5 Days of Fun in Saint-Étienne, France

Discover the industrial charm of Saint-Étienne, France.

22 April 2023

Saint-Étienne is a beautiful city located in the Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. It is famous for its industrial heritage, rich architecture, and beautiful natural scenery. A trip to Saint-Étienne as a tourist can include visiting historical landmarks, exploring the city's vibrant art scene, and trying out delicious French cuisine in local restaurants.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Settling in and Exploring

  • Check into the charming Hotel Furania, located in the heart of the city
  • Walk around the lively pedestrian streets and soak in the city’s artistic vibe
  • Visit the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art for a glimpse into France’s contemporary art scene
  • Take a stroll up to the hillside church of Sainte-Croix for stunning panoramic views
  • Have dinner at Les Frères Barbet, a local eatery specializing in traditional French cuisine
Day 2

History and Culture

  • Grab breakfast at the quirky and colorful Café J’En Suis, J’Y Reste
  • Visit the Cité du Design, a former arms factory turned cultural hub
  • Take a guided tour of the Saint-Étienne Historical Museum to learn about the city's industrial past
  • Check out the iconic Le Corbusier-designed housing development, Cité du Soleil
  • Sample some regional wines and cheeses at La Cave des Voyageurs
Day 3

Nature and Relaxation

  • Head out to the scenic Pilat Regional Nature Park for some hiking and nature appreciation
  • Visit the small village of Saint-Bonnet-le-Château and wander through its old streets and castle ruins
  • Enjoy a picnic in the lush Parc de l'Europe, surrounded by tranquil gardens and lakes
  • Treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa session at the elegant Hotel Le H, followed by dinner at their Michelin-starred Le Carré d'Aléthius restaurant
Day 4

Fashion and Shopping

  • Start the day with coffee and croissants at the chic and stylish Gaspard G, located in the heart of Saint-Étienne’s fashion district
  • Walk around Rue de la République for some upscale shopping at local boutiques and designer stores
  • Check out the Musée de la Mine, an underground mining museum that showcases the city’s industrial heritage
  • Take a break from all the shopping and walk along the lovely banks of the River Loire
  • Have dinner at the unique and quirky Le Boudoir, a retro-themed restaurant that serves up creative dishes with a twist
Day 5

Day Tripping

  • Rent a car or take a short train ride to the nearby city of Lyon, known for its gastronomy and culture
  • Visit the UNESCO-listed Old Town and stroll through the colorful traboules, hidden passageways between buildings
  • Check out the world-renowned Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon for an impressive art collection that spans centuries
  • Enjoy a lunch of traditional Lyonnais cuisine at the brasserie À la Marquise
  • Take a scenic boat ride on the River Saône before heading back to Saint-Étienne.

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.

More travel plans

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