Discover Saint-etienne, Loire, Rhône-Alpes from our hotel

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.

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.

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.

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!

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/

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.

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?

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.

Ah but in Saint-Étienne, benches are not just for sitting on. The Bancs d’Essai (Test Benches) scheme offers more curious passers-by the chance to take part in a life-size test. They – you – can try out the latest in urban furniture created by artists and designers from all over the world. Colours, soft shapes. This playground offers children great freedom of imagination. The fruit of exchanges with children and a psychologist.

The Animali Domesticki were originally a collection of six little wooden animals made up of elementary shapes, created by designer Jean-Sébastien Poncet These six animals are: a doe, a stag, a sea lion and also Mon Gros Lapin (My Big Rabbit), Elgrotoro (El Big Bull) and Grosse Vache (Fat Cow). The designer brings us into his world, where simple wooden beams turn into the beginnings of a rudimentary Noah's Ark.

The Cité du Design was founded in 2005 and has been open to the general public since 2009 on Saint-Etienne's former arms factory site. The Cité du Design's architecture was commissioned to Finn Geipel and Giulia Andi from the LIN architecture agency.

Ah but in Saint-Étienne, benches are not just for sitting on. The Bancs d’Essai (Test Benches) scheme offers more curious passers-by the chance to take part in a life-size test. They – you – can try out the latest in urban furniture created by artists and designers from all over the world. No more struggling to find your way around town. Meet Le Gouvernail, a movable dial that orients pedestrians looking for a destination on a plan and points them in the right direction. It consists of a post with a two-faced dial and plan of the area. The pedestrian finds his destination and the corresponding number in the key to the plan. He then takes Le Gouvernail and turns it until the number at the top of the dial is in front of him. Then all he has to do is set off in that direction. Le Gouvernail enables the user to become more aware of his environment. It's nothing like the pedestrians you see with their nose in their smartphone. Mechanical, standalone, made of a virtuously small number of components: this object is a riposte to the energy-guzzling digital world and its soon-to-be obsolete objects. Perfectly intuitive to use, Le Gouvernail needs neither explanation nor user manual. It is universal. This entirely mechanical French invention has already won over many cities.

La Platine is the building through which you enter the Cité du Design when you get off the tram: an imposing structure made up of triangles of glass and steel, glinting green and grey. The Cité du Design gained a striking new look with the construction of its main building, La Platine. Forget industrial architecture with its heavy metal structures - here the bearing walls have gone, to leave a gigantic open space. Saint-Étienne's cathedral of design houses a glasshouse, the Cité du Design shop, an auditorium, a materials library and various exhibition spaces. La Platine not only serves design, but is itself a life-size experiment as regards its internal operation! It is built over an earth tube, and the roof consists of 14,000 photovoltaic triangles: two ingenious ideas that make for an extremely energy-efficient building. And you might not realise it, but there is still a link to the old ordnance factory, the Manufacture d'armes: a "platine" is the French name for the lock on a firearm, which is the firing mechanism used to ignite the propellant.

Established on the site of the arms factory "Manufacture d'Armes de St-Etienne", in the heart of the creative district of Manufacture-Plaine-Achille, Cité du Design is a centre of higher education, research and experimentation, conferences and exhibitions. The observatory tower, which is 32 metres high, gives the opportunity to admire a 360° panorama on the town. Place of innovation and research, the Cité du Design is dedicated to all the publics : students, designers, professionnals, schools... Exhibitions are regularly held and the Cité du Design organised conventions, lectures, etc...

"Gimme Shelter": an installation by Nathalie Talec, in-situ on the Place d'Armes de Saint-Etienne (in front of the Cité du Design). The artist has created a shelter of glass and neon shelter to suggest the idea each of us can create with minimalism, using only the bare essentials. Nathalie Talec uses Le Corbusier's anthropometric scale of proportions and the furniture lines of Charlotte Perriand to express important themes such as survival, the cold and exploration. "Gimme Shelter" is a shelter made of glass and neon that suggests the idea each of us can create with minimalism, using only the bare essentials. Title: "Gimme shelter", 2013. Images by day, by night and under the snow. Artwork by Nathalie TALEC. Design: in collaboration with DPLG architect Alexandre Nossovski and designer Stephane Dwernicki. Photo credits (images by day and by night): MMXI A. Nossovski & S. Dwernicki. Photo credits (snowy image): Hélène Aulagner.

If you're a music lover, you're bound to have heard of it. Le Fil is a venue dedicated to contemporary music in the Plaine Achille district.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.