On vacation in the Alps or on a weekend in the Loire region, you would like to take the opportunity to visit Saint-Etienne in 1 day. So, here is my self-guided tour to visit Saint-Etienne with the Google Maps route to follow on foot using pedestrian GPS.
In fact, when you only have one day to visit Saint-Etienne, the ideal is to follow a planned route on foot which allows you to discover the most beautiful tourist sites in the city.
So now find out in detail how to visit Saint-Etienne in 1 day by following the steps of my itinerary on foot.
Why visit Saint-Etienne?
Located in the Rhône-Alpes region, Saint-Etienne is often overlooked in favor of more touristic destinations in France as Lyon ou Annecy. However, this small town really deserves to be discovered.
In fact, Saint-Etienne was once an important center of coal mining and steel production, the remains of which can still be seen today. Thus, visiting Saint-Etienne allows you to discover the fascinating museum of art and industry.
Additionally, Saint-Etienne is home to a vibrant contemporary art scene with numerous galleries and workshops showcasing the work of local and international artists.
Another reason to visit Saint-Etienne is the beauty of its natural environment. Indeed, the city is nestled in the heart of the Massif Central mountain range. While staying in Saint-Etienne, you can practice many outdoor activities. The nearby Pilat Regional Nature Park is a must for nature lovers.
Finally, Saint-Etienne has a rich cultural heritage and architectural sites that testify to its past. For example, Saint-Charles Borromée Cathedral is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. The old town with its narrow streets and charming squares is ideal for strolling and soaking up the atmosphere. And the castle of Rochetaillée close to the town also offers a glimpse of medieval life in the region.
How to visit Saint-Etienne in 1 day?
To visit Saint-Etienne in 1 day, you have the choice between:
- Follow a guided tour that you will book with the Tourist Office;
- Take a tourist bus who goes around the sites to visit;
- Take a tour of the city on a little train (https://www.facebook.com/lepetittraindesainte/);
- Or follow the route of my tourist circuit on foot (see below).
How to visit Saint-Etienne on foot?
The Saint Etienne Tourist Office offers an interactive map with all the sites to visit. However, there are 59! However, it is difficult or even impossible to visit these 59 tourist sites in a single day.
That's why I built myself a tourist circuit to do on foot to visit Saint-Etienne in 1 day. In fact, all the emblematic and unmissable sites of the city are located within a restricted perimeter. It is therefore very easy and quick to visit them on foot in 1 day.
What to visit in Saint-Etienne in 1 day?
Here are all the sites you can visit in Saint-Etienne in 1 day:
- Chateaucreux train station
- Place Jean Jaures
- Saint-Charles-Borromée Cathedral
- The Town Hall of Saint-Etienne
- People's Square
- Old Saint-Etienne district
- The City of Design
- The Mining Museum
- Jean-Marc Park
- The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Saint-Etienne
Saint-Etienne in 1 day – Morning itinerary
Here is the Google Maps map of the route you can follow on foot for the morning visits:
Saint-Etienne in 1 day – Afternoon itinerary
Here is the Google Maps map of the route you can follow on foot for the afternoon visits:
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Tourist circuit to visit Saint-Etienne in 1 day
Here is the program of my tourist circuit:
- Visit the historical heritage of Saint-Etienne in the morning
- Visit the museums and the modern city in the afternoon.
Saint-Etienne in 1 day – Morning program
My walking route starts from the station which is located in the center of the city. This starting stage facilitates access to all the tourist attractions and it is also a historical site to visit.
Châteaucreux station
Saint-Etienne station, known as Châteaucreux station, dates from 1857. It consists of a structure that mixes metal and red bricks characteristic of 19th century architecture.
Place Jean Jaurès
The first stop on my tour to visit Saint-Etienne in 1 day is Place Jean Jaurès. Formerly called Place Marengo, it is a beautiful and lively square located in the heart of the city. Admire the magnificent fountain and the pretty kiosk. You will find many cafes and bakeries where you can have a traditional French breakfast before continuing to visit Saint-Etienne on foot.
Facing Place Jean-Jaures, you can then visit the magnificent Cathedral of Saint-Etienne
Saint-Charles-Borromée Cathedral
The Saint-Charles-Borromée Cathedral is a must-see on your walking tour of Saint-Etienne. This majestic cathedral is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture and is definitely worth a visit. Explore the interior of the cathedral and admire the magnificent stained glass windows and sculptures that adorn this religious building.
The Town Hall of Saint-Etienne
350 meters from the Cathedral is another stop on my tour to visit Saint-Etienne in 1 day: The Town Hall. This historic building is the administrative center of the city and an important symbol of its rich heritage. The beautiful facade of the Town Hall features a mix of architectural styles, reflecting its long and diverse history.
It hosts year-round cultural events, exhibitions and conferences that attract both locals and tourists.
Then, you will have to take rue Alsace-Lorraine to reach the next stage of my tour in 5 minutes on foot to visit Saint-Etienne on foot:
People's Square
This square is of great historical and cultural importance for the city and its inhabitants. It serves as a gathering place for locals and tourists. Indeed, there is a vibrant and lively atmosphere with its many cafes, restaurants and shops.
The square is surrounded by amazing architecture as it ranges from medieval style to the most modern of the 80s.
Old Saint-Etienne district
From Place du Peuple, my itinerary takes you to discover the historic district of Vieux Saint-Étienne. This picturesque neighborhood is full of narrow cobbled streets, traditional stone houses and a charming atmosphere. Stroll through the alleys and discover the artisan shops, restaurants and quaint little cafes that bring this pretty neighborhood to life.
Visit Saint-Etienne in 1 day – Which restaurant?
If you want to take a little gourmet break, I recommend that you go to Café of Old Saint-Etienne which is located on rue du Théâtre. It is a historic establishment which has just reopened with traditional but also inventive cuisine.
Saint-Etienne in 1 day – Afternoon program
My tourist circuit to visit Saint-Etienne in 1 day takes you on a 20-minute walk to the Cité du Design.
Cité du Design
The Cité du Design is a unique place that celebrates contemporary architecture and design. Located in a former arms factory, this space houses exhibitions that showcase art, design and innovation.
Mine Museum
By following my itinerary, you can visit the Mining Museum. I advise you to take public transport for this trip: https://goo.gl/maps/fmtDX44ZyUSm4fRj9
This museum immerses you in the mining history of the region and allows you to discover the working conditions of miners at the time. Explore the underground galleries, hear the stories of former miners and learn about the importance of the mining industry in the development of the city.
The MAM (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art)
To complete my circuit to visit Saint-Etienne in 1 day, I recommend a visit to the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Indeed, this museum houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary works of art (more than 19 works), ranging from painting to sculpture and photography.
Which hotel to visit Saint-Etienne on foot?
Here is the hotel that I recommend for visiting Saint-Etinne on foot: Hotel Le National.
Indeed, it is located very close to the train station which is the starting point of my itinerary on foot. Quiet, this comfortable hotel is 200 meters from the exhibition centre. For those who want to go to a game at the Geoffroy Guichard stadium, this hotel is only a 15-minute walk from the Stade de Saint-Etienne!