Clermont-Ferrand

Clermont-Ferrand, France

A historical and cultural hub, Clermont-Ferrand houses architectural beauties and glorious cathedrals with a clear Gothic accent. Nestled at the foot of a chain of volcanoes, this ancient city is the capital of "Massif Central", the rural and mountainous Auvergne region. The city is the gateway to the Natural Volcano Park, which shifts from mountains to valleys, providing breathtaking views over unspoiled landscapes.

Population:

140,700

Currency:

Euro (EUR) €1 = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

Police: 17
Ambulance: 15/112
Fire Brigade: 18

Opening Hours:

Most shops are open Monday to Saturday from 8 or 9am to 7pm but smaller shops may be closed at lunch time, between 12 and 2pm. Stores are closed on Sunday and public holidays except for annual sales events.

Newspapers:

La Montagne
Le Monde (National)

The City

Clermont-Ferrand ranks among the oldest cities of France. Renowned for its thermal springs, it acquired great importance under the Roman emperors and became an Episcopal city ruled by its bishop in the Middle Ages. The counts of Auvergne decided to found the city of Montferrand just next to Clermont to counteract the power of the clergy. The two cities were eventually forced to join in 1630 by a royal edict.

Nowadays, the old city centres are still separated. The city has kept this unique historical identity embarking onto a huge transformation program that is aimed to shape its new image as a European metropolis.

Do & See

The city's major sights and historical beauties are connected by several walking paths that run through the two ancient town centres of Clermont and Montferrand. The whole area is home to architectural treasures, museums, castles and some of France’s richest Roman heritage.

The region where the city lies is a wonderful site for outdoor activities and adventures, providing travellers with some incomparable walking-trails that twist and turn around the imposing Puy De Dôme volcano.

Restaurants

The region’s abundant resources supply the finest ingredients, enriching the local cuisine with tons of flavours. The vast pastureland provides beef and lamb, as well as some of the best cheeses of the region. A regional ham, Jambon d’Auvergne, and various pork sausages are also available fresh from local farms, whereas rivers and lakes contribute to a diverse variety of seafood. Fine dining restaurants and laid-back bistros line up neatly down Clermont-Ferrand's downtown streets, making its centre a vibrant and lively hub to mix and mingle while sampling sophisticated Auvergnat flavours, a regional cuisine that caters to nearly all tastes.

Cafes

France's coffee culture has developed around a deep love towards a strong, full-flavoured coffee brewed "the Italian way". Clermont-Ferrand is dotted by quaint cafeterias, intimate spots to relax by enjoying a cafe au lait or a croissant. Strolling down the centre, you certainly won't find yourself short of options to satisfy your sweet tooth - French patisserie is renowned worldwide for its vast assortment of pies, crepes and colourful pastries and Clermont-Ferrand lives up to the reputation.