At the foot of the Puy de Dôme and just a stone's throw from the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park, Clermont-Ferrand is strategically located in the heart of France. Although the city is mainly associated with volcanoes and the Michelin company, it also boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. From medieval alleyways to the peaks of the Puys mountain range, discover the city of Clermont-Ferrand on one of the city's audio-guided tours!
Born in the 17th century from the union of two rival cities, Clermont and Montferrand, the capital of Auvergne has had an eventful history. Looted several times, besieged, shaken by an earthquake and marked by numerous revolts, Clermont-Ferrand has managed to rebuild itself and has found a new lease of life, thanks in particular to industry. Today, Clermont-Ferrand is one of France's ten most attractive cities, and has become one of France's leading university centres, attracting almost forty thousand students a year.
Land of history
Built in part from Volvic stone, a light grey to black andesite, the city of Clermont-Ferrand boasts some surprising architecture. The most striking example of the use of this volcanic rock is Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption cathedral, built in the 13th century. Perched at the top of the hill in the historic centre, the building is a masterpiece of Gothic art and a must-see in the city of Auvergne. Just a stone's throw from the cathedral is the no less remarkable Notre-Dame-du-Port basilica, the starting point for one of the pilgrim routes to Santiago de Compostela. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As you explore the town squares, your steps will lead you to the Place de Jaude, the largest and best-known square in Clermont-Ferrand. A place of passage and trade in Roman times, then a vast marshland in the Middle Ages, the Place de Jaude is now the epicentre of the town and a favourite meeting place for its inhabitants. Surrounded by monuments such as the opera-theatre and the church of Saint-Pierre-des-Minimes, it is dominated by the emblematic statue of Vercingétorix, which stands opposite that of General Desaix.
Your walk will also take you a little way from the city centre, to the medieval quarter of Montferrand, one of the oldest in France. Its narrow streets are dotted with splendid town houses, such as the Hôtel Fontfreyde, which bear witness to the town's rich historical and architectural heritage. For the record, it was in this medieval town that the famous mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal was born in 1623.
Land of volcanoes
A must-see in the Auvergne region, the volcanoes of the Puys chain are just a few kilometres from Clermont-Ferrand and tower over the town. The most famous of these is of course the Puy de Dôme, which rises to an altitude of 1,465 metres. To reach the summit, the most courageous can take the Chemin des Muletiers for a 6-kilometre hike. For the others, a small electric cogwheel train makes the journey in 15 minutes. Whichever option you choose, a breathtaking 360° panoramic view awaits you on arrival!
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the same way as the Chaîne des Puys, the Limagne fault marks the separation between the Dômes plateau and the Limagne plain. A tectonic hot spot, the Chaîne des Puys - L'Image fault is an exceptional geological site, not only for its volcanoes, but also for its rich biological diversity.
For a more in-depth, fun-filled discovery of volcanism, Vulcania offers experiences that are as entertaining as they are spectacular. The only volcano-themed park of its kind in Europe, Vulcania opened in 2002 on the initiative of former French President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing.
Land of passions
As well as its volcanoes, the town of Clermont-Ferrand is also renowned for its rugby club. Founded in 1911, ASM Clermont Auvergne, formerly Association Sportive Montferrandaise, currently plays in the Top 14. The club is based at the Marcel-Michelin sports park, named after its founder and manager of the Michelin tyre group, who was deported during the Second World War. For fans of the oval ball, the stadium is home to the ASM Experience, an interactive museum dedicated to rugby and the life of the club.
Directly opposite the stadium is the Aventure Michelin, a 2,000 m² scenographic tour retracing the history of the tyre giant that made such a major contribution to the city's development. Founded in 1889 by brothers André and Edouard Michelin, the company is the source of many innovations and has built up a worldwide network. Represented by its famous Michelin Man, Michelin has diversified and also offers tourist, gastronomic and hotel guides (Guide vert, Guide Michelin, etc.) as well as road maps and atlases.
Run, walk or cycle with JOOKS, from Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption cathedral to Place de Jaude!
Find all the routes in Clermont-Ferrand and over 1400 others on the JOOKS application.
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