Close to the Pilat National Park and the Loire Gorges, the conurbation's surrounding provides a natural environment of high quality and diversity. Saint-Etienne Metropole is ideally located; less than two hours from Alpine ski resorts and three hours from the Mediterranean.

More than 600 associations offer some sixty sporting disciplines. The richness and variety of Saint-Etienne Metropole's cultural heritage has been confirmed by its status as a Ville d'art et d'histoire (‘town of art and history'), which was offered to the town centre in 2000.

The urban area is particularly well equipped as far as culture is concerned: theatres, operas, museums (2nd French collection for Modern Art after Pompidou Museum), media activities centre, etc. Cultural events on a local, regional and national scale cover all types of expression. Highlights in the conurbation's festive and cultural events programme include the international biennial event of design in November with 200,000 visitors, 760 designers and 100 countries.

With its tradition of industrial innovation and its rich economic heritage, Saint-Etienne Metropole is really looking for the future.