Discover Saint-Etienne by Hire Car
Saint-Etienne is a large city in southeastern France, with nearly 180,000 inhabitants in an area of just under 80 square kilometres.
Picturesquely situated on the Furan, a tributary of the Loire, it is also the capital of the Loire department in southern France and is surrounded by the towering peaks of the Massif du Pilat, which is part of the Alps.
Sights in Saint-Etienne
In the Middle Ages, it was above all the art of the armourers of Saint-Etienne that led the city to fame and prosperity. Even in the Second World War, the most important armaments industry in the country was still located here, which was then unfortunately the reason why the city was almost completely destroyed in 1944 under heavy bombardments. Thus, today’s cityscape is more reminiscent of a typical post-war city, with straightforward urban structures.
The best place to get an impression of old Saint-Etienne is in the Saint-Jacques district. Amid lovingly restored 17th- and 18th-century houses, it’s also home to one of the city’s busiest pedestrian zones. Small bars and cafés round off the shopping experience wonderfully here. In the Mus?e d?Art et d?Industrie you can also get a wide-ranging overview of the weapons, bicycles or ribbon weaving that made Saint-Etienne famous. Among other things, the sewing machine was invented here by Bath?lemy Thimonnier in 1830.
Exploring the surroundings of Saint-Etienne
It’s well worth taking a hire car up the hills on the outskirts of the city for a sensational view of Saint-Etienne’s narrow maze of streets, however. A trip to the nearby Loire Gorges also promises unforgettable views.
hire car price comparison Saint Etienne
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