An underground museum built into a real coal mine, the Musée de la Mine gives a direct sense of what Saint-Étienne's industrial past looked like from the inside. Guided tours descend into the galleries and show the machinery, tunnels, and working conditions that defined life in the city for generations. The mine operated until 1973; the equipment is largely original.
The museum is one of the more affecting industrial heritage sites in France — less sanitised than some. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours. Tours depart at set times and must be booked in advance; check the website for current schedules. The museum is located in the Couriot district, a short tram ride from the city centre.