With a population of 180,000, Saint-Etienne is the second largest city in the Rhône-Alpes region after Lyon. Already renowned in the Middle Ages for its cutlery industry, the town also became famous in the 18th century for the manufacture of ribbons. The Royal Weapons Factory was established there in 1764, and the first major ribbon industries after 1772. The exploitation of coal during the industrial revolution allowed a rapid economic development around two large companies: the Manufacture d'armes (1862) and the Manufrance company (1885). In the 1970s, the town experienced a major economic and demographic decline due to the mining crisis. A quick visit to the town will focus on the Vieille-Ville and Saint-Jacques-Chavanelles districts, both of which are adjacent to and at the heart of the city of Saint-Etienne. To see in the Vieille-Ville district : the Place du Peuple and the Droguerie tower (16th); the François I house (16th) and the Grand-Eglise (15th), Place Boivin; the Jullien-Chomat de Villeneuve mansion (17th), rue Gambetta (occupied by the Musée du Vieux Saint-Etienne); the Sainte-Marie church (19th), rue Elise-Gervais; the Place Jean-Jaurès and the Saint-Charles cathedral (20th). To see in the Saint-Jacques-Chavanelles district (the former armourers' district): the Place Neuve; the rue Denis-Escoffier, with its group of 17th century houses; the Maison Feugerolles, with a very beautiful 18th century staircase and loggia. Football fans can go to the Carnot-Le Marais district to visit the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium, the mythical place where "les Verts" and Dominique Rocheteau thrilled the crowds almost 40 years ago, and to visit the Musée des Verts, inaugurated in December 2013.

What to visit Saint-Etienne?

When to go to Saint-Etienne?

When to go to Saint-Etienne? A student, commercial, cultural and dynamic city, Saint-Étienne can be visited all year round. Prefer spring and autumn, as summer can be very hot and winter very cold. In addition, there are many tourists in the summer and prices tend to go up in both accommodation and restaurants. However, the end of year celebrations offer magnificent decorations and magical animations. All year round, cultural events are offered to you: Jazzeries d'hiver in January, Arts burlesques in February, Paroles et musiques, Fête du livre in October and Sainte-Barbe in December. As for the International Design Biennial of Saint-Etienne, it takes place in odd years, during a month in April/May.

Weather at the moment

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Weather all year round

At the foot of the Pilat massif, on the ubac, and spread out from 530 m to 700 m of altitude, Saint-Etienne has a semi-continental climate with a mountain influence. In winter, snowfalls can be abundant. The Mediterranean influence is reflected in occasional Cevenol-type episodes and sunshine that is often higher than the national average. The average temperature varies between day and night from 2/8 °C in January/February to 15/26 °C in July/August.

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Pictures and images Saint-Etienne

L'avenue de la Libération Michel DIEUDONNE
Place Dorian Michel DIEUDONNE
La cathédrale Saint-Charles sur la place Jean-Jaurès HERRENECK - FOTOLIA

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When to travel?

When to go to Saint-Etienne? A student, commercial, cultural and dynamic city, Saint-Étienne can be visited all year...
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Weather forecast

At the foot of the Pilat massif, on the ubac, and spread out from 530 m to 700 m of altitude, Saint-Etienne has a sem...
Read more about it

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