Car Rental St Etienne - Exploring St Etienne

There is much to see within driving distance of St Etienne, from pine forests, beautiful green valleys and snow-capped mountains, to the hustle and bustle of Lyon, the region’s capital. Discover historical towns dotted about the countryside, or head for the area's rivers and lakes to take part in the many water sports, including windsurfing and sailing.

Lyon is one big gastronomic delight, with more restaurants per square metre than anywhere else in Europe. The historical centre of the town lies on the narrow strip of land between the River Saône and the River Rhône, known as the Presqu’île. There are some fascinating buildings, including the Historical Museum of Textiles, which covers the history of cloth.

The other important building here is the Musée des Beaux-Arts, with the largest collection of art in France (after the Louvre). On the banks of the River Saône, at quai St Antoine, is the morning food market where vendors sell fresh meat, vegetables and cheeses.

To the east of St Etienne and Lyon, and formerly the capital of Savoy, is the charming town of Chambery. The town is dominated by the 14th century Château des Ducs de Savoie, once host to the Shroud of Turin. A nice walk is along the arcaded rue de Boigne, which leads to place des Éléphants.

Nearby, the Savoy Museum covers archaeology, while the Fine Arts Museum displays 14th to 18th century Italian paintings. The villa of Les Charmettes, now a small museum, was the home of philosopher and writer Jean-Jacques Rousseau from 1736 to 1742.

East of St Etienne lies the predominantly modern town of Grenoble, gateway to the French Alps. Besides several cultural festivals and a booming theatre life, Grenoble has several interesting museums to offer. A must-see for Stendhal lovers is his birthplace and the museum dedicated to his life and career.

Ski resorts, such as Tignes, Val d’Iseres and La Plagne are only an hours drive to the south, and some offer year round skiing.