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

Getting latest place information

Day 1

Arrival and Exploration

Check into Hotel Astoria, a charming boutique hotel in the heart of the city
Walk around the charming neighborhood of Saint-Jean-Bonnefonds and visit the Fontanès Tower, a striking 13th-century tower
Discover the history of the region at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, 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, known for its mouth-watering meat dishes

Day 2

Gastronomic Delights

Start the day off with a French breakfast at La Panetière, a cozy bakery with an antique ambiance
Take a tour of the famous Brasserie Stéphanoise, which has been producing beer since 1880
Indulge in a decadent lunch at the Michelin-starred restaurant La Table de Suzanne, known for its innovative cuisine
Visit the Cité du Design, 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, set in a restored farmhouse and specializing in fresh, local ingredients

Day 3

Outdoor Adventure

Head to the Parc Naturel Régional du Pilat for a day of hiking and stunning natural scenery
Stop by the charming village of Pélussin for a coffee break and a chance to see the ruins of a medieval castle
Visit the Chateau de Grangent, 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
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, 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, 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 theatre for a show, known for its innovative productions
End the day with a chic and stylish dinner at the restaurant Les Gens Heureux, 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, 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.