St Etienne Boutheon Airport car hire, tailor-made for you
For a city world-renowned for its artistic heritage, St Étienne is surprisingly humble.
With an Avis car hired at St Étienne Boutheon Airport, you’re free to hit the road and explore all that this creative French city and beyond has to offer.
We make car rental easy, because we know you can’t wait to feel the freedom of the road and get the very most out of your stay. Wherever your travels take you, the keys are waiting for you to unlock the world.
Plan your journey from St Étienne Boutheon Airport
From St Étienne Boutheon Airport, it’s just a 20-minute drive to one of the largest towns in the Rhône-Alps – St Étienne, which is famed for its devotion to art. Surrounded by overwhelming natural beauty, no wonder artists are inspired here.
For an insight into the city’s culture, you have several museums to choose from. The Museum of Art and Industry is highly recommended.
As with many European towns, the focal point is its cathedral. The third tallest in France, St Étienne Cathedral is famed for its stained glass featuring contributions from Marc Chagall. There’s also a fantastic local farmers’ market just across from the charming cathedral.
You’ll find one of the best views in town at Point de vue de Guizay. Perfectly positioned near the statue of Sacré-Cœur, you’ll be able to see all of St Étienne and the surrounding mountains, including Rochetaillée, the Chambon-Feugerolles, Firminy and the Forez mountains.
All around town, you’ll find well-manicured gardens and ancient architecture, plus the remnants of an old castle.
Beyond St Étienne
Castles, monasteries and unique architecture are all waiting to be explored just beyond St Étienne.
Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez
Just a 40-minute drive from St Étienne, the tiny village of Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez is tucked inside the scenic Pilat Regional Natural Park. Naturally, it’s classified as one of the most beautiful towns in France. The main attraction here is a 13th century Carthusian monastery, which once dominated the entire town. Most of the houses and buildings here were once part of this attraction.
Pélussin
Pélussin is a 45-minute trip from St Étienne. Although small in size, there’s plenty to see here. The Quartier des Croix is the main commercial area, with many shops and cafes. In the Quartier de Virieu you’ll see the Château de Virieu, which dates back to the Middle Ages. Also be sure to visit the Quartier Notre-Dame, with its beautiful church.
Lyon
Lyon is only a 50-minute drive up the road. As the capital of the Rhone-Alpes region, this charming city is an important cultural and historical centre. The Croix Rousse district is packed with history, as it was once home to the city’s silk workers. There’s also the 15th century Romanesque-gothic Lyon Cathedral, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site (along with the Croix Rousse district). Other highlights include Lyon City Hall, the Opera de Lyon and the Fontaine Bartholdi.
Sit back and enjoy the drive through southern France. With your Avis rental car, you can tour the region at your own pace.