Firearm and Sword Production in Saint Etienne

Saint Etienne has a long history of industry that’s well known for the manufacturing of hunting firearms, bicycles, and sporting equipment in the early 20th century, but also for military arms during wartime. The state owned Manufacture d’Armes was a huge factory in the city’s center producing countless firearms for military and civilian use, as well as some fencing equipment in the early 20th century. The building today has been converted to a museum of design (Ecole Superieure d’Art et Design), and has cooperative workshop spaces to soon become an arts and applied sciences destination.

Ribbon and textiles in Saint Etienne

Saint Etienne was also famous in the 19th and 20th centuries for it’s fabric and ribbon manufacturing. Large mechanical looms could replicate any conceived artistic pattern, including works of art through a binary punch card system. These fantastic machines, as well as an extensive collection of arms, are held in the Museum of Art and Industry (Musee d’Art et d’Industrie). The textiles industry continues today in Saint Etienne and contributes to the city’s nickname of “Design City.”

Couriot Mine put Saint Etienne on the map

Saint Etienne was also the site of the Couriot mine, one of the largest coal producing mines in France and the destination of the first trains operated in France in order to transport coal to Paris. The mine today is the home of the Puit Couriot Museum dedicated to the industry.

Things to see in Saint Etienne, France

Musée d’Art et d’Industrie: The Museum of Art and Industry details the industrial prowess of the city through exhibitions of swords and firearms, textiles & ribbon, and bicycles. Must see.

Puit Couriot Musee: A museum dedicated to the Couriot mine and it’s influence on the town of Saint Etienne and it’s people. Tours depart a few times a day and take you underground to see the various mining processes used from the mine’s opening to close.

Blaise Freres: Modern fencing blade manufacturer a short drive outside the city. No open hours; by appointment only.

Chevalier d’Auvergne: Highly skilled blade and sword manufacturer specializing in reproduction weaponry a short drive outside the city. No open hours; by appointment only.