Saint-Étienne: From Design to Natural Delights in 2 Days
Adventures abound in family-friendly Saint-Étienne, where joyous memories unfold!
19 July 2023
Raymonde Gagnon
France Travel Writer
Saint-Étienne, located in the Rhône-Alpes region of France, offers a wonderful family-friendly trip with a mix of culture, nature, and entertainment. Explore the city's vibrant history by visiting its museums, such as the Museum of Art and Industry, or take a walk through the beautiful parks and gardens. Enjoy family-friendly activities like trampoline parks, escape rooms, and even a visit to the nearby Pilat Regional Natural Park for outdoor adventures.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the charming Café Jules, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee will perk up your senses.
- Step into the magical world of design at the Cité du Design, featuring innovative exhibitions and interactive installations that will leave you feeling inspired.
- Pay homage to the industrial heritage of the city at the Musée de la Mine, where you can descend into the depths of a coal mine and experience the life of a miner.
- Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the bustling streets of Rue des Martyrs de Vingré, lined with quaint boutiques and cafés offering tempting treats and unique souvenirs.
- Indulge your taste buds with a delicious dinner at Le Fil Fringué, a restaurant known for its delectable local cuisine and lively retro decor.
- End your day with a charming evening walk in the tranquil Parc du Puits Couriot, illuminated by twinkling lights that create a magical atmosphere.
- Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Café des Arts, a cozy little spot filled with paintings and sculptures that will ignite your creativity.
- Immerse yourself in nature at the Jardin des Plantes, a peaceful oasis boasting vibrant flowerbeds, ponds inhabited by graceful ducks, and hidden nooks perfect for relaxation.
- Discover the works of local artists at the Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain, where masterpieces ranging from surreal to minimalist will captivate your imagination.
- Treat yourself to a lunch break at Brasserie Le 1917, a charming restaurant serving traditional French delicacies and local specialties with a modern twist.
- Explore the bustling marketplace at La Halle de Saint-Étienne, where you can browse through stalls overflowing with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and local delights.
- Enjoy a delightful family dinner at Le 1909, a restaurant housed in a century-old former factory, where kids can marvel at the vintage machinery while their taste buds are treated to delicious French cuisine.
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.
