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Interesting Facts
- From its construction in the 15th century straight through to today, the Place du Peuple has been St Etienne's social and commercial hub. The bustling square is surrounded by cafes and shops, where folks tend to linger over their coffee and conversation. The weekly market is held here on Sunday mornings, making this an ideal time to check out the square.
- Astronef, St Etienne's state-of-the-art planetarium, features the only space simulator in France. The virtual "ride" takes you on a guided trip into space, for a unique out of this world experience!
- St Etienne is the birthplace of the sewing machine. In 1830, inventor Barthelemy Thimonnier fashioned an automatic sewing device, using a double-pointed needle attached to a wheel-driven rod.
- Tourists are welcome here! Although St Etienne has historically been an industrial city, with weapons manufacturing and coal mining being its top income producers, it has reinvented itself in recent years. Awarded France's coveted City of Art and Design award, the city now enjoys a brisk tourist trade.
- If you're planning a visit to St Etienne, try to schedule it in October. The Rhino Jazz Festival hits the region then, with numerous concerts staged in and around town. Past performers at the jazz festival have included Nina Van Horn, Otis Taylor, British trombonist Michael Buxton, the French Orchestre National de Jazz, the Count Basie Orchestra, and the Art Ensemble of Chicago.
- The first French railway was started in St Etienne in 1827, with trams being pulled by horses. Châteaucreux railway station, constructed in 1885-1886, commemorates this milestone.
- The best way to get familiar with a city is on foot. The St Etienne Tourist Board recognizes this, and offers free guided tours for both individuals and groups. It's a great way to see the sights and get the inside scoop on restaurants and bars.
- Giron, an old velvet factory, has been carefully renovated and converted into the amazing Parc Giron antique mall. The original stone walls, brickwork, and vaults are intact, making it an intriguing place to visit, even if you're not looking for antiques.
- Saint-Etienne is proud of its colorful soccer history. The first club in France to earn major European status, the team won numerous much-coveted awards throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Today's club is making somewhat of a comeback, and is one of 20 teams in Division 1 of 'le Championnat' – French Ligue 1.
- Originally built atop a landfill, the Geoffroy Guichard Stadium opened in 1931, and has hosted soccer matches ever since. The structure has been updated many times, and seats some 36,000 spectators today. Fans affectionately call it "The Cauldron."
