École des Mines de Saint-Étienne Campus Fauriel
Discover the hidden botanical wonders of Écoledes Mines Saint-Étienne's Fauriel campus, a tranquil oasis with rare flora.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant flowers in bloom
École des Mines de Saint-Étienne Campus Fauriel
Best Time
Vibrant flowers in bloom

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the hidden botanical wonders of Écoledes Mines Saint-Étienne's Fauriel campus, a tranquil oasis with rare flora.
"A well-documented guide leads you through the magnificent secret gardens, a must-visit!"
🌸 Book a Guided Garden Tour
Enhance your visit by booking a guided tour to learn about the rare and diverse plant species.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the campus and gardens, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Secret Gardens
Campus Fauriel
Wander through a hidden botanical paradise with rare and diverse plant species, bursting with color in spring.

Museum Tour
Campus Fauriel
Gain fascinating insights into the school's history and scientific endeavors with a knowledgeable guide.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Explore the Secret Gardens
Understand the School's Evolution
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌸 Book a Guided Garden Tour
Enhance your visit by booking a guided tour to learn about the rare and diverse plant species.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the campus and gardens, so comfortable footwear is a must.
🤔 Consider the School's Evolution
Be aware of recent changes and mergers; reviews vary on the school's current direction.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌸 Book a Guided Garden Tour
Enhance your visit by booking a guided tour to learn about the rare and diverse plant species.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the campus and gardens, so comfortable footwear is a must.
🤔 Consider the School's Evolution
Be aware of recent changes and mergers; reviews vary on the school's current direction.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the beauty and tranquility of the secret gardens, highlighting the rare plant species and the value of guided tours. However, some reviews express mixed feelings about the school's recent academic direction and perceived shifts in focus post-merger.
"A fun visit to the secret gardens of the School of Mines commented by a well-documented guide. The magnificent weather allowed us to linger in the gardens not known to the public, with rare and diverse species, among the 1000 colors of spring flowers.
I recommend this visit."
Dominique Michalet
"Not great, since the IMT merger I think. This change started around 2020. The "societal challenges to transform society" style "consulting firms" are ridiculous and disconnected from the needs of businesses (it's not science po or a vulgar business school it seems to me, nor what we expect from this kind of school producing brains!). We would like the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Mines des Saint-Etienne to regain its letters of nobility, with elite engineers deserving its "ENS" in the name of the school."
dadidadidoum dadidadidoum
"We visited the site with Quentin as our guide. Thank you for the fascinating tour. Quentin has a perfect command of his subject and was able to give us a very interesting insight into the museum. We recommend the guide and the tour in general."
Celine Drouet
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Campus Fauriel is accessible by public transport in Saint-Étienne. Several bus lines serve the area. If driving, there is parking available on campus, but it can be busy during term time.
Yes, bus lines stop close to the campus, making it easy to reach the gardens via public transit. Check local schedules for the most convenient routes.
Taking a bus from the city center is generally the most straightforward method. The journey is relatively short, and buses are frequent.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to the gardens might be restricted or require booking, especially for guided tours. It's best to check the official website or contact the school for current access policies.
Visiting hours can vary, particularly for the gardens. Guided tours often have set times. Confirm these details in advance to plan your visit.
While the campus itself is a place of learning, specific attractions like guided garden tours may have a fee. Inquire about pricing when booking.
Some parts of the campus might be accessible, but the museum and specialized areas like the gardens are often best experienced with a guided tour for full context.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The campus features beautiful secret gardens with diverse flora, a museum offering insights into the school's history and research, and impressive architecture.
Garden paths can vary in terrain. It's advisable to check accessibility information beforehand if you have specific mobility concerns.
The school is involved in various research areas, including studies on the toxicity and potential of electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation.
Many visitors highly recommend guided tours, especially for the gardens and museum, as guides provide in-depth knowledge and context.
The campus offers a blend of academic and natural beauty, with students and researchers present. The gardens provide a tranquil escape.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The secret gardens are particularly picturesque, especially during spring with blooming flowers. The campus architecture also offers great shots.
Morning light is often ideal for capturing the vibrant colors of the flowers and avoiding harsh midday sun. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also be beautiful.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, but it's always wise to be mindful of students and ongoing research activities. Check for any specific signage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the campus has an academic focus, the gardens provide a safe and engaging space for younger visitors. Consider booking a guided tour if available, as engaging guides can often make the experience more interactive and interesting for children, explaining plant life in simple terms.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Garden Lovers
Spring is the prime time to witness the gardens in their full glory, with a riot of colors from blooming flowers. Take your time to wander, observe, and perhaps even sketch or photograph the unique specimens. The tranquility of the gardens offers a peaceful retreat for any nature lover.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Secret Gardens
Exploring these gardens is best done with a well-documented guide who can illuminate the unique characteristics of each plant and the history behind their cultivation. This adds a layer of educational value to the visit, transforming a simple stroll into an enriching experience. The sheer variety of colors and textures makes it a photographer's dream, with opportunities to capture stunning close-ups and panoramic views.
While the gardens are a highlight, remember that their accessibility might be managed to preserve their delicate ecosystem. It's recommended to check for guided tour availability and any specific visiting protocols to ensure a smooth and respectful exploration of this botanical sanctuary.
Understanding the School's Academic Identity
Conversely, many still hold the school in high regard, cherishing their wonderful years spent there with both students and teachers. The institution continues to produce engineers, and its research, such as studies on electronic cigarettes, highlights its ongoing scientific contributions. Visitors interested in the school's academic environment might find it beneficial to understand this evolving landscape and perhaps engage with current students or faculty for a contemporary perspective.
For those visiting the campus, whether for the gardens or to understand its academic standing, it's an opportunity to witness a blend of tradition and adaptation. The campus itself is a hub of innovation and learning, reflecting the dynamic nature of higher education in the 21st century.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit