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 4.3
    10 photos

    Hotel Astoria Saint-Etienne

    4.3 (122)

    62 Rue Henri Dechaud, 42100 Saint-Étienne, France

    Lodging,Restaurant

    Down-to-earth rooms, some with balconies, in an unfussy hotel offering a terrace & a garden.

    hotel-astoria.fr

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    , a charming boutique hotel in the heart of the city
  • Walk around the charming neighborhood of Saint-Jean-Bonnefonds
    10 photos

    Saint-Jean-Bonnefonds

    42650 Saint-Jean-Bonnefonds, France

    Locality,Political

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    and visit the Fontanès Tower
    2 photos

    Fontanès

    42140 Fontanès, France

    Locality,Political

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    , a striking 13th-century tower
  • Discover the history of the region at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art 4.2
    10 photos

    Musée d'art moderne et contemporain

    4.2 (1058)

    Rue Fernand Léger, 42270 Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France

    Museum,Point of interest

    Museum of modern art focused on 20th-century & contemporary era, with permanent & temporary shows.

    mamc.saint-etienne.fr

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    , 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 4.6
    10 photos

    Restaurant Côté Parc

    4.6 (331) • $$

    7 Pl. Villebœuf, 42100 Saint-Étienne, France

    Restaurant,Food

    restaurant-saint-etienne.fr

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    , known for its mouth-watering meat dishes
Day 2

Gastronomic Delights

  • Start the day off with a French breakfast at La Panetière 4.1
    10 photos

    La Potinière

    4.1 (138) • $$

    13 Pl. Jean Jaurès, 42000 Saint-Étienne, France

    Cafe,Bakery

    patisserie-la-potiniere.fr

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    , a cozy bakery with an antique ambiance
  • Take a tour of the famous Brasserie Stéphanoise 4.9
    10 photos

    La Brasserie Stéphanoise

    4.9 (205)

    15 Rue Buffon, 42100 Saint-Étienne, France

    Bar,Restaurant

    labrasseriestephanoise.com

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    , which has been producing beer since 1880
  • Indulge in a decadent lunch at the Michelin-starred restaurant La Table de Suzanne 4.8
    10 photos

    A La Table des Lys

    4.8 (1054) • $$$

    58 Rue Saint-Simon, 42000 Saint-Étienne, France

    Restaurant,Food

    latabledeslys.fr

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    , known for its innovative cuisine
  • Visit the Cité du Design 4.1
    10 photos

    City of design

    4.1 (398)

    3 Rue Javelin Pagnon, 42000 Saint-Étienne, France

    Store,Point of interest

    citedudesign.com

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    , 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 3.2
    6 photos

    La Brasserie des Copains

    3.2 (29)

    3 Pl. Jean Jaurès, 42000 Saint-Étienne, France

    Restaurant,Food

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    , set in a restored farmhouse and specializing in fresh, local ingredients
Day 3

Outdoor Adventure

  • Head to the Parc Naturel Régional du Pilat 4.6
    10 photos

    Pilat Natural Regional Park

    4.6 (9167)

    Col de l'Œillon, 42410 Pélussin, France

    Park,Point of interest

    Vast, mountainous countryside for many activities, including hiking, biking & cross-country skiing.

    pilat-tourisme.fr

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    for a day of hiking and stunning natural scenery
  • Stop by the charming village of Pélussin
    10 photos

    Pélussin

    42410 Pélussin, France

    Locality,Political

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    for a coffee break and a chance to see the ruins of a medieval castle
  • Visit the Chateau de Grangent 4.5
    10 photos

    Château de Grangent

    4.5 (39)

    42170, Saint-Just-Saint-Rambert, France

    Point of interest,Establishment

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    , 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 4.4
    10 photos

    Barrage de grangent

    4.4 (605)

    EDF Usine de, Barrage de Grangent, 42170 Chambles, France

    Tourist attraction,Point of interest

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  • 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 4.4
    10 photos

    Musée d'Art et d'Industrie

    4.4 (753)

    2 Pl. Louis Comte, 42000 Saint-Étienne, France

    Museum,Point of interest

    Collections of weapons, textiles & bicycles tracing local design history in a stately, 1861 mansion.

    mai.saint-etienne.fr

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    , 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 4.5
    10 photos

    Couriot - Musée de la Mine

    4.5 (2170)

    3 Boul. Maréchal Franchet d'Esperey, 42000 Saint-Étienne, France

    Museum,Point of interest

    Living museum, built around a historic mine shaft, featuring an 8-acre park & picnic areas.

    musee-mine.saint-etienne.fr

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    , 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 4.6
    10 photos

    La Comédie de Saint-Étienne

    4.6 (114)

    Pl. Jean Dasté, 42000 Saint-Étienne, France

    University,Point of interest

    lacomedie.fr

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    theatre for a show, known for its innovative productions
  • End the day with a chic and stylish dinner at the restaurant Les Gens Heureux 4.7
    10 photos

    Les Gens Heureux - Restaurant Café Boutique et Epicerie fine

    4.7 (149)

    15 Rue du Tacot, 42370 Renaison, France

    Restaurant,Liquor store

    gens-heureux.com

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    , 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 5
    10 photos

    Immersion zen Massages bien-être

    5 (75)

    115 Cr Fauriel, 42100 Saint-Étienne, France

    Spa,Point of interest

    immersionzen.fr

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    , 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

The Ultimate 3-Day Family Adventure in Saint-Étienne

Saint-Étienne, France offers a delightful family-friendly trip, with an abundance of fun-filled activities for all ages. Explore Le Corbusier's architectural masterpiece, the modernist Saint-Pierre Church, or indulge in a day of thrilling adventure at the Accrobranche Park. Spend quality time with your loved ones while discovering the city's rich industrial history at the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, making Saint-Étienne an ideal destination for a memorable family getaway.

A Romantic Long Weekend in Saint-Étienne, France

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.

Saint-Étienne, France: Your 5-Day Local Adventure

Saint-Étienne on a budget can be an affordable French adventure. Cheap accommodation can be found at the Hostellerie du Forez, the city’s great museums and galleries offer free entry, and budget-friendly eateries serve hearty regional dishes. Explore the city’s industrial history with a trip to the Cité du Design and enjoy the breathtaking views atop the Mont Pilat.

Saint-Étienne: A 4-Day Adventure for the Whole Family

Saint-Étienne, located in the stunning Rhône-Alpes region of France, is an ideal destination for a family-friendly trip. Offering a perfect blend of cultural attractions and outdoor activities, the city has something to suit everyone's taste. From exploring the captivating Musée d'Art Moderne to hiking in the nearby Pilat Regional Natural Park, Saint-Étienne promises an enjoyable and unforgettable experience for the entire family.