The 15 things to do in Clermont-Ferrand

Are you in the volcano country? En route to the Auvergne to visit Clermont-Ferrand and discover its musts!

In the center of France, the city of Clermont-Ferrand is best known for its volcanoes and enchanting landscapes. The historic capital of the Auvergne, and the capital of the department of Puy-de-Dôme , was actually born of the union in 1630 of two rival cities, Clermont and Montferrand.

Built partly in Andesite, a volcanic rock, the city of Clermont-Ferrand offers its visitors a surprising architectural heritage, composed of buildings with grey facades and well hidden treasures. Clermont-Ferrand has also become a major university and research centre in France, with more than thirty-five thousand students and six thousand researchers.

If you love nature, if you are an amateur of culture and architecture or if you like to go out and have fun, Clermont-Ferrand is made for you. Swim in the small pedestrian streets of the city centre, visit the beautiful art museums, admire the volcanoes or enjoy the crowded evenings of the city centre, there are a thousand and one things to do and see in Clermont-Ferrand.

To prepare your trip, here are the 15 things to do in Clermont-Ferrand.

1. Notre-dame-de-l’Assomption Cathedral

This black and Gothic cathedral is the highest stone cathedral built in France. This building, built over centuries, is a masterpiece of religious architectural art, and one of the must-sees to visit in Clermont-Ferrand.

2. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Port

A few steps from Notre-dame-de-l’Assomption Cathedral is the Basilica Notre-dame-du-Port. This building, classified as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich in nine centuries of history, is one of the main Romanesque churches in Auvergne. Visit the Basilica Notre-dame du Port is a must-see in Clermont-Ferrant, without delay.

3. Jaude Square

Jaude Square is the most popular but also the largest square in Clermont-Ferrand. It is here that we come to make shopping or to admire, at night, sumptuous games of light. This square is bordered by the church of Saint-Pierre-des-Minimes, built in the 17th century, by the theatre of the 19th or by the large shop known as "the galleries of Jaude". Two beautiful statues, that of General Desaix de Nanteuil and that of Vercingétorix de Bartholdi, stand on the square.

4. The medieval district

It is impossible to visit Clermont-Ferrand without taking the time to stroll through the medieval district of the city. This area, guarded by Montferrand, forms one of the oldest medieval districts of France. In particular, you will discover splendid private hotels and homes dating from the 18th century. For the little story, it was in this medieval city, that was born in 1623, the famous philosopher, Blaise Pascal .

5. The park of Montjuzet

Do you need an idea of going out to Clermont-Ferrand with your family? Take the direction of Parc de Montjuzet. Your children can enjoy the playgrounds, while you rest in the shade of the cypress and olive trees, in the largest park in the city. Hives are also installed in the park, which also offers a splendid view of the volcanoes.

6. Roger-Quilliot Art Museum

Art lovers will not miss the Roger-Quilliot art museum, to visit Clermont-Ferrand absolutely. Located in the buildings of a former Ursulines convent, dating from the 12th century, classified as a historic monument, the museum opened its doors in 1992. It offers monumental paintings, retracing the epic of Roland Furieux, as well as the plaster of the statue of Vercingétorix, which is currently on the Place de Jaude. You can also admire the sculptures of the Virgin in a typical style of the region.

7. La FRAC Auvergne

For contemporary art enthusiasts, go to the Regional Foundation for Contemporary Art which offers a pretty collection, totally free of charge.

8. Lecoq garden

This five-hectare park features an ornamental pool, a garden in English, a playground, as well as pretty lawns on the slope ideal for the nap.

9. The flea market of the Salins

Surveying the Salins Chip Market is an indispensable visit to Clermont-Ferrand. Every Sunday morning, a few steps from the city centre, almost a hundred and fifty exhibitors offer all kinds of antiques, art objects, books, dishes, toys and some curiosities. About seven thousand and five hundred people go there every weekend.

10. L’Aventure Michelin

The history of the city of Clermont-Ferrand is intimately linked with that of the Michelin tyre company. Come and discover an exhibition on Michelin’s history and its various transport innovations, through exciting films, vehicles and reconstructions.

11. The Museum of Natural History Henri-Lecoq

Founded in 1873, the museum borrows its name from the naturalist Henri Lecoq, who gave the city its private collection. Through permanent and temporary exhibitions and various activities, you will learn more about fossils, rocks, plants and animals. A must-see visit to Clermont-Ferrand with family.

12. Nightlife and gastronomy

Student city, Clermont-Ferrand is actually a lively city. Many bars and clubs allow you to enjoy at the end of the night, in a festive and warm atmosphere.

Also, don’t hesitate to taste local specialties. The famous truffle, a dish based on potatoes and cheese from the region , is a real delight. Ideal for warming in winter! Charcuterie, potato galette, potée auvergnate, tripoux or aligot, your taste buds will be delighted by your stay. The city also offers many quality restaurants, serving fresh and tasty products.

13. Vulcania

Learn a thousand things about volcanoes while having fun, do you think? Direction the Vulcania amusement park, located only 20 minutes from the city. A family trip to Clermont-Ferrand!

14. Auvergne volcanoes

This is probably the most famous attraction in the Auvergne region. These immense natural treasures are today classified Grand National Site . Rendez-vous on the Puy de Dôme to enjoy a spectacular view of the volcano chain. To reach the top, you can borrow the train from Cremail the Panoramic Domes .

15. The temple of Mercury

This is an interesting activity for the whole family, to be done near Clermont-Ferrand. This Gallo-Roman temple, discovered in 1875, was built in the 2nd century after Jesus Christ. Built at the top of the Puy de Dôme, he pays tribute to the god Mercure.

Also to be done in Clermont-Ferrand

You still want some? Here are other essential appointments to complete your visit in beauty:

– Overfly the balloon volcanoes - Paragliding on volcanoes - The plateau of Gergovie

How do I get to Clermont-Ferrand?

By car

• From Paris : you will reach Clermont-Ferrand in about four hours, via the A71 motorway.
• From Montpellier : the A75 motorway allows you to access the city from Montpellier, in just three hours.
• From Lyon and Bordeaux : count two hours for Lyon, a little less than four hours from Bordeaux.

By train

It is very easy to reach Clermont-Ferrand by train. Daily connections with Paris are provided from Paris Bercy Station. Trains from Béziers, Lyon, Nîmes and Toulouse are also available.

By bus

Many companies offer buses to Clermont-Ferrand from the main French and European cities. The advantage? Absolutely unbeatable rates!

By plane

You want to visit Clermont-Ferrand and for that, borrow the plane? Only seven kilometers from the city centre is Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport, well served by several daily flights, leaving various French and European cities. To find the best prices, compare prices on Ulysses , and above all, as always with the plane, think to reserve sufficiently in advance.

Where to stay in Clermont-Ferrand?

To make the most of your stay in Clermont-Ferrand, you must choose your accommodation.

The centre area is ideal for staying in Clermont-Ferrand. You will thus enjoy pedestrian streets, major tourist attractions, restaurants and shops. More chic and lively, the Salins district is a pleasant area where to stay to visit Clermont-Ferrand. The city is relatively cheap, and you should without too much to find the right accommodation, whether it is a hotel or an apartment. Whatever it in itself and to benefit from the best price, think about jaunting prices on a Compare hotels . You will thus enjoy economic offers according to your dates of stay.

For more information, see our section on neighbourhoods where to stay in Clermont-Ferrand .

What about you? Have you visited the capital of the Auvergne? Share your must-have in Clermont-Ferrand.