Clermont-Ferrand
Surrounded by dormant volcanoes and with buildings made from black lava stones, Clermont-Ferrand is the capital and at the center of the Auvergne region. The city was originally two towns, Clairmont and Montferrand, which were joined by Louis XIII. Although the city is not one of the most beautiful in France, it has one of the country’s most active music scenes and is good station for exploring the Auvergne.
As one of the oldest cities in France, Clermont-Ferrand has a long history that has left a mark on its contemporary image. One of which is the statue of Vercingetorix by Auguste Bartholdi on the lively Place de Jaude. In 52 BC, Vercingetorix lead the Gauls to victory against Julius Caesar’s Romans in a battle at the site of the settlement that became Clermont-Ferrand. Although the Gauls were eventually defeated, the dramatic statue of the Gaul on his galloping horse reflects the heroic presence he has in French history.
Another statue of Pope Urban II on the Place de la Victoire commemorates the pope’s 1095 speech in Clermont-Ferrand that lead to the First Crusade. Mathematician Blaise Pascal was born in Clermont-Ferrand in 1623, but unfortunately his house was demolished. His name, however, is remembered in the Square Blaise Pascal and his image, along with that of Vercingetorix and Pope Urban II, is on bronze markers on the sidewalks around the city.
The city’s biggest landmark is the gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption and its black spires are visible from almost every part of town. It was constructed out of lava rock and is adjacent to the Place de la Victoire. There is also the Romanesque Notre-Dame-du-Port, a basilica listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located off the Rue du Port. The narrow streets around the two churches are worth exploring and many of the buildings in the area are also made from volcanic rocks.
Today, Clermont-Ferrand is best known as the headquarters for Michelin, the tire manufacturing company. The city is also the host of the annual Festival International du Court-métrage (International Short Film Festival), which is held at the end of January and has competitions and screenings for international short films.
Of the dormant volcanoes that sit around Clermont-Ferrand, the Puy-de-Dôme is the highest and most easily accessible. A summer bus runs to the top, where there is a restaurant, hiking, and parasailing overlooking the city and the beautiful green volcano chain.
Restaurants and cafes are located throughout the center of town and in warmer months it is enjoyable to buy a sandwich to take to the Jardin Le Coq. There is also a café located in the center of the park. The Parc Montjuzet is another option, although it is steep walk up to the top. Once there, however, the view of the city is worth the fatigue. Clermont-Ferrand reflects the regional Auvergne specialties through cheeses like Cantal, Saint-Nectaire, and Fourme d’Ambert.
Clermont-Ferrand can be reached by train and the station is located next to the center of town. There is also an airport, Aeroport Clermont-Ferrand Aulnat, for flights within France and Europe. The city itself has a tram and bus system and most of the main sites are reachable on foot.
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Places to visit near Clermont-Ferrand, France
Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Clermont-Ferrand.
Some places to visit within 30 km: 
12 km: Chaine-des-Puys (Volcanic mountain range) 27 km: Chateau de Murol (Chateau) 32 km: Issoire (Attractive town) 22 km: Montpeyroux (Most beautiful village) 10 km: Mozac (Town) 29 km: Orcival (village with roman church) 13 km: Puy-de-Dome (volcanic hill) 13 km: Riom (Town of art and history) 24 km: Saint-Nectaire (Spa town) 14 km: Saint-Saturnin (medieval village) 11 km: Volvic (Town and water source)
See also Clermont-Ferrand (version Francais)
