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

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

21 June 2023

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.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Get Your Bearings

  • Check in at Mama Shelter Saint-Étienne, a fun and funky hotel with great value rooms.
  • Grab a croissant and coffee at Boulangerie La Parisienne for breakfast.
  • Walk around the city center and take in the architecture, and don't miss the iconic Cité du Design.
  • Lunch at La Table de Suzanne, a cozy restaurant with classic French cuisine.
  • Visit the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, which houses impressive works by French artists.
Day 2

Explore the Outdoors

  • Take a morning hike up Mont Pilat for panoramic views of the city.
  • Stop by the Musée de la Mine to learn about Saint-Étienne's mining industry history.
  • Enjoy lunch from Le Balthaz'Art, a street food style restaurant with fantastic burgers.
  • Walk around the Jardin des Plantes, a picturesque park with fragrant flowers and peaceful ponds.
  • Dinner at La Taverne du Gobelin Farci, a medieval tavern-style eatery with hearty meals.
Day 3

Discover Local Culture

  • Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Église Saint-Joseph.
  • Experience a traditional French market at the Place Chavanelle, with fresh produce and baked goods.
  • Get inspired at the Musée de la Mine, which displays historical tools, equipment and stories of miners.
  • Grab lunch at Le Réfectoire, a trendy cafe with sandwiches and salads.
  • Attend a concert or show at the Opera Theatre, a stunning venue with rich cultural history.
Day 4

Savor the Local Cuisine

  • Take a morning stroll on the Saint-Étienne City Walk, which passes by historical landmarks and local shops.
  • Indulge in a traditional French meal at La Grignotière, a cozy bistro with rustic decor.
  • Visit the quirky Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, featuring a collection of artworks and objects with industrial significance.
  • Sample some local wines at the Cave de Tain l'Hermitage, a wine cellar with a wide selection of regional wines.
  • End the day on a sweet note with some macarons or chocolates from Ménard, a famous local patisserie.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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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

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.

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.

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.

3 Days of Fun in Saint-Étienne, France

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.