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The centre of St Etienne
Famed as a source of French industrial entrepreneurship, St. Etienne spent much of the 20th century languishing in the doldrums economically before re-discovering itself over the last 20 years or so. The city shares much of its industrial legacy with neighbouring Lyon, and for almost two hundred years formed part of what was the biggest industrial region in France outside of Paris. Today, the city has modernised, and like many French cities, has re-focused its efforts on the information economy whilst at the same time retaining its working-class feel.
Stadium: Stade Geoffroy-Guichard. Capacity: 35,650
Stadium History: Built in 1931, the stadium is home to AS St. Etienne who play in the French first division. The stadium has been renovated twice, in 1984 for the football European Championships and again in 1998, for the Football World Cup. The stadium was named after the founder of the Casino supermarket chain and the club's first benefactor, Geoffroy Guichard.
Town: St. Etienne was settled in the 12th century. It remained little more than that until the 16th century when the location of several armaments factories led to the city expanding in size and importance. Other industries followed in the 17th century, namely ribbon-making and the city become known as a place of industry. But it was the proximity to reserves of coal which had a huge impact on the town. By the 19th century, St. Etienne had become one of France's most important industrial towns and a centre for the industrial revolution. Its newfound importance was highlighted in 1855 when St. Etienne became the chief town in the Loire department. Towards the end of the 19th century, the bicycle industry began to grow and by the 1930s the city was the hub of Europe's bicycle industry.
However, by the 1970s, the crisis in mining and heavy industries hit St. Etienne badly, putting thousands out of work and crippling the local economy. Over recent years, there has been a shift in focus like in many other parts of France with attention being paid to education, research, design and the service industry. Today, St. Etienne has recovered and considers itself France's 'City of Design'.
St. Etienne is not a particularly touristy city, but the hardworking Mairie have created enough attractions combined with the city's interesting industrial legacy to keep any potential visitors occupied.
Location: Located in the Rhône-Alpes region, St. Etienne is situated 50 kilometres southwest of Lyon and stands between the Rhône-Alpes and the Auvergne region.
Tourist attractions:
Musée d'Art Moderne
Considered the jewel in the crown of Saint-Etienne's attractions, the Museum of Modern Art features 43,000-square feet of exhibition space that draws more than 100,000 visitors per year. The vast selection of 20th century works features Picasso, Lger, Warhol, and
many more.
Musée de la Mine
This museum offers a complete picture of mining life and shows the importance of this industry to the region's history. Visitors are taken underground and can view the harshness of a miner's working life.
Astronef- Saint Etienne Planetarium:
For those who enjoy a bit of star-gazing, Saint-Etienne's Planetarium delves into everything you ever wanted to know about astronomy, cosmology, and other space-related topics.
Musee de l'Art et l'Industrie
This museum gives a fascinating insight into industrial life in St. Etienne in the 19th and 20th centuries. The artifacts and archives inside are impressive with exhibitions on the weapons manufactured in the city over the ages.
Place Jean Jaures
Place Jean Jaures is a focal point of the city and an ideal place to start a day's wandering with many shops and cafes on the square. Additional attractions include the Saint Charles Cathedral, which was built during the 1920s but was never completed due to lack of funds.
Transport connections:
The stadium is served by a tram which is about a ten minute ride from the city centre.
By air: The closest major airport is Lyon-St. Exupery. (1hr 20 minutes from the stadium)
By train: Châteaucreux station is about a 20 minute walk from the stadium.
By car: From Clermont-Ferrand, western and southwest France take the A72; From Lyon and the North take the A47. The stadium is adjacent to the A72.
RWC Matches:
09 Sep: Scotland V Portugal
26 Sep: Samoa V USA
29 Sep: Scotland V Italy
Post-match hostelries:
St. Etienne has a decent-sized centre with plenty of authentic French bars and a few ex-pat pubs.
The Planet Rugby Choice:
L'Irlandais
9, rue de la Resistance, Saint-Etienne, France 42000
All the usual trappings that you might expect with an Irish pub and one of the livelier bars in the city.
Picadilly Circus
3, place Neuve, Saint-Etienne, France 42000
One of the trendiest nightspots in town, this bar has a relaxed atmosphere even when packed to the rafters.
Other Bars :
Le Paulaner
13, place Jean-Jaurés,
42000 Saint-Etienne
Santa Clara
1, place Neuve,
42000 Saint-Etienne
Le Bistrot de Paris
7 place Jean Jaurès
42000 St. Etienne
Le Sevilla Café
13 place Jean Jaurès
42000 St. Etienne
Le DKD
5 place Grenette
42000 St. Etienne
Le Pouchkin Café
8 rue de la Richelandière
42000 St. Etienne
Accomodation:
Mid-Range:
Astoria
rue Henri Dechaud,
42000 Saint Etienne
+33 (0) 477 250 956
Albatros
67, rue Saint Simon,
42000 Saint Etienne
+33 (0) 477 414 100
Terminus
29, avenue Denfert Rochereau,
42000 Saint Etienne
+33 (0) 477 324 847
Mercure
rue de Wuppertal,
42100 Saint Etienne
+33 (0) 477 428 181
Midi
19, bd Pasteur,
42000 Saint Etienne
+33 (0) 477 573 255
Ibis Chateauxcreux
35, avenue Denfert Rochereau,
42000 Saint Etienne
+33 (0) 477 379 090
Ibis La Terrasse
35, place Massenet,
42000 Saint Etienne
+33 (0) 477 933 187
Kyriad
77, rue de la Montat,
42000 Saint Etienne
+33 (0) 477 211 221
Budget:
De La Tour
1, rue Mercière,
42000 Saint Etienne
+33 (0) 477 322 848
National
3, rue Cugnot,
42000 Saint Etienne
+33 (0) 477 331 197
Etap Hotel
21, bd Georges Pompidou
42000 Saint Etienne
+33 (0) 477 374 200
Formule 1
114, rue des Aciéries,
42000 Saint Etienne
+33 (0) 477 792 143
