Experience Saint-etienne at NOVOTEL SAINT ETIENNE CENTRE GARE CHATEAUCREUX

Pretty much everyone likes chocolate. The Haut Chocolat® of Saint-Etienne can be enjoyed of course, but also visited. The Ateliers Weiss have been making these sweet delights since 1882 with passion, and today, they are ready to unveil their secrets. The Ateliers Weiss is a lively and accessible place, offering: 1- The Chocolate factory walkway tour (closed temporarily). Accompanied by a member of the Weiss team as your guide, come and unveil the secrets of the Chocolate factory. An enjoyable experience and new discoveries guaranteed! 2- Fun, gourmet activities All year round, the whole family can take part in various activities on the theme of chocolate and Weiss professions. 3- Design your own personalised chocolate bar In the on-site shop, you'll find a selection of exclusive products and you can create your own personalised chocolate bar with the master chocolate maker himself! 4- Hot chocolate bar Either indoors or out on the terrace, enjoy a delicious treat at any time of day: breakfast, lunch or afternoon snack. To make a booking and browse the schedule of activities: weiss.fr/ateliers-weiss/animations/

Guns, ribbons and bikes. Right away, you don't see the connection, and that's normal. Come and take a tour of the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, and you'll understand. Ribbons, ribbon weaving equipments, warping machines, plates, fuses, bombardes, dandy horses, grand bi, derailleurs: when you come to visit our original permanent and temporary exhibitions, which are interactive, you will enjoy finding out about the region’s history as well as the history of those who have lived through it. At the museum of art and industry you can find out about ribbon weavers, who were ingenious technicians and masters of a complex engineering process. When you come in, you are entering a place which has retained the magic of its 150 years with poetic and up-to-date museography. It represents an opportunity to share a pleasurable visit. Both young and old can come to play, learn, be amazed, look and reflect!

If you think mining is something to do with big data, it is time to have a day out at the Puits Couriot. Before it was here that miners went underground to dig coal. The site is now a listed Historical Monument and there's more fun to be had than in the old days. The museum tells the story of the Saint-Étienne's adventure with coal and even includes short trip down the pit. It's like being there for real, it shakes you up in every sense of the word. It gets off to a gentle start with a game of petanque and a local beer, then everyone goers into the park to get warmed up ready for a good bop. Just opposite, all this agitation does not stop the slag heaps from continuing to slowly consume themselves. These two hillocks made of mining waste are actually forbidden to the public, but you know the locals… Last entrance : 5.00pm Exhibition halls close at 5.45pm.

Interested in a Do-It-Yourself science experience? Head for Explora. No boring science lessons here, just experiments for budding scientists of all ages: observe, think of something to try, then try it! Don’t expect perfect results: it’s by making mistakes in the lab that you gain experience. Do it the way engineers do! And in fact it’s La Rotonde, the Cultural, Scientific, Technical and Industrial Centre at the École des Mines engineering school in Saint-Étienne that is behind this educational lab. Whether your aim is to launch a rocket, make a light card, programme a space root, design an electronic instrument, like Einstein, we use recovered materials and our creative intelligence.

So who's the best? Why, the greens of course! This is the refrain that every Saint-Étienne supporter worth their salt has in their head, and to relive the legendary club's epic history, what could be better than a trip to the club museum, the Musée des Verts, at the mythical "Cauldron" stadium. France's first museum dedicated to a football club - and what a club -, it tells the story of the club since it was created by Geoffroy Guichard, founder of the Casino supermarket chain, where the A.S. Saint-Étienne sports club originated, to its first successes in the 1950s to the famous run of Green success in the 1970s and through to the present day. We all have our own memories of Saint-Étienne and the museum is guaranteed to bring them to the surface: the famous square goal posts, the boots worn by Rachid Mekloufi at the French Cup final in 1968, the 2013 League Cup, the flag from the 100th derby (won by the Greens!). In short, whether you're a fan or just curious, come and relive the high points in the history of a legendary club! Twice a year, a temporary exhibition is put on covering a different facet of the club's history and that of soccer in general. Matches on Fridays at 8.30 pm: museum open from 2.00 to 8.00 pm. Matches on Saturdays at 5.00 pm: museum open from 10.00 am to 4.30 pm. Matches on Saturdays at 8.00 pm museum open from 10.00 am to 7.30 pm. Matches on Sundays at 3.00 pm: museum open from 10.00 am to 2.30 pm and from 5.00 to 7.00 pm. Matches on Sundays at 5.00 pm: museum open from 10.00 am to 4.30 pm. Matches on Sundays at 9.00 pm museum open from 10.00 am to 8.30 pm. Also open from 10.00 to 12.00 on the day after match days.

But what exactly is hidden inside this flying sauce, you might ask. La Rotonde is a laboratory for ideas and experiments in the scientific field. Its aim? To create, innovate, manipulate and interact! How? By offering fun workshops, intriguing exhibitions, debates, digital tools and even live shows. Rest assured, you won't find any bouncers on the door, and those without a scientific diploma to their name are not just accepted, but actively encouraged to come in!!! This is a place that's open to everyone: the general public, schools and also professionals and actual scientists. Astronomy, geography, social sciences, biology, technology, earth sciences: just some of the subjects that will no longer be a mystery to you! Ready for take-off?

What do the MoMa in New York, the Peggy-Guggenheim Collection in Venice and the Villa Medicis in Rome have in common? The MAMC has lent works to all of them. What do the MoMa in New York, the Peggy-Guggenheim Collection in Venice and the Villa Medicis in Rome have in common? The MAMC has lent works to all of them. That's right... After the Pompidou centre, it's in Saint-Étienne that you will find the largest collection of contemporary art in France. We've already had Anish Kapoor's overwhelming red (My Red Homeland), and Jean-Michel Othoniel's bewitching wave. Doesn't that last name ring a bell? It should, he's a local boy and he's known all over the world. Behind it's peculiar all-black façade, covered with ceramic tiles that light up at night, the MAMC de Saint-Étienne has all sorts of surprises in store for you.

Unlike Hollywood, the stars of Chocolat des Princes are very affordable. No whims. We can rub them closely and even squash them ! The stars here go under names like Malakoffs and Grelons du Pilat. The perfect marriage of know-how and innovation. Careful selection of the best cocoa beans adds the final touch final and guarantees a quality product every time. And on top, they do great packaging. Even the tour of the workshop is to die for. All the ingredients are there to win you over body and soul! Which is just as well, because the chocolate is waiting for you ! As this is a food factory visit, this involves security and confidentiality instructions. Because we all want the visit to take place in the best possible conditions, we invite each visitor to read it before booking (remember to notify the other people you wish to register with you): - Reservation is required - The visit is possible from 10 years old, and accessible to PRMs - Animals, even on a leash, are not welcome - The use of cameras, telephones and cameras is prohibited.

In Saint-Étienne there are ‘les verts’ and ‘le vert’, and here it's much more than just a colour! We cultivate an art of living in harmony with the surrounding nature. Need proof? Head to the Réserve Naturelle des Gorges de la Loire. There, we'll explain why nature is sacred and what we're doing to protect it.With guided tours and events scheduled throughout the year, the Maison de la Réserve plunges you into the heart of the unspoilt nature of the Gorges de la Loire.We've pulled out all the stops to make learning fun for all the family.After your visit, take advantage of the outdoor picnic areas and signposted hiking trails to discover the Gorges de la Loire. Keep your eyes peeled for yellow-bellied toads, cornflowers, kites, great horned owls, short-toed eagles and red kites... Don't know all these species? You can still make up for it by visiting ‘La Maison de la Réserve’. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

A city within a city, that's a good idea. It was the idea of Le Corbusier, the visionary architect who needs no introduction. A stone's throw from Saint-Etienne, the Firminy-Vert site is a treat for connoisseurs and the curious alike: a multicoloured Unité d'Habitation, a rather bizarre cone-shaped church, a concave Maison de la Culture, an amphitheatre-style stadium and a swimming pool. You name it, it's Le Corbusier. It's beautiful and, what's more, it's full of juicy little anecdotes. Did you know that the Unité d'Habitation was his second largest building in the world? And that the windows of the Maison de la Culture were musical? And guess what constellation appears in the concrete of Saint-Pierre church? In short, come along to the site for a little lesson in creativity.

Pulsations is a sound installation in the heart of a tree. Spectators can hear it and feel it physically when they are in contact with the trunk of the tree.

Born in Saint-Chamond, the artist Assan Smati lives and works in both Berlin and Saint-Etienne. He creates figurative art that resurrects ancient symbols. This piece is a monumental sculpture representing two blue horses in polyester resin standing on a tall pedestal. Riderless, sealed in immobility, these smooth, tight-skinned horses seem to arise out of nowhere to surprise and charm us with their esthetic perfection and pure lines.

Artist Philippe Million's multi-coloured tree stands proud on the forecourt of the Châteaucreux train station. Its metallic trunk stretches, as though reaching for the sun, out into branches covered in leaves of coloured plexiglass. Only the artist knows what kind of tree this is: is it a maple, is it a plane tree...? What is certain is that it's timeless, and playful, with its foliage of blues, reds, yellows and greens. The kind of tree that makes you want to stop, to pause for a moment of contemplation. If you take the time to look at it carefully, you might even see birds flying in to rest on its branches!

On the forecourt of the Châteaucreux station, you will also find a strange cast-iron forest of city bollards! This installation, named "Tempo" by its designer, looks like a bunch of nails hammered into the ground! Sometimes "at sitting height (height = 56 centimetres), they're a good place to rest, put your bag down, make a phone call. Spread out over the urban space or, conversely, clumped close to one another, they turn into meeting points. Other, taller bollards (height= 92 centimetres) are there to prevent cars from circulating. "

Terminus, everybody off. Drop off your suitcases, but keep your camera. But be careful, though, there's a slightly odd blue horse hanging about in the area. It seems he's been eating the fruit from the multi-coloured tree. Welcome to Sainté! Ladies and gentlemen, we are arriving at Saint-Étienne Chateaucreux. We hope you have had a good journey. Just a word of advice before you leave the train: prepare to be blown over by what you see. See how nice we are (and that's not just a rumour, it's the truth) - we prefer to put you in the mood right away. You won't be able to say we didn't warn you. Because the Design adventure starts here on the station concourse for you and your little suitcase. The stools by designer François Bauchet, the Blue horses by sculptor Assan Smati, Philippe Million's Multi-coloured tree. No, no, you're not in an exhibition hall - unless you got off at the wrong stop. Although... actually, maybe you are. Maybe you are going to find out that this city, which really isn't like all the others, is going to overturn your habits and take you somewhere you weren't expecting. And that every street, every neighbourhood is reinventing itself to be part of this giant open-air gallery. Because it's true, it's a pretty bold move to put real works of art here and there around town rather than confining them to a nice, tidy box of a museum. And it's a smart one because, like that, they're impossible to miss. That's what they call modernity. QED.

An administrative building designed as an exceptional architectural piece, now there's a good idea, one transformed in a stroke of genius by Manuelle Gautrand. Proof (if any were needed) that the city is a huge open-air gallery with an indomitable spirit. It hits you in the eye, takes your breath away and stops you in your tracks: you are looking at the Ilot Gruner. An atypical building whose architecture is carefully designed to attract the attention and the sun. Concrete, glass and a riot of colour in an organised cacophony. Here flamboyant yellow distracts from coal black and football green. Inside the floors overlap and intermingle. But don't judge a building by its cover: this is no museum or tourist site, but 27,000 sqm of offices whose corridors are trodden by 1,80 pairs of feet. A stand-out concept for a building that reaches a height of 35 metres. Definitely one that is destined to become a symbol of the new, inspired, innovative Saint-Étienne. That's why you shouldn't leave the area without posing for a photo Cannes red-carpet style. But - don't take umbrage - the star is definitely the building, not you.

And you thought than "unusual house" meant tree house? Well, here's the proof that that is not necessarily the case: the CIS, a building classified as 20th century heritage. An ethical stopover and a feel-good place. Whatever the absolutists might say, the Centre International de Séjour André Wogenscky (CIS) is not a hostel: it's a concept. It would be a mistake not to take an interest in it. Because mixing artists, students and tourists in one and the same place is quite a daring thing to do - and it has worked! The brains behind the project belong to André Wogenscky, a slightly "nutty" architect nourished on the Le Corbusier potion (out of stock now) and with a totally nonconformist and humanist outlook. Bathrooms that look like cruise liners, multi-coloured meeting halls and design furniture, and a pervading atmosphere of eco-friendly, slightly leftie solidarity. In short "living together version 2.0 for dummies". Worth trying if you want to understand today's world and help to shape tomorrow's. Who said tourists can't think about real issues?

Taking the steps up to Crêt du Roc takes you high above the city for a panoramic view of the western side of Saint-Étienne. As you may know, Saint-Étienne is built on 7 hills, like a certain European capital... and among those hills is Crêt de Roc. To get up there, you need to take the Montée du Crêt de Roc. Why? First of all for its architecture, with its sublime Art Nouveau-style handrails, designed by Joanny Morin; and then for the view the Montée du Crêt de Roc offers over Saint-Étienne: it overlooks the city's rooftops, even that of the Préfecture, you can just about make out the Place Jean Jaurès, and in the distance the ever-present slag heaps are a proud reminder of the industrial past. The Montée du Crêt de Roc is like having a little bit of Montmartre in Saint-Étienne… After you've admired the view, you can take a selfie to immortalise the moment and then head on up: here we are 60 metres above the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), a stone's throw from Crêt de Roc cemetery, our version of the Père Lachaise, in a neighbourhood that in the 19th century was home to numerous makers of braids and trimmings. They are long gone, but they have been replaced by all kinds of sustainable development initiatives.

Take a walk round Saint-Étienne. Several even, in any order, in any direction. Why not start with the Cité du Design, for example. No royal guns being made here these days, it's lofty ideas that queen it here now. Pick one up while you're there and hurry on to the Opéra to kiss Sleeping Beauty. After that head back to the Biennale (OK, we know it's not exactly logical to do in that order, but so what?) before going on to a match at the iconic stadium we call the Cauldron. Or the other way round. What counts, like we said, is to open your mind!

How about we take a step off the beaten track when it comes to murals? No more gardens or trompe l’œil farms. In Sainté (Saint-Étienne to you), we have Ella and Pitr's giants. These are not there just to cover something up or as decoration, they're meant to have meaning. Modular, Urban, Reactive (MUR). Those 3 words sum up the work of artists Ella and Pitr, who've been spreading their brand of insolence and poetic charm around the city since 2007. 2 Saint-Étienne natives whose paint pots and souls have come together to create a unique style. Once you get over the initial shock (they are pretty imposing, our little giants), you'll find you can't get enough of them. You'll end up looking out for them on every street corner. Unusual characters, outsize dimensions, colours galore and always a message. A real one. That's the secret of their appeal. And it works. "Graffiti, it's dirty and stupid", that's what two grannies retorted when interviewed on the street about graffiti. And to the question "what would you like to write on the walls?" they replied "leave the walls clean!". We only had to ask! Ella and Pitr did... In short, whether you are well-versed in art or a novice, Ella and Pitr's style will speak to you. In the heart of a city focused on innovation and modernity, it's the least you could ask for. These are not so much morals as XXL-sized slices of life. They're original and caustic. We're on board. We love 'em.

Authentic cuisine made from fresh produce justifies the Maître Restaurateur label awarded to the restaurant. In 2019, La Loco was once again awarded the Tripadvisor Prix d'Excellence, based on the excellent ratings it received from travellers. For our décor, we opted for a mixture of Old and New, bringing together Authentic and Modern: On the one hand, we have a slate floor, genuine wood-panelled walls, a 19th century brass ceiling light and wall lights, and first and foremost a mural of the Saint-Etienne to Lyon railway line. On the other hand, we have programmable LED strip lighting, our upholstery and paintwork is in matching light grey, and we have paintings by contemporary artists.

The Ess’Folie café & restaurant is all about sharing and invites you for an extraordinary journey through time. Relish a romantic dinner or a meal with friends or family, in the chic vintage atmosphere of the roaring twenties.

In a warm, rustic setting, enjoy a break and savour the cuisine of Lidia and Loic, in Chambles. They’ll help you discover some excellent food in their elaborate and generous cuisine oozing with authenticity. Non-stop delights throughout the day

Take the time to sip a refreshing drink as you gaze out over the last wild river of France. Listen to a concert or watch a stand-up comedian... A whole programme of events is set to accompany your restaurant meal.

On the road between Saint-Rambert and Chambles, discover this traditional style restaurant with a family atmosphere. Come and enjoy our tasty cooking based on local products and appreciate the panoramic view over Essalois Castle. On the road betwenn St Rambert and Chambles, discover this restaurant with a traditional and family atmosphere and enjoy a cuisine based on produce from the local rural area.

Traditional cuisine and catering service, weddings, banquets, takeaways. Group specials and reservations required.

Traditional restaurant, daily menu from Monday to Friday, no à la carte service except on order. Independent guest rooms with private access and catering possible. Terrace and private parking. View on the Loire River. Restaurant on the edge of the lake of Grangent 50 seats with terrace in summer (20 seats) Groups on order. Evenings by reservation. Closed on Sunday Bed and breakfast accommodation

"Come and feast your eyes as well as your tastebuds with local dishes cooked in-house and served in a warm and friendly atmosphere of togetherness. Our specialities: Frogs’ legs, rostis, charcuterie, fritters, foie gras, Périgord salad."

Since 2016, the chef Norbert BAYT, welcomes you with his specialties: Frogs, grated, fried mussels On the border of the Auvergne and Forez regions, a town crossed by the Loire, it is opposite the Marronniers that the establishment was created in the 1900s as a bar. It was named "la frontière" because Aurec was the first town in the Haute Loire where the "42" who had been banned from the department took refuge. The extension work has enabled the creation of interior toilets to meet the standards of the disabled, a veranda with a capacity of 18 covers, and still its summer terrace. Remember that our friends the dogs are always admitted.

In a typical farmhouse in the region, close to magnificent beauty spots, you will enjoy your stay in our rooms. We are certified "Accueil Paysan". A living room is available. You can discover the farm products of our region.

Gîte for groups on La Côte estate: 70 sq. m. (ground et 1st floors). Living room with fireplace and kitchen area, 14 bed dormitory, 2 showers, 2 washbasins, 2 WCs. Grounds of 300 sq. m. 70 sq. m. room for hire. Firminy 25km.

Small, quirky and fully equipped apartment in the countryside with private parking and access to a south-facing terrace.

Building of the 17th century completely renovated, of 140m2. Ideal for a family stay, and small groups.

Old renovated barn of 170m2. Ideal for meals for families or groups.

Cottage in the old farm of the owner, upstairs, independent access. Welcome hikers, riders (horses to the meadow). Reception at night possible. The cottage consists of a common room and a kitchen, a bathroom, toilet, a large bedroom (1 bed 140cm) . In the countryside but close to all shops within 15 minutes. It is surrounded by a grassy field, of meadow with view on the plain of the Forez, near to the hiking paths.

Recently converted cottage in the wing of an old U-shaped farmhouse with typical Monts du Lyonnais architecture. Cottage faces south and west, with a beautiful view of the nearby hills of the Monts du Lyonnais and the Monts du Forez on the horizon. A large living room opens onto a large terrace above an orchard. The renovation of the cottage has given pride of place to bio-sourced materials. The thickness of the walls and the cellulose wadding insulation ensure pleasant comfort all year round. A large surface area of thermal solar collectors provides hot water all year round, and part of the heating is provided by a pellet-fired boiler. In summer, occupants have access to a large outdoor swimming pool. Numerous nature walks and bike trails are available. Village with "station verte" and "plus beau détour de France" labels nearby. Shared swimming pool.

Guesthouse really close to the river Loire and the center of the village. There is a Nautic base not far where you can find electric boats, canoe, mini-golf, Pedalo and karting. 5 bedrooms which all include TV. There is 2 toilets and 2 bathrooms to share. The kitchen can be uses. The gesthouse has also a restaurant if you need an all inclusive service.