The 10 things to do in Saint-Etienne

Are you visiting Saint-Étienne? So discover our selection of the 10 essential things to do in Saint-Etienne!

Visiting Saint-Etienne is discovering an eclectic and surprising city that has made a real transformation since the years. She does not forget her historical and industrial past. Known in France to be the city “of weapon, cycle and ribbon”, of coal and industrial exploitation, Saint-Étienne is now one of the cities of Design in France. Located in the Furan valley, a few steps from the Pilat massif, it is just 50 kilometers from Lyon His great rival.

Now classified as Unesco’s heritage, she was able to redorate her coat of arms and become a charming destination in France. So you're wondering what to do in Saint Stephen during your stay? Here is our answer with these 10 essential things to visit to discover the many treasures of Saint-Etienne!

1. Historic Centre

To visit Saint-Étienne, nothing better than to get lost in its picturesque and historical streets. Many witnesses of the past enamel his centre: the City Hall, the Tour de la Droguerie, the Labour Exchange, the Prefecture or the brothels. You'll also be able to find out a lot of traboules. These passages connecting the alleys are not only reserved in Lyon!

In the evening, take a tour in the Saint-Jacques district , one of the oldest in Saint Stephen. It is worth a visit to its beautiful 13th century houses, but also for its festive atmosphere. You are particularly recommended at Café Saint-Jacques, located rue des Martyrs de Vingré. This is the ideal place to enjoy a glass of wine and meet with Stephanese.

2. The City of Design

We can't visit Saint-Étienne without discovering his Cité du Design. After all, she made the current radiance of the city. The latter is classified by Unesco and considered the first “Creative Design City” in France. Alone Berlin the European detrone!

Take a tour as soon as possible to the famous Cité du Design. Inaugurated in 2009 on the former site of the Manufacture d’armes de Saint-Étienne, it is located in the heart of the creative district Manufacture-Plaine-Achille. It houses beautiful collections as well as thematic events on design.

After your visit, do not miss climbing the Tour de l’Observatoire, all of metal. High of 31 meters, it offers a superb panoramic view of the city.

3. The works of art

Obviously, the city has not become a “Creative Design City” only by its City. Everywhere in the streets of Saint-Etienne, we can discover works of art disseminated.

Are you visiting Saint-Étienne? Arm good shoes and a camera, then go hunting for works of art! In this way you can admire the multicolored tree of Philippe Million, the enigmatic urban terminals of François Bauchet, the blue horses carved by Assan Smati or the amazing fountain-flag pirate of the square of the Hotel de Ville.

Some buildings or rehabilitated factories will also treat architectural lovers. You can also admire and photograph the superb "test benches": design benches scattered throughout Saint-Étienne!

4. Le Puits Couriot

Soon the design wonders of the city discovered, we recommend you to take a tour at Puits Couriot (the Mine Museum). Saint-Étienne has long been a mining town. After all this Puits Couriot closed only in 1973!

The visit immerses you in this world of the mine. You will go down to a reconstituted gallery like a former minor. Everything is done to immerse you completely: lift, small train and helmet port!

5. Modern and Contemporary Art Museum (MAMC)

Culture is certainly one of the city's master words! If you come to visit Saint-Étienne, don’t miss discovering its Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. The latter houses more than 20,000 works all more incredible than others! He thus holds one of the most important collections in France of works of art from the 19th to the 21st century. Here you will admire a rich panorama of the international artistic creation of the twentieth century with paintings, sculptures, photographs and design objects.

This museum is one of the must-sees in Saint-Étienne and the region!

6. The Musée des Verts and the « Chaudron »

Football and the Greens represent in Saint-Étienne more than just a sport. This club and its history represent an important part of the city’s culture and soul.

So even if you don’t like football, you should visit the Musée des Verts and the city’s iconic stadium: the “ Chaudron”! Built in 1930, the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard is known for its exceptional, muddy and effervescent atmosphere, thanks to its dedicated supporters.

If you can't attend a game and vibrate with the Greens, do at least one tour in his museum. It is after all the first museum dedicated to a football club in France!

7. The Planetarium of Saint-Étienne

You don't know what to do in Saint Stephen with your family and are looking for a playful activity? So we especially recommend the planetarium of Saint-Étienne!

As in cinema, this museum makes you experience an extraordinary adventure by staying comfortably installed in your seat. You will enjoy a space trip with a half-sphere screen of more than 200 square meters! The animations can even be viewed in 3D. If you come to visit Saint-Étienne with your children, make a tour!

8. The Art and Industry Museum

To discover more the history of the city, you should also visit the Art and Industry Museum. The latter invites us to look at the everyday art and design industries.

Renovated by Jean-Michel Wilmotte, the building houses three national and international technical collections: weapons, cycles and ribbons. They make visitors see a variety of the history of these products. As a reminder, the first French bicycle was made in Saint-Étienne in 1886. It is the founding act of an industry that will know an international reputation!

9. Alternative and festive places

The Stéphanois·es are welcoming and the city is also full of alternative festive places.

It should be noted that all former metallurgy and coal buildings have been redesigned into alternative locations, exhibition rooms or shared spaces. In these places you can discover artists, take a coffee or a beer, meet locals and make friends of a weekend! At nightfall, many of these places can host musical events, concerts, festivals and evenings of all kinds.

And to party all year round, meet Rue des Martyrs de Vingré or Place Jean Jaures!

10. The Gorges de la Loire

Do you have enough to visit Saint-Étienne? So take a ride to the Gorges de la Loire! Just twenty minutes from Saint-Étienne, you can enjoy beautiful landscapes, greenery and even a small beach to sunbathe. You will find it on the side of Saint-Victor-sur-Loire, where a small port has also been arranged.

Nature lovers can also enjoy many hikes in the area. For example, you should climb to the Plateau de la Danse. You will enjoy an incredible view of the surroundings of the Loire!

On the left bank of the river, on the other side of this hilly and wild landscape that cuts the Loire, you can also visit the castle of Essalois. Dating from the Middle Ages, the latter proudly dominates the island and the Grangent dam. It also offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Forez Mountains!

How to get to Saint-Étienne?

Bus

Located near the homonymous SNCF station, Saint-Étienne Châteaucreux bus station hosts several bus companies like FlixBus, Eurolines or OUIBUS. They offer routes from and to many French cities. Ticket prices will also vary depending on your departure city.

Train

The main railway station of Saint-Etienne is La Gare de Saint-Étienne-Châteaucreux . It is served by many trains (TGV, TER, Intercity). It has a direct connection with Paris-Gare-de-Lyon via a stop in Lyon-Part-Dieu. The station is also a hub of connections between TER Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes lines. From most French cities, you will have to plan a passage through a Lyon station. The prices will vary according to your starting city.

Aircraft

Andrézieux-Bouthéon’s airport is now home to private flights. However, you can land at Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport and then reach Saint-Étienne by bus. The company OUIBUS offers daily and regular trips between the fourth airport of France and the Stéphanoise city.

For flights to Lyon Saint-Exupéry, know if the prices vary depending on the place of departure, you are advised to take them in advance. You can use a flight comparison like Skyscanner to find tickets at the best price.

Where to stay in Saint-Étienne?

If you plan to visit Saint-Étienne, you will necessarily ask in which area to stay there. Several choices are available to you: Historic Centre, Villeboeuf and Fauriel, or Crêt-de-Roc .

In terms of accommodation, the most classic will surely opt for a hotel room. Do not hesitate to use a Compare hotels to find the one that suits you best. For more atypical or personal accommodation, you can also choose to stay in an apartment Airbnb . On this platform, we find both classical studio and modern duplex. Everyone will find his account!

So, what do you expect to visit Saint-Etienne?