Visiting the land of volcanoes? Head for the Auvergne to visit Clermont-Ferrand and discover its must-sees!
In central France, Clermont-Ferrand is best known for its volcanoes and enchanting landscapes. The historic capital of the Auvergne region, and capital of the Puy-de-Dôme département, was actually born of the 1630 union of two rival cities, Clermont and Montferrand.
Built in part from andesite, a volcanic rock, the city of Clermont-Ferrand offers visitors a surprising architectural heritage, made up of buildings with grey facades and well-hidden treasures. Clermont-Ferrand has also become a major university and research center in France, with over thirty-five thousand students and six thousand researchers.
If you’re a nature-lover, a lover of culture and architecture, or if you just love going out and having fun, Clermont-Ferrand is the place for you. Stroll through the pedestrian streets of the city center, visit the beautiful art museums, admire the volcanoes or enjoy the lively evenings downtown, there are a thousand and one things to do and see in Clermont-Ferrand.
To help you prepare for your trip, here are 15 must-do things to do in Clermont-Ferrand.
1. Notre-dame-de-l’Assomption cathedral
Photo credit: Shutterstock / RossHelen
This black Gothic cathedral is the tallest lava-stone cathedral built in France. Built over several centuries, it is a masterpiece of religious architecture, and a must-see in Clermont-Ferrand.
2. Notre-dame du Port Basilica
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Lamax
Just a stone’s throw from the Notre-dame-de-l’Assomption cathedral is the Notre-dame-du-Port basilica. This Unesco World Heritage site, with its nine centuries of history, is one of Auvergne’s leading Romanesque churches. A visit to the Basilique Notre-dame du Port is an absolute must in Clermont-Ferrant.
3. Place de Jaude
Photo credit: Shutterstock / RossHelen
The Place de Jaude is the most popular and largest square in Clermont-Ferrand. It’s the place to come for shopping or to admire the sumptuous light displays at night. The square is bordered by the 17th-century Saint-Pierre-des-Minimes church, the 19th-century theater and the department store known as « les galeries de Jaude ». Two fine statues, that of General Desaix de Nanteuil and that of Vercingétorix by Bartholdi, stand on the square.
4. The medieval quarter
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Philippe PATERNOLLI
It’s impossible to visit Clermont-Ferrand without taking the time to stroll through the city’s medieval quarter. This protected area of Montferrand is one of the oldest medieval quarters in France. Here you’ll discover some splendid town houses and residences dating back to the 18th century. For the record, it was in this medieval town that the famous philosopher Blaise Pascal was born in 1623.
5. Montjuzet Park
Photo credit: Shutterstock / mikemike10
Need an idea for a family outing in Clermont-Ferrand? Head for Parc de Montjuzet. Your children can enjoy the playgrounds, while you relax in the shade of cypress and olive trees in the city’s largest park. The park also boasts beehives and a splendid view of the volcanoes.
6. Roger-Quilliot art museum
Photo credit: Facebook – Auvergne Tourisme
Art lovers won’t want to miss the Roger-Quilliot art museum in Clermont-Ferrand. Housed in a listed 12th-century Ursuline convent, the museum opened its doors in 1992. It features monumental paintings retracing the epic of Roland Furieux, as well as the plaster cast of the statue of Vercingétorix, which now stands on the Place de Jaude. You can also admire sculptures of the Virgin Mary, in a style typical of the region.
7. FRAC Auvergne
Photo credit: Facebook – FRAC Auvergne
For contemporary art enthusiasts, visit the Fond régional d’art contemporain, which boasts a fine collection, totally free of charge.
8. Lecoq garden
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Kelsey Hayne
This five-hectare park features an ornamental pond, an English garden, a playground and sloping lawns ideal for siestas.
9. The Salins flea market
Photo credit: Facebook – Les Puces de Clermont-Ferrand
A visit to the Salins flea market is a must in Clermont-Ferrand. Every Sunday morning, just a stone’s throw from the town center, some 150 exhibitors sell all kinds of antiques, objets d’art, books, crockery, toys and curios. Around seven and a half thousand people flock here every weekend.
10. L’Aventure Michelin
Photo credit: Facebook – Michelin (L’Aventure Michelin)
The history of the city of Clermont-Ferrand is closely linked to that of the Michelin tire company. Come and discover an exhibition on the history of Michelin and its various transport innovations, through films, vehicles and fascinating reconstructions.
11. Henri-Lecoq Natural History Museum
Photo credit: Facebook – Ville de Clermont-Ferrand
Founded in 1873, the museum takes its name from naturalist Henri Lecoq, who bequeathed his private collection to the town. Through permanent and temporary exhibitions, and various activities, you’ll learn more about fossils, rocks, plants and animals. A must-see visit for the whole family in Clermont-Ferrand.
12. Nightlife and gastronomy
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Fanfo
As a student town, Clermont-Ferrand is a lively place. Numerous bars and clubs provide a warm, festive atmosphere for late-night entertainment.
And don’t hesitate to try the local specialties. The famous truffade, a dish based on potatoes and local cheese, is a real delight. Ideal for warming up in winter! Charcuterie, galette de pommes de terre, potée auvergnate, tripoux or aligot, your taste buds will be delighted by your stay. The town also boasts a number of top-quality restaurants serving fresh, tasty produce.
13. Vulcania
Photo credit: Flickr – Dominique
Would you like to learn a thousand things about volcanoes while having fun? Then head for the Vulcania theme park, just twenty minutes from the city. A great family outing in Clermont-Ferrand!
14. Auvergne volcanoes
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Pecold
This is undoubtedly the best-known attraction in the Auvergne region. These immense natural treasures are now classified as a Grand site national. Head to the Puy de Dôme for a spectacular view of the volcano chain. To reach the summit, take the Panoramique des Dômes cogwheel train.
15. The Temple of Mercury
Photo credit: Wikipedia – François Grodwohl
Here’s an interesting activity for the whole family to do near Clermont-Ferrand. This Gallo-Roman temple, discovered in 1875, is thought to have been built in the 2nd century AD. Built on the summit of Puy de Dôme, it pays homage to the god Mercury.
Other things to do in Clermont-Ferrand
Want more? Here are some other not-to-be-missed events to round off your visit in style:
– Hot-air ballooning over the volcanoes
– Paragliding over the volcanoes
– The Gergovie plateau
How do I get to Clermont-Ferrand?
By car
- From Paris: you can reach Clermont-Ferrand in around four hours, via the A71 freeway.
- From Montpellier: the A75 freeway takes you to the city in just three hours.
- From Lyon and Bordeaux: two hours from Lyon, just under four hours from Bordeaux.
By train
Clermont-Ferrand is easy to reach by train. There are daily connections to Paris from the Paris Bercy station. Trains from Béziers, Lyon, Nîmes and Toulouse are also available.
By bus
Numerous companies offer buses to Clermont-Ferrand from major French and European cities. The advantage? Unbeatable fares!
By plane
Would you like to visit Clermont-Ferrand by plane? Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne airport is just seven kilometers from the city center, and is well served by several daily flights from various French and European cities. To find the best fares, compare prices on Ulysse, and above all, as always with air travel, remember to book well in advance.
Where to stay in Clermont-Ferrand?
To make the most of your stay in Clermont-Ferrand, you need to choose the right accommodation.
The central district is the ideal place to stay in Clermont-Ferrand. You’ll enjoy pedestrian streets, major tourist attractions, restaurants and shops. More chic and lively, the Salins district is a pleasant place to stay when visiting Clermont-Ferrand. The city is relatively inexpensive, and you should have no trouble finding the right accommodation, whether hotel or apartment. In any case, to make sure you get the best rate, be sure to check prices on a hotel comparator. That way, you’ll be able to take advantage of the most economical offers according to your dates of stay.
To find out more, read our article on where to stay in Clermont-Ferrand.
What about you? Have you visited the capital of the Auvergne region? Share your must-sees in Clermont-Ferrand in the comments.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Clermont-Ferrand