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.

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