What Should I Do This Weekend?

In general the students who STUDY FRENCH at this IMMERSIVE FRENCH school stay for two weeks, which means there is a weekend free to explore. Most INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS do not have a car, but this by no means prevents excursions. A number of wonderful French towns and cities are an easy train ride away, and ECOLE DES TROIS PONTS keeps a list of trains and the times. No excuse not to go on an adventure!
The following suggestions are all approximately an hour away from Roanne by direct train. It only takes twenty minutes to walk to the station from the school and tickets can be purchased from the machine dispensers at the station (there are English translations), from the ticket office – a great way to practice your French, or on-line, see: www.thetrainline.com (again, instructions in English).
The most important piece of advice I have to give in suggesting EXCURSIONS relates to the availability of washrooms. In France this is not fantastic, and many are not kept well, but museums, cafes, restaurants and train stations do provide them, so when you find one, take advantage. In addition, make sure you have change as many washrooms demand a payment.

LYON. While it is possible to enjoy Lyon in a day, this fantastic city really justifies two days or more. The direct trains from Roanne run almost every hour to Lyon Part-Dieu station. If you plan to stay overnight there are a multitude of reasonably priced hotels by the station (eg Ibis). It takes about 20 minutes to walk from the station to the centre of the town. It’s a good idea to call into Les Halles (the market) en route as, in my opinion, this has been one of the best covered food markets in the whole of France. Very easy to spend a hour wondering around. There are also numerous cafes and restaurants accommodated here. The tourist information centre is located in Place De Bellecour, with maps and information (toilets located adjacent). Old Lyon is comprised of a number of narrow lanes, and on Sunday there is a market by the cathedral where people dress up in period medieval costumes for re-enactments, making Sunday the ideal time to go. Although I have visited Lyon on numerous occasions, and lived there for 6 months decades ago, it seems there is always something new to discover. In 2025 I visited the very informative Museum of the Resistance for the first time, I also took an hour long boat ride along the Loire, a great way to practice my understanding of the FRENCH LANGUAGE, as the guide speaks in French first then translates to English. Visitors also learn about the growth of the city and experience the city from more remote locations. While I suggest Lyon can be visited in a day, it really justifies more time.

SAINT-ETIENNE. I believe one of the most interesting museums in France can be found in this under-rated city, about an hour away from Roanne. The Mine Museum provides an informative, interactive history of Frances part in the Industrial Revolution. At this museum you take a tour for just over an hour (given in the FRENCH LANGUAGE) through the industrial buildings and then are taken deep underground where you board a small train through the tunnels, then walk and learn about the life of the miners in the past centuries. Afterwards there are informative videos and exhibitions. Saint Etainne also has a market on Saturday, an Industrial museum, contemporary art museum and renovated design area. The shopping is less touristy than Lyon, and consequently more reasonable. I find this a genuine French town, that many tourists and locals ignore. Hotels can be found opposite the station. and it is easy to uncover enough to do for two days. Finally, check out the artisan ice cream shop next door to Les Halles, you won’t regret it.

VICHY. I have to admit, while I genuinely like the ambiance of this compact spa town, with its large, picturesque squares, riverside walks and the renovated Opera and Palais de Congress, less than an hour from Roanne, it did disappoint. I had expected to see a number of historical monuments and museums about the Second World War as for me, the name Vichy is synonymous with this event. But not so. It is as if the war did not take place. I found just one memorial. Despite this Vichy provides a thoroughly enjoyable days walking the pedestrian roads, visiting the Hotel De Ville and watching the world go by from a cafe overlooking the park. I also found a “Maison De Le Retrait” advertising for clients and consequently spent an hour dreaming about retiring to Vichy…

CLERMOND-FERRAND. Larger than Vichy, with more to see (and more hills to climb!) and a lot more small alley ways to get lost in, this University town is slightly more difficult to access as the trains do not run so frequently from Roanne, but it is worth the effort and can be easily explored in a day. There is a spectacular cathedral, a Basilique and museum dedicated to Michelin, in addition to a number of other museums, all housed in characteristic, ancient French buildings. I often think it is worth visiting a museum just to gain access to these structures.

In addition to the cities and towns suggested above, which are accessible by train, with access to a car it is easy to drive and discover other towns and villages many with ancient churches, markets, and unique ambiance. The staff at ECOLE DES TROIS PONTS can offer advice.

Jayne Seagrave is a BC Best selling Author. The ninth edition of her book Camping British Columbia, the Rockies and the Yukon was published by Heritage House in April 2023. Over 60,000 of her camping books have been sold. She also writes fiction, non-fiction, freelance articles and occasionally teaches writing and publishing courses. See: www.jayneseagrave.com