An Aerial view of Clermont-Ferrand City near Originals Hotels
Clermont-Ferrand
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Your travel guide to Clermont-Ferrand

With a population of something approaching half a million inhabitants in the wider metropolitan area, Clermont-Ferrand is one of the most attractive cities of central France. It is one of the oldest urban areas of the entire country and was famously a centre of Gaulish resistance to Roman occupation. The city has a remarkably dry climate making it popular with French tourists as well as overseas holidaymakers. Clermont-Ferrand is also well-known for the chain of volcanoes, the “Chaîne des Puys” that surround the city. The famous volcano “Puy de Dôme” may be dormant but the city is not… Clermont-Ferrand offers plenty of activities, attractions and things to do during your holidays.

Charming, Culture, Nature

OUR HOTELS IN AND AROUND CLERMONT-FERRAND

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CLERMONT-FERRAND : BE INSPIRED

What to do, to see, to hear...

ClermontPass The so-called ClermontPass is a good purchase if you want to visit a few of the city's major attractions since it offers some discounts as well as free entry to certain places.
Places to visit A trip to the Fromagerie Nivesse, which specialises in Auvergne cheeses, is a great place to pick up a tasty souvenir and it includes a tasting session, too!
City break The city is often referred to as a gateway to the vast Massif Central territory so it is a great place if you like to mix city breaks with some scenery.
Where to shop You will find some superb independent shops and market traders on Rue du Port, Rue Pascal or Rue Savaron, all of which are largely pedestrianised.
Guided Tours Two-hour long guided tours are on offer – ideal if you don't have much time. Book early if you want an English language one.
Cultural break The Michelin manufacturing plant in the city now offers an industrial heritage museum which is well worth a visit if you want to get to grips with tyres, that is.
Never to forget

this view of Clermont, from the hill of Montjuzet Park, like a black diamond set among the volcanoes of Auvergne.

Transports in Clermont-Ferrand

The A71 is the main road that connects Clermont-Ferrand with the outside world. It takes about seven hours behind the wheel to get there from Calais. The city in the center of France is also served by a major railway station. Services from Paris frequently stop there or you can obtain a local connecting service from Lyon. Flights are possible to the city in the summer from Southampton.

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WHEN TO GO TO CLERMONT-FERRAND ?

Any time from May to September is likely to see plenty of sunshine and reasonably high temperatures. July sees the highest temperatures on average. The Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival is held early in the year, usually in February. A jazz festival is held in October and there is a Christmas market which starts annually each November.

WHAT TO DO IN CLERMONT-FERRAND ?

Clermont-Ferrand has plenty of activities, attractions and things to do which will keep the entire family entertained.

ROYATONIC BAINS

The Royatonic Bains are a swimming and hydro-based wellness centre that is ideal for chilling out for a while in a smart, spa environment. 

ACTIVITIES

A number of airborne activities including micro-gliding and parascending can be tried out at Puy de Dome, just to the east of the city.  
 

ASM EXPERIENCE

The ASM Experience is a fun attraction that is devoted entirely to the sport of rugby. There are over a dozen of different zones to explore that showcase the game in a highly interactive manner. 

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The best restaurants in Clermont-Ferrand