Saint-Etienne may not be well known outside of France but to the French it is the home of the football team Les Verts (The Greens) who have their own museum in the town.
It’s a former coal mining town and as such Saint-Etienne has gone through a period of reinvention and is emerging as an artistic and trendy zone.
Saint-Etienne is around an hour from the city of Lyon by train but vastly different. Rather suburban with a modern vibe, it is in fact a UNESCO listed City of Design thanks to its contemporary style and the presence of much Le Corbusier designed architecture.
Best way to find your bearings: There’s a whizzy tram system in the town which is very hilly!
Wander: It’s a big town and there are lots of hills, I’d recommend you pop to the tourist office and pick up a map and details for what you want to see and then hop on the tram to get around. You can buy a one, two or three day city pass and that will cover you on public transport and entry to museums and attractions.
Eating and Drinking: Throughout the town you’ll find restaurants and cafés but if you head to Place Jean Jaurés and the rue des Martyrs de Vingré you’ll find a cluster of good places to eat in a pleasant location.
Stadium: Stade Geoffroy-Guichard is nicknamed the "Chaudron” (cauldron) thanks to the "smoke" that escapes during major match nights from the heat the supporters give off!
Fanzone: By the town’s train station Saint-Étienne-Châteaucreux.
Top Tip: If you want more touristic sites head to Lyon on the train, it’s a very easy journey. Or take a trip to the area of Saint-Victor-sur-Loire where you’ll discover picturesque countryside, a lovely lake where you can enjoy water sports or a dip from the man-made beach.