With a population of around 180,000 inhabitants, Saint-Etienne is a French city located in the Rhône-Alpes region, and has been préfecture (capital) of the Loire départment (county) since 1855.
Saint-Etienne has always been one of the most important industrial centres in France. The first French railway in 1827; the first sewing machine in 1830; the first bicycle in 1885; or the creation of the famous arms and cycle manufacturer, Manufrance, in 1885 are just examples of the enterprising tradition of this city.
Lying between the Loire and the Rhône rivers, this ancient pioneer of the Industrial Revolution charms those that are fortunate enough to visit; a rich tradition in design, still very much alive today; a vibrant cultural life; beautiful surrounds; the typical local accent; and delicious cuisine are just a few of the attractions on offer.
In terms of urban development, Saint-Etienne has been renowned for its "Firminy Vert" district (the largest architectonic complex ever built in Europe, courtesy of Le Corbusier) for some time now, but the city is also making a name for itself in this field with the École stéphanoise d'aménagement (school of urban planning).
The "International Design Biennale" attracts more than 120.000 visitors in just a week, and the old Saint-Etienne arms and bicycle plant is currently being renovated as it prepares to host the future Cité du Design.
Saint-Etienne is also home to the "Musée d'Art et d'Industrie", where three different sections dedicated to textiles and textile machinery, to arms, and to bicycles tell visitors the tales of past industrial developments and feats achieved within this city. It is also possible to visit the mining museum, descending into the depths of a coal mine where work conditions and the evolution of extraction techniques have been reconstructed.