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

Getting latest place information

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

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