Saint-Étienne Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Saint-Étienne, located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, is a city that seamlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Nestled in the heart of the Massif Central, this vibrant city offers visitors a unique experience that combines stunning landscapes, architectural wonders, and a rich industrial heritage.

One of the highlights of Saint-Étienne is its remarkable architecture. The city boasts a mix of modern and historical buildings, showcasing its rich heritage. The iconic Saint-Étienne Cathedral, with its intricate Gothic design, stands proudly in the city center, while the modernist Cité du Design is a testament to the city's commitment to innovation and creativity.

Art and culture also thrive in Saint-Étienne. The Musée de la Mine takes visitors on a journey through the city's industrial past, providing insights into the lives of the miners who once worked in the local coal mines. For contemporary art enthusiasts, the Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain showcases an impressive collection of modern and contemporary artworks.

Nature lovers will be captivated by the surrounding natural beauty. The Parc Naturel Régional du Pilat, located just a short drive from Saint-Étienne, offers breathtaking landscapes with rolling hills, dense forests, and picturesque villages. Hiking and biking trails allow visitors to explore the park's diverse flora and fauna while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Saint-Étienne is also known for its lively culinary scene. Visitors can indulge in traditional French cuisine at one of the city's charming bistros or explore the vibrant food markets, where local producers showcase their fresh and delicious products. From mouthwatering pastries to savory cheeses and regional wines, the city offers a true gastronomic delight.

In addition to its cultural and natural attractions, Saint-Étienne hosts various events throughout the year, including the Biennale Internationale Design Saint-Étienne, which celebrates the city's design heritage and innovation. The vibrant atmosphere during these events adds an extra layer of excitement to an already dynamic city.

Alternative names: Population: 176.3 thous. (2019)Area: 30.88 mi²Elevation: 1703 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 45°26'27"N, 4°23'13"E

Location

Auvergne-Rhône-AlpesFrance

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Saint-Étienne Top Attractions

Saint-Étienne Attractions - What to See and Explore

Saint-Étienne offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Saint-Étienne Mine Museum, Saint-Étienne Cathedral, Musée d'art moderne, Château de Rochetaillée. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Couriot - Tarentaize
Saint-Étienne Mine Museum
Nestled in the historical city of Saint-Étienne, France, the Saint-Étienne Mine Museum offers a unique glimpse into the industrial past that shaped the region. This museum is more than just a collection of artifacts; it's an immersive journey into the life and soul...
Church • Marengo
Saint-Étienne Cathedral
Saint-Étienne Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo, in Saint-Étienne, Loire, France. It has been the cathedral of the Diocese of Saint-Étienne since its creation on 26 December 1970.
Museum • Art museum
Musée d'art moderne
The Musée d'art moderne et contemporain, or MAMC, is an art museum in Saint-Étienne, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France. It was inaugurated as a separate museum in 1987. It has one of the largest collections of its type in France.

Forts and castles • Rochetaillée
Château de Rochetaillée
The Château de Rochetaillée is a ruined feudal castle in the city of Saint-Étienne in the Loire département of France. The castle's construction dates from the 12th century, with additional work in the 16th century. It has been listed since 1930 as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.
Museum • Specialty museum
Musée d'Art et d'Industrie
The Museum of Art and Industry of Saint-Etienne is a museum of society located in the town of Saint-Etienne, in the department of the Loire.
Area
La Ricamarie
La Ricamarie is a commune in the Loire department in central France.
Area
Saint-Priest-en-Jarez
Saint-Priest-en-Jarez is a commune in the Loire department in central France.
Area
Villars
Villars is a commune in the Loire department in central France. Villars is a former mining town.
Area
Saint-Genest-Lerpt
Saint-Genest-Lerpt is a commune in the Loire department in central France.
Area
Roche-la-Molière
Roche-la-Molière is a commune in the Loire department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in central France.
Area
Saint-Jean-Bonnefonds
Saint-Jean-Bonnefonds is a commune in the Loire department in central France.
Area
L'Étrat
L'Étrat is a commune in the Loire department in central France.
Church • Valbenoîte
Église Notre-Dame de Valbenoite
The church of Notre-Dame de Valbenoîte is a 13th century church located in the Valbenoîte district of Saint-Etienne.
Museum • Specialty museum
Musée du vieux Saint-Etienne
The Museum of Old Saint-Etienne is an old French museum located in the town of Saint-Etienne in the department of the Loire.
Historical place • Church • Sacred and religious sites
Église Saint-Laurent-Saint-Étienne
The Grand'Église or Saint-Etienne and Saint-Laurent Church is a Catholic religious building located in the center of Saint-Etienne, in the historic heart of the city.
45°26'59"N • 4°23'7"E
Médiathèque Cité du Design
Specialty museum • Museum • Art museum
Church • Chavanelle
Church of Our Lady
The Notre-Dame church in Saint-Etienne was built in the 18th century.
Universities and schools
Jean Monnet University
Jean Monnet University is a public research university based in Saint-Étienne, France. It is under the Academy of Lyon and belongs to the administrative entity denominated University of Lyon, which gathers different schools in Lyon and Saint-Étienne.
Universities and schools • Montchovet
Ingénieurs E.N.I.S.E
The École nationale d'ingénieurs de Saint-Étienne is a French grande école which offers five-year course in engineering after the baccalauréat, in the fields of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Sensory Engineering.

Day trips

Saint-Étienne – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Saint-Étienne, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Château d'Essalois (Chambles), Château d'Albon, Saint-Pierre (Firminy).

7 miW
Forts and castles, Historical place, View point
Château d'Essalois, Chambles
The Château d'Essalois is a restored castle in the commune of Chambles in the Loire département of France, overlooking a dammed portion of the river Loire, Lake Grangent.
27 milesSE
Forts and castles
Château d'Albon
Nestled in the scenic Rhône-Alpes region of France, the Château d'Albon is a historical gem that dates back to the medieval era. This majestic castle, perched on a hilltop, offers a glimpse into the past with its imposing structure and rich heritage.
6.3 miSW
Church
Saint-Pierre, Firminy
Saint-Pierre is a concrete building in the commune of Firminy, France. The last major work of Le Corbusier, it was started in 1973 and completed in 2006, forty-one years after his death.
19 milesN
45°42'46"N • 4°24'2"E
Par Médiéval de Salva Terra, Haute-Rivoire
Amusement, History museum, Museum
39 milesSE
Locality
Boffres
Boffres is a commune in the Ardèche department in southern France.

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Best Time To Visit Saint-Étienne

Learn when is the best time to travel to Saint-Étienne weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in May and July.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in January and February. Most of it rains in May, June, September and October.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Saint-Étienne?

The top attractions to visit in Saint-Étienne are:

What is the best time to visit Saint-Étienne?

June is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in May and July. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.