Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Saint-Étienne is a city located in the Loire department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, known for its rich industrial history and cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 171,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD; most banks accept major credit and debit cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, safe to drink directly from the tap. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Orange, SFR, and Bouygues Telecom, offering reliable coverage and plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Revolut and Wise are popular options among expats for banking and currency exchange. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, Booking.com, and local rental agencies, with prices typically ranging from €500-€1,200 per month. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted in most establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies are the most popular for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel de la Gare offers affordable lodging starting at €25 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center, especially around Place Jean Jaurès, offers various attractions and amenities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Côte-Saint-Andre district is favored for its quieter residential vibe and proximity to coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Le Dôme is a popular coworking space in Saint-Étienne, offering flexible membership plans and meeting rooms. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café des Arts features a cozy atmosphere and free Wi-Fi, ideal for working remotely. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup groups and events focusing on tech and entrepreneurship are regularly hosted at Le Dôme. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Saint-Étienne Expats Facebook Group helps connect the international community with regular gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Saint-Étienne, alongside local taxi services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Cycling is encouraged, with available bike rentals through 'Vélivert' and scooters available through various apps. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is around 1.5 hours away at Lac de la Ronze. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Aéronautique and Air France operate regional flights from nearby airports, mostly connecting to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is the closest international hub, about an hour away. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | A72 and A47 highways provide access to Lyon and other major French cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Saint-Étienne Châteaucreux Station serves as the primary railway station with connections to Lyon and beyond. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Syndicat Mixte des Transports offers day passes and monthly subscriptions for local transit. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses are available to nearby cities such as Lyon and Clermont-Ferrand. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | CHU de Saint-Étienne is the largest hospital and medical center in the area. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga and Move Studios offer various classes and wellness services. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit and Fitness Park provide a range of fitness options for local residents. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laverie automatique services can be found throughout the city, including Laverie du Château. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and Deliveroo are popular food delivery apps in the city. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Lentilles vertes du Puy' (green lentils from Puy) for a local specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Le Goût de l'Autre offers a diverse menu catering to vegetarians and vegans. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Pâtisserie des Arts is renowned for its exquisite pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets like Marché de Saint-Étienne occur weekly, offering fresh produce and local products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon.fr, Cdiscount, and Fnac are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores offer delivery services; Carrefour and Auchan have online options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Rue de la République is known for its nightlife with various bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie La Canute produces a range of local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Bar à Vins Les Paves offers a selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The city hosts various food festivals featuring local street vendors during summer. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Asian cuisine, particularly Vietnamese and Moroccan, is popular in Saint-Étienne. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Saint-Étienne Cathedral and the Cité du Design are notable landmarks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum of Modern Art (MAMC) offers interesting exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Saint-Étienne Opera House is a key historical site showcasing the city’s cultural heritage. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Basilica of Saint Louis offers stunning architecture and a peaceful environment. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Festival des Lumières occurs annually, attracting visitors for its light installations across the city. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Around the Cité du Design, you'll find a vibrant cultural hub with art displays and cafes. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Comédie de Saint-Étienne is a prominent stage for theatrical performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Marché de Saint-Étienne runs multiple days per week, offering local produce and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various venues like Le Fil host local bands and events, contributing to a lively music scene. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The city’s streets feature numerous murals and urban art installations by local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Locals can participate in cooking classes at La Cuisine de Nina to learn regional cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Independent galleries like Galerie Jérome Poggi showcase contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) is a monumental building worth visiting. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Saint-Étienne is notably the historical center for mining and the production of arms and textiles. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Pilat Regional Natural Park is accessible for hiking and nature walks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parc Naturel Régional du Pilat offers diverse landscapes and outdoor activities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Loire River paths are well-maintained for cycling, running, and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the Crêt de la Perdrix for panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near Saint-Étienne are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas exist in the Pilat National Park for bonfires and outdoor gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Colissimo and Chronopost offer reliable parcel delivery services in and out of the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like 'TechShop' provide device repair and maintenance services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis facilities can be found at local community centers such as Centre Sportif de Balaruc. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Alliance Française offers French language classes for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | La Bibliothèque de Saint-Étienne is the main library, providing quiet spaces for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Maison des Associations offers various activities and events for the community. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game On Café provides a space for gamers to gather and play. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Saint-Étienne offers gaming and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €116,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €88,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €162,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €120,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €200,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €152,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 30% |
| 🏦 Tax System | French tax system based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, France has strict regulations regarding foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on geographical location and property size. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 7-8% on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax residency rules can benefit digital nomads who spend less than 183 days in France. |