Clermont-Ferrand
Visit Clermont-Ferrand (Auvergne, France)
Surrounded by dormant volcanoes and with buildings made from black lava stones, Clermont-Ferrand is the capital of, 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 really a tourist town it is non-the-less an attractive city and it has some interesting highlights and one of the most active music scenes in France and is a good station for exploring the Auvergne. Clermont-Ferrand is also well known for being the headquarters for Michelin, the tyre manufacturing company.
Explore Clermont-Ferrand
As one of the oldest cities in France, Clermont-Ferrand has a long history that has left a mark on its contemporary image. One example of this is the statue of Vercingetorix by Auguste Bartholdi on the lively Place de Jaude, the central square in Clermont-Ferrand. In 52 BC, Vercingetorix lead the Gauls to victory against Julius Caesar’s Romans in a battle at the site of the settlement that later 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, this time of Pope Urban II, is situated on the Place de la Victoire and commemorates the pope’s 1095 speech in Clermont-Ferrand that lead to the First Crusade.
Famous 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.
Whilst Clermont -Ferrand is now one city it has two distinct historic centres with that of Clermont containing the key historic sights but Montferrand is one of the best historically preserved towns in France.
Clermont's prosperity during the Middle Ages led to the building of its large Gothic cathedral and superb Romanesque basilica. Prosperity continued and there is a wealth of beautiful Renaissance mansions and attractive squares complete with fountains. Indeed there are fifty fountains to be seen.
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 the town. It was constructed out of lava rock and is adjacent to the Place de la Victoire. The cathedral is Gothic in style and both inside and out has the typical tall, narrow arches typical of Gothic buildings. It has an impressive collection of stained-glass windows.
Another religious monument to visit in Clermont-Ferrand is the 12th century roman style basilica Notre-Dame-du-Port, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The basilica is located off the Rue du Port and is one of the most impressive of the roman style churches in the Auvergne region. Take a look at the fantastic mosaic details on the semi-circular chapels and inside it is nice and light and airy.
The narrow streets around the two churches are worth exploring and many of the buildings in the area are also made from volcanic rocks.
Among the most impressive buildings dating from the end of the 19th century in Clermont-Ferrand are the Municipal Opera and the Galaries Lafayette building on Place de Jaude. The Place de Jaude is the main square in Clermont-Ferrand and is huge. Magnolia and tulip trees decorate the square.
The Hotel de Chazerat, with its curved-shape, is built in 18th century neo-classic style. It is now the Regional Office for Cultural Affairs and you can arrange a visit through the tourist office. Its lobby is painted in trompe-l'oeil and its main salon has lovely white and gold plasterwork.
The theatre, by the Place de Jaude is another impressive building with a rich interior decor.
The historical centre of Ferrand was built in the style of the bastides of the SW of France and has been beautifully preserved. It is particularly rich in mansions of the 15th and 16th centuries including the Hôtel de Fontenilhes, the Hôtel de Fontfreyde and the Hôtel d'Albiat.
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 a steep walk up to the top. Once there, however, the view of the city is worth the fatigue.
Restaurants in Clermont-Ferrand reflect the regional Auvergne specialties through cheeses like Cantal, Saint-Nectaire, and Fourme d’Ambert.
The city is 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. It also has a large number of music, theatre and dance festivals and is an important cultural centre in France.
Getting to Clermont-Ferrand
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.
Attractions nearby
Of the dormant volcanoes that surround Clermont-Ferrand, the Puy-de-Dôme is the highest and most easily accessible. A summer bus runs to the top of the volcano where there is a restaurant, hiking, and parasailing overlooking the city and lovely views along the beautiful chain of green volcanos in the Parc des Volcans.
Photos of Clermont-Ferrand
Click any picture to start the gallery
Tourist classifications for Clermont-Ferrand
Clermont-Ferrand is classified as a historical protected town centre' (secteur sauvegardé)
Address: Clermont-Ferrand, Puy-de-Dome, Auvergne, 63000 || GPS: latitude 45.7831, longitude 3.0825
Map of Clermont-Ferrand & places nearby
Highlights close by
Puy-de-Dome 9km
Mozac 10km
Volvic 10km
Riom 13km
See lots more places to visit nearby and a more detailed map at places near Clermont-Ferrand.
See Auvergne and Puy-de-Dome (the region and department for Clermont-Ferrand) for more travel ideas...
Suggested tourist attractions to visit near Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Clermont-Ferrand église Notre-Dame-du-Port (monuments on French pilgrim routes) - heritage site
- Cathédrale Notre Dame de l'Assomption (Clermont-ferrand) - religious monument (3km)
- Eglise de Saint Léger (Royat) - religious monument (3km)
- Parc du château de Blanzat - remarkable garden (5km)
- Jardins du château d'Opme - remarkable garden (6km)
- Puy de Dome - grand site of france (9km)
- Jardins du château de la Batisse - remarkable garden (10km)
- Mozac - town of art and history (10km)
- Marsat - town of art and history (10km)
- Riom - town of art and history (13km)
Market days in Clermont-Ferrand: Regular market(s) are held in Clermont-Ferrand each Wednesday & Tuesday & Saturday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Clermont-Ferrand (Francais)
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