Nestled in the Rhone-Alpes region of central France, Saint-Etienne is a city proud of its past as an industrial and mining center. Today, professionals come for the biennial design fair, while vacationers come to visit the modern museums, tour the walkable streets, and eat in fine restaurants featuring locally sourced ingredients. Book a Saint-Etienne vacation rental near one of the city's much-beloved public squares and you'll feel like a local. Then head to one of the nature reserves just outside of town and be at one with the water birds taking it easy on the banks of the Loire.
Sights in Saint-Etienne reflect the city's rich past and stylish present. The Mine Museum features a reconstructed mine that shows visitors how workers dredged up coal in the old days, and tours help kids and history buffs explore the site's past from the 1840s to the 1970s. The Musee d'Art Moderne et Contemporain is the country's second largest modern art museum. It houses more that 15,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. If possible, the Cite du Design is even hipper and more modern. Its glass and steel edifice is positively gleaming, and inside, diverse exhibitions are refreshed regularly.
The most popular activity among Saint-Etienne visitors is the good old-fashioned stroll. The center of local life is Place Jean Jaures, a large square with a bandstand and a border of beautiful buildings, including the town hall and the Cathedrale Saint-Charles. The Saint-Jacques district features lively streets and colorful shops, and the Place du Peuple is probably the prettiest square in the city. Every 2 years, in November, the city comes alive with the International Design Biennale, drawing artists, design executives, and students from the world's best design schools.
Saint-Etienne isn't known as a summertime tourist haven, but maybe it should be. Temps in June, July, and August are in the 70s and 80s, and sunny days are common. Winters are cold but not bitterly so. You'll want to bundle up against nighttime lows in the 30s, but you'll rarely freeze your tail off. Spring and fall see highs in the 60s, and rain showers are short and sweet. So go nuts and book your Saint-Etienne vacation rental any time of year. Just make sure you make plans in advance if you're traveling during the International Design Biennale.
A city known for making things, Saint-Etienne is still surrounded by one thing no human can produce—natural beauty. The city limits include part of Pilat Regional Nature Park, 250 square miles of protected land that includes spruce forest, meadows, and hills blanketed in tall grasses and dotted with vineyards. Your Saint-Etienne vacation rental will also be right next door to Gorges de la Loire Nature Reserve, a vast green space that hugs the Loire River and draws hikers, backpackers, fishermen, and birdwatchers from all over Europe and beyond.
Fly into Saint-Etienne (EBU-Saint-Etienne - Loire Intl.), the closest airport, located 7.8 mi (12.6 km) from the city center.
If you're traveling by train, Saint-Etienne-Le Clapier Station, Saint-Etienne-Carnot Station and Saint-Étienne Châteaucreux Station are the main stations in the city.
Whether you want a cozy escape for you and your honey or a sprawling house to fit the family, you'll find some top vacation rentals in and around Saint-Etienne. Here are a couple to start you off:
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Saint-Etienne vacation rental for you.
There's nothing better than a quick break to blow away the cobwebs. Pack your carry-on bag and enjoy a breather at one of these weekend getaways in and near Saint-Etienne:
Studio apartments are difficult to beat when it comes to character, convenience and location. Stay in one of these studio apartments for rent in or near Saint-Etienne and immerse yourself in the local energy and vibe:
When you're ready to leave your studio apartment and discover the highlights, there's plenty to keep you occupied around Saint-Etienne. Into culture? Don't miss La Maison des Grenadières and Domaine du Manoir de Veygoux.
Whether you're chasing a simple cabin or a house with room enough for the whole family, you'll find the ideal place on Vrbo. Sneak in some downtime at one of these retreats in or near Saint-Etienne:
Forget chocolates and roses. Sometimes all you need is to escape for the weekend, just you and your sweetheart. At Vrbo, we've got romantic getaways in and around Saint-Etienne that would make Cupid envious. Here are some we think you'll fall in love with:
If you're searching for somewhere to reconnect with the family this vacation, you're going to need plenty of room. These mansions for rent in or near Saint-Etienne will easily accommodate the entire gang while doing it in style:
Vacation with others and have even more fun. Whether you're planning an active escape with your best friends or a big family gathering, you'll have your pick of large group vacation rentals in and near Saint-Etienne:
Nothing says fun and frivolity like a pool does. Pump up your inflatable flamingo and browse these rental houses in or near Saint-Etienne that come with this vacation perk:
Wondering what the weather's like in Saint-Etienne? It has an oceanic climate, with average temperatures in summer ranging from 50 ºF to 75 ºF. If you're searching for a little more inspiration on where to stay in this epic destination, use the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to browse through our entire range of Saint-Etienne vacation rentals.
Every get-together with the family should be one to remember. Whether you're organizing a fun escape with the kids or a long-overdue family reunion, these large family vacation rentals in or near Saint-Etienne offer a comfy home away from home with enough space for everyone:
If you're eager to do some sightseeing, there are plenty of family-friendly attractions nearby to add to your to-do list. Vulcania, Pierre de Coubertin Nautical Stadium and ASM Experience Rugby Museum are fine places to start.
Take a dip anytime you please when you book one of our large rental houses with an indoor pool. Pack your swimsuit and consider these properties in or near Saint-Etienne that come with this fancy perk:
If you'd like to see even more options, use the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to find the Saint-Etienne vacation rental that's perfect for your needs.