{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Is Saint-\u00c9tienne France\u2019s Most Underrated City? PLUS: Tips for Learning French!","description":"Is Saint-\u00c9tienne France\u2019s Most Underrated City? PLUS: Tips for Learning French! If you love discovering hidden gems in France, this episode is for you! Annie Sargent chats with Brooke Koss Cunningham, a French professor and passionate Francophile, about Saint-\u00c9tienne\u2014a city most travelers overlook but absolutely shouldn\u2019t. Once known for its coal mines and heavy industry, Saint-\u00c9tienne has transformed into a vibrant hub of design, innovation, and affordability. Brooke shares why this working-class city, nestled between the Livradois-Forez and Parc du Pilat, is one of France\u2019s best-kept secrets. Listen to this episode ad-free Saint-\u00c9tienne is cheap to visit, easy to explore, and packed with surprises. Brooke takes us to the Mus\u00e9e d\u2019Art et d\u2019Industrie, where you can see everything from historic bicycles to intricate ribbons\u2014a hit with kids and adults alike. She raves about Weiss Chocolates, a local favorite where you can even take workshops, and the faisselle cheese, a fresh, creamy specialty you won\u2019t find outside of France. For outdoor lovers, the Gouffre d\u2019Enfer offers thrilling zip-lining, while Saint-Victor-sur-Loire delivers stunning views of the Loire River without the tourist crowds. But Saint-\u00c9tienne isn\u2019t just about sights\u2014it\u2019s about experiencing real French life. Brooke explains how the city\u2019s tram system makes getting around a breeze, and why its strong local accent and gaga patois add to its authentic charm. She also shares practical tips for learning French, from immersing yourself in conversations to using resources like Radio France and the Alliance Fran\u00e7aise\u2019s Cultureth\u00e8que. Whether you\u2019re a solo traveler, a family, or someone dreaming of moving to France, this city offers a welcoming, unpretentious vibe that\u2019s hard to find in bigger tourist hotspots. After the chat, Annie dives into an exciting update: JR\u2019s 2026 art installation on Paris\u2019s Pont Neuf, turning the bridge into a 120-meter "cave" made of fabric. It\u2019s a must-see for anyone visiting Paris next summer! Subscribe to Join Us in France to get more off-the-beaten-path stories, cultural deep dives, and travel tips that make exploring France even more rewarding. Whether you\u2019re planning a trip or just love armchair travel, this episode will inspire you to see France differently. Listen now and start dreaming about your next adventure! \ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7\u2728 Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:15] Introduction [00:00:31] Today on the podcast [00:01:13] Podcast supporters [00:01:50] The Magazine segment [00:02:59] Brooke\u2019s Connection to Saint-\u00c9tienne [00:03:58] Travel Planning Tips and Tools [00:05:04] Using Maps and Social Media for Travel [00:09:06] Join Us in France Website and Resources [00:10:38] Preparing for French Interactions [00:16:20] Exploring Saint-\u00c9tienne [00:18:14] Saint-\u00c9tienne\u2019s Industrial History [00:20:30] Tourist Attractions in Saint-\u00c9tienne [00:23:43] Saint Etienne with Children [00:24:50] The Invention of the Bicycle [00:28:08] Driving Through Scenic France [00:31:25] Family-Friendly Activities in Saint-\u00c9tienne [00:31:59] Exploring the Loire River and Surrounding Areas [00:32:45] Hiking and Outdoor Adventures [00:36:00] Medieval and Historical Sites in Saint-\u00c9tienne [00:39:42] Shopping and Culinary Delights [00:44:37] Marker [00:47:53] Planning Your Visit to Saint-\u00c9tienne [00:53:01] Final Thoughts and Farewell [00:53:25] Thank you Patrons [00:54:30] VoiceMap Tour Review and Exclusive Discounts [00:55:28] Itinerary Consulting Services [00:55:51] JR\u2019s Pont Neuf Art Installation [00:58:51] Next week on the podcast [00:59:14] Copyright   More episodes about visiting the French Alps and Lyon areas #JoinUsInFrance, #FrancePodcast, #TravelFrance, #FrenchCulture, #ExploreFrance, #DiscoverFrance, #FranceTravelTips, #RealFrance, #Francophile, #FranceAdventures, #SaintEtienne, #UnderratedFrance, #LearnFrench, #FrenchImmersion, #HiddenGemsFrance, #AffordableFrance, #LoireTravel, #FrenchHistory, #DesignInFrance, #FamilyTravelFrance ","author_name":"Join Us in France Travel Podcast","author_url":"https:\/\/joinusinfrance.com\/","html":"