Clermont-Ferrand City Guide
All the people who live in Clermont will tell you that their town is fantastic ! It is not surprising to know that it is in the top 5 of the ‘Cities with the Best Quality of Life’ according to L’Express magazine ! You cannot go to Clermont-Ferrand without…
…going into raptures at the architectural wonders of Clermont-Ferrand
Apart from the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, built from the 12th century onwards, don’t miss the Romanesque gem which is the Basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Port. Admire the Haussmannian-style buildings of the Place de Jaude in the old town of Clermont, stroll around the historic heart of Montferrand on a journey back in time to the Middle Ages. If you prefer the architecture of the Second Empire or Belle Epoque, head for the magnificent spa town of Royat.
…paying tribute to the blue and yellow symbol of Clermont-Ferrand
Clermont-Ferrand is inextricably linked to the famous Michelin tyre factory. To know more about the Auvergne success story, Aventure Michelin is a wonderful museum which traces the history of the factory set up by two brothers. One of them, Marcel, a keen sportsman, was the founder and first president of ASM (Association Sportive Michelin, later Association Sportive Montferrandaise) which takes us nicely to the ASM Experience, a theme park devoted to THE Clermont passion : rugby. However, the best place to witness local enthusiasm for the oval ball is still the Marcel-Michelin stadium. Going to a match when ASM play at home is a highly festive and sporting experience !
…taking the air in the parks and gardens of Clermont-Ferrand
And especially the Jardin Lecoq, which has the charm of a garden ‘à l’Anglaise’, maintained with precision but where nature and imagination are allowed to flourish. The rose garden is the most romantic place in the town. To enjoy a magnificent view of the Chaîne des Puys without leaving the town, Parc de Montjuze above the town is a haven of peace, far from traffic noise. Not far from here there are several places to relax and stay overnight.
…going shopping along Rue des Gras or around Place de Jaude
Clermont-Ferrand is a town of many shops. For clothes shopping, go to the ‘urban boudoir’ of Mademoiselle Ju’ or to Paul Marius, an old-fashioned leather goods shop. For interior design and decorative objects, carry on to Place de la Victoire to Envie d’Intérieur, a historic store which even has a made-to-measure workshop.
…having one last drink
During your stay in Auvergne, take time to enjoy a drink outside the Café des Beaux-Arts de Clermont-Ferrand, Rue Ballainvilliers; this is the heart of the capital of Auvergne where people of all ages get together. For a more festive atmosphere, head for the Place de la Victoire, at the foot of the cathedral where late night bars serving tapas abound : Café Pascal, Victoire Pub Bistronomique, Chai Victorius, take your choice ! And for a late night drink on a rainy evening, head for Chez Mon Oncle under the arches of the Prefecture, where you can enjoy a glass of wine while looking at the street lights reflected in the puddles… Romantic or what !
…eating a speciality dish from Auvergne …or elsewhere !
To enjoy a good local burger, make your way to Bougnat Burger on the Boulevard Léon-Malfreyt or for delicious Auvergne speciality dishes go to l’Oustagou, just outside the cathedral. For food with a more international flavour, Impreza not far from Place de Jaude serves gourmet fusion food to tickle your tastebuds.
…staying at the foot of the volcanoes
The town and its surrounding area are full of gites and B&Bs perfect for discovering Clermont-Ferrand. You can stay in the town at Chamalières, Royat, Durtol or Beaumont, or have a gite in the neighbouring countryside at Cébazat or Sayat. In Clermont-Ferrand, nature is never very far away and the dormant volcanoes keep watch over you as you sleep …"
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Lodging
Gîte La Grange des Puys
in SAINT GENES CHAMPANELLE - Puy-de-Dôme
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