Is Saint-Etienne worth visiting?
Yes, Saint-Etienne offers many reasons for a visit. It's a city everyone should explore, and our experience here was wonderful. We didn't want to leave.
Whether you're a traveling as a family or on a weekend getaway, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the great museums and attractions and amazing nightlife.
Saint-Étienne is often overlooked on the tourist circuit, but it does have several nice museums and nice countryside nearby. The city has a long running industrial past, but there are also many parks in town.
4 Reasons to Visit Saint-Etienne
1. Museums and Attractions
There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.
2. Nightlife
The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.
3. Hiking
You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.
4. Authenticity
Saint-Etienne has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Saint-Etienne worth visiting in the Summer?
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 22°C (71°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 28°C (82°F).
The peak season for travel is summer in Saint-Etienne, so expect to see more tourists than usual. Even though this destination is not very touristy, in the high season it's busier than usual because this is when most visitors come here.
This is a great time of year to take a hike, browse the museums, and take advantage of the local nightlife.
Summer Weather in Saint-Etienne
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| August | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| September | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Is Saint-Etienne worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Saint-Etienne. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 14°C (56°F).
You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to take in the beautiful scenery, spend time at the museums, and go hiking.
Autumn Weather in Saint-Etienne
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| November | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| December | 4°C (40°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
Is Saint-Etienne worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Saint-Etienne. This destination is not very touristy, so in the low season it can become fairly quiet.
The weather in Saint-Etienne can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 4°C (39°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks and the nightlife.
Winter Weather in Saint-Etienne
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
| February | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| March | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
Is Saint-Etienne worth visiting in the Spring?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 11°C (53°F).
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Saint-Etienne, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, take in the beautiful scenery, and dance the night away.
Spring Weather in Saint-Etienne
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| June | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Saint-Etienne
Food: Saint-Etienne doesn't top the list for most foodies. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.
Shopping: Saint-Etienne isn't exactly a shopper's destination. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Saint-Etienne might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Saint-Etienne here or see if Saint-Etienne is expensive here.
Related
What is Saint-Etienne most famous for?
Saint-Etienne is most famous for its industrial and manufacturing past. People visit this impressive city for its great museums and attractions, nightlife, and hiking. It is often described as undiscovered, authentic, historic, park-filled, and industrial.
What is the most famous sight in Saint-Etienne?
The most popular sight in Saint-Etienne is The Museum of Art and Industry. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Saint-Etienne on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Museum of Art and Industry and other attractions here.
How touristy is Saint-Etienne? Is it a popular city to visit?
Saint-Etienne is an off-the-beaten-path city that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
How long should I spend in Saint-Etienne?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Saint-Etienne is one to two days. Since Saint-Etienne has activities such as nightlife, hiking, and museums and attractions, most people visit for up to two days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Saint-Etienne? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Saint-Etienne?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.