Clermont-Ferrand City Guide
Clermont-Ferrand is the capital of the Auvergne province, and until 1731 was two separate towns - Clermont and Montferrand. The city is surrounded by extinct volcanoes - the Monts Dôme. Visit the gothic medieval centre of the city "ville noire" - made from local volcanic rock, or shop, eat, drink and relax in one of the city's modern squares.
Clermont-Ferrand is approximately 4 hours by train from Paris.
What to do and see in and around Clermont-Ferrand
Cathédrale Notre-Dame
The Cathédrale Notre-Dame dates back to the 13th century, but was completed in 1902. The Cathedral stands at the highest point of the city, and is made from volcanic stone from Volvic. You can climb "Tour de la Bayette" for excellent views of the city, and of the Puy de Dôme.
Musée Bargoin
The Musée Bargoin is an archaeological museum, including local finds, such as pottery, glass, coins and shoes, from the pre-historic and Roman periods. Also in the building is the Musée des Tapis d'Art which contains a collection of Middle East and East Asian carpets and rugs.
Place de Jaude
Place de Jaude is a busy modern square at the heart of Clermont-Ferrand. In the centre of the square is a bronze statue of Vercingetorix (the Gaulish chieftain who defeated Julius Caesar). Relax and sample some of the local specialties in one of the cafés around the square.
Musée d'Art Roger Quilliot
The Musée d'Art Roger Quilliot is in the Montferrand suburb of Clermont-Ferrand. The museum contains over 2000 European paintings, sculptures, and pieces of furniture dating from the 7th to the 20th centuries. The museum is situated in an 18th century convent - and was opened in 1991.
Puy de Dôme
Puy de Dôme, part of the Monts-Dômes volcanoes, dominates the Clermont-Ferrand skyline at over 1,465 metres. There are shuttle buses to the peak of Puy de Dôme which operate July-September. There are panoramic views from the top, and on a clear day you can see Mont Blanc.
Vichy
30 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand by train
North of Clermont-Ferrand is the spa city of Vichy - famous for its spring water which is used as a cure for various ailments. The heart of the town is Parc des Sources - a tree lined promenade, at the end of which is the Hall des Sources where you can see the famous water bubbling up from the ground.
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