Budget-Friendly Fun: A Day Trip to Saint-Étienne

Discover the charm of Saint-Étienne without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Saint-Étienne is an affordable French city that offers plenty of unique cultural experiences for travelers on a budget. Visit the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, explore the historic architecture of the city, and indulge in delicious local cuisine without breaking the bank. Don't forget to take a stroll in the beautiful parks and gardens around the city.

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Day trip plan

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Day

Exploring Saint-Étienne on a Budget

  • Start your day with a cup of coffee at Café République, a cozy café with a vintage vibe.
  • Head to the Musée de la Mine to learn about the city's industrial past. Admission is free on the first Sunday of the month.
  • Take a stroll in the Jardin des Plantes, a beautiful botanical garden with over 6,000 species of plants.
  • Grab a budget-friendly lunch at Le Boutic' Resto, a local restaurant serving homemade dishes with fresh ingredients.
  • Visit the Cité du Design, a creative hub with exhibitions and workshops exploring design and innovation.
  • End your day with a drink at Le Barathym, a quirky bar with a retro decor and a friendly atmosphere.
  • Saint-Étienne may not be as well-known as some of France's bigger cities, but it has a lot to offer for those who are willing to explore. With its industrial heritage, creative scene, and beautiful parks, it's a great destination for a day trip. Plus, with a few budget-friendly options, you can enjoy the city without breaking the bank. Bon voyage!

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

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Type of trip

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More travel plans

A Romantic Long Weekend in Saint-Étienne, France

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A Fabulous 2-Day Trip to Saint-Étienne, France

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A Romantic Weekend in Saint-Étienne, France

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

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