Hop Square

Are you looking for a place to relax after a long walk and enjoy quality drinks? "Hop Square" is a popular craft beer bar located in the heart of the city of Saint-Étienne. This establishment has become a real mecca for beer culture lovers and those who appreciate a laid-back, friendly atmosphere.

Unlike classic French cafes, the focus here is on a variety of beer styles, both local and foreign. The interior is done in warm tones using wood, creating a coziness conducive to long conversations. It is not a museum or a historical monument, but a lively place pulsing with energy, where you can feel the modern rhythm of life that France lives by.

"Hop Square" attracts both locals and tourists with its authentic approach to the selection of drinks and snacks. It is the ideal location for evening relaxation, where stylish decor combines with the professionalism of bartenders ready to tell you everything about the contents of your glass.

If you plan to visit this establishment to enjoy excellent beer and atmosphere, it is useful to know its exact location. The bar is located in the central part of the city, making it easily accessible for walking.

The main activity at "Hop Square" is, undoubtedly, craft beer tasting. The bar is famous for its constantly updating list of drinks on tap and in bottles. You can ask the bartender to recommend something special based on your taste preferences, be it a bitter IPA, a rich stout, or a refreshing sour. Exploring the beer list here is like a small gastronomic journey.

Besides drinks, it is worth trying local snacks here. The menu usually features "planches" (boards) traditional for French bars with cheeses and cured meats, which perfectly complement the taste of beer. This is a great way to get acquainted with local products in an informal setting.

The atmosphere of the establishment encourages socializing. Here you can play board games, which are often available for guests, or simply chat with locals. In the warm season, relaxing on the terrace, where you can watch the life of Rue Notre Dame, brings special pleasure.

Getting to "Hop Square" is quite simple, as the bar is located in the historic city center. If you are in the area of the main square, Place du Peuple, the walk will take just a few minutes. This is a pedestrian zone, so walking here is a pleasure, enjoying the architecture of the old streets.

As for public transport, the tram network of Saint-Étienne is very convenient. The nearest tram stop is "Peuple" (lines T1, T2, T3). From the stop, you will need to walk literally 200–300 meters along Rue Notre Dame.

If you prefer a taxi or car, keep in mind that driving right up to the entrance can be difficult due to narrow streets and traffic restrictions in the center. It is best to ask the driver to drop you off on the nearest street accessible to transport, for example, Rue de la Résistance, and walk the rest of the way.

Although "Hop Square" is a modern establishment and cannot boast a centuries-old history, the building itself and Rue Notre Dame, on which it is located, are imbued with the spirit of old Saint-Étienne. The bar's name is an interesting play on words. On one hand, it refers to a city square, hinting at a meeting place, and on the other, it uses the English word "Hop," which unequivocally points to the establishment's specialization.

It is interesting to note that the appearance of such craft bars in France marks a cultural shift. Traditionally, France was considered a country of wine, but in recent decades, a real renaissance of brewing has been observed here. "Hop Square" became one of the pioneers of this movement in the region, offering locals an alternative to classic brasseries and introducing them to the culture of independent breweries.

The interior of the establishment often becomes a subject of discussion among visitors. The owners tried to preserve elements of the old masonry and combine them with an industrial style, which creates unique coziness. This place quickly turned from a simple bar into a point of attraction for urban youth and creative intellectuals.

The amount of time you spend at "Hop Square" depends entirely on your plans for the evening. If you stopped by just to drink a glass of craft beer and rest after walking around the city, then one hour will be quite enough for you. Service here is usually prompt, and the atmosphere encourages a short but pleasant rest.

However, if you came with a large group or want to try several varieties from their extensive drink list, the visit can stretch to 2–3 hours or even the whole evening. The cozy environment and the opportunity to order snacks often make visitors stay here longer than they originally planned.

Unfortunately, the exact opening hours of "Hop Square" may vary depending on the season and day of the week. As a rule, such establishments open in the late afternoon (closer to 16:00–17:00) and work until late at night, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.

We strongly recommend checking the current schedule on the bar's official social media page or on Google Maps before your visit to avoid facing closed doors.

After visiting the bar or before your evening relaxation, it is worth taking time to explore the surroundings. The location in the city center opens up excellent opportunities for getting to know the history and entertainment of Saint-Étienne, many of which are within walking distance.

A walk through the nearby streets will allow you to see both historical monuments and modern entertainment centers. Here is a list of interesting places located nearby: