard garden
- Drive to the nearby Pilat Regional Nature Park for stunning views of the region
- Take a hike to the top of Mont Pilat for panoramic views of the countryside
- Stop by the charming village of Malleval on the way back for a taste of local wine
- Relax back at the hotel before a night out at the hip and trendy Periscope bar
- End the night with some French jazz at Le Fil
- Get cultural at the Cité du Design center, with exhibits on contemporary art and design
- Visit the Saint-Étienne Mine Museum for a glimpse into the city's industrial past
- Stop by the Saint-Paul neighborhood, known for its colorful murals and street art
- Have lunch at La Belle Meunière, a traditional French bistro
- End the trip with a romantic stroll through the botanical gardens of the Parc de l'Europe.
Length of stay
Type of trip
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.
