When you look up at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, you'll see its dark volcanic stone that makes it unique in France. Wondering what to do in Clermont-Ferrand? The city blends a remarkable medieval heritage, the industrial history of Michelin, and volcanoes just a stone's throw away. Its pedestrian streets, lively squares, and parks offer an atmosphere that is both calm and vibrant—perfect for your getaway.
- Best time
- Spring and fall for mild temperatures; summer for the outdoor patios and swimming at Lake Aydat; winter for the Short Film Festival and the Christmas vibe.
- Where to stay
- The historic center of Clermont, within walking distance of all sites
- Perfect for
- Families, history buffs, hikers, food lovers
- Don't miss
- The lava stone cathedral and the panorama from the summit of the Puy-de-Dôme
My Tips for Enjoying Clermont
Here are three tips I always give visitors, based on my own experience here.
Get Lost in the Medieval Alleys
The historic center is very easy to visit on foot. Stroll around the cathedral and the basilica, and you'll stumble upon Renaissance private mansions with carved staircases. The Tourist Office offers city walking tours you can download.
Source · Local tip
Take the Bus to the Volcano
From the center, take line B to Europe, then line P36 to the Panoramique des Dômes station. Expect a 40 to 55-minute trip. The rack railway gets you to the summit in just 15 minutes. No car needed.
Source · Tourist Office
Picnic with a View of the Volcanoes
Parc Montjuzet, with its 64 acres on a volcanic hill, offers a magnificent panorama of the city and the volcanoes. It's the perfect spot for a picnic break, especially for families thanks to the playgrounds.
Source · Regular's advice
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption
The Gothic cathedral, built entirely of volcanic stone, has dominated the historic center since the 13th century.
- Largest lava stone religious building in France
- Gothic style with a stone-lace facade
- Construction began in 1248, the first major project using Volvic stone
- West facade and renovations by Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption is the largest religious building built of lava stone in France. Its dark volcanic stone gives it a unique appearance. Construction began in 1248. It is the first example of a major architectural project using Volvic stone. In the 19th century, Viollet-le-Duc supervised the large west facade and renovations. The intricate Gothic details impress as soon as you look up.
First Major Project in Volvic Stone
The cathedral was started in 1248. It is built entirely of lava, a volcanic stone that gives the building its dark color.
Look for Viollet-le-Duc's Facade
The large west facade dates from the 19th century. It was created under the direction of Viollet-le-Duc, as part of the renovations.
Come early in the morning, before the crowds, to see the light play on the dark stone.
To be at the heart of the action, choose an accommodation in the historic center, just steps from the cathedral.
Hotel Clermont Estaing
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- Facilities for disabled guests
- 24-hour front desk
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Very Good Breakfast
Campanile Nature - Clermont Ferrand Le Brezet
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking rooms
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Wonderful Breakfast
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Basilica of Notre-Dame du Port
One of the most famous churches of Auvergnat Romanesque art, built in the 12th century using pale arkose stone.
- Masterpiece of Auvergnat Romanesque art
- Built in arkose, a pale stone that contrasts with the lava
- Don't miss the carved capitals and tympanum
- Black Madonna preserved in the crypt
The Basilica of Notre-Dame du Port is one of the most well-known churches of Auvergnat Romanesque art. It was built in the 12th century in arkose, a pale stone that contrasts with the dark lava tones of other monuments. 'Port' is the name of the district, from the Latin 'portus', meaning 'warehouse', as it was an important transit point in the Middle Ages. Don't miss its treasures: the carved capitals and tympanum, as well as the Black Madonna in its crypt.
A Unique Pale Stone in Clermont
Unlike the dark lava cathedral, the basilica is built of arkose, a pale stone typical of the region.
Look for the Black Madonna in the Crypt
In the crypt, you'll find a Black Madonna, a very ancient object of devotion that is worth the detour.
Walk around the apse to admire the Romanesque sculptures in the open air.
The Port district is calm and central, ideal for exploring the city.
Oceania Clermont Ferrand
- Private Parking
- Spa and wellness center
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Restaurant
- Fitness center
- Non-smoking rooms
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Bar
- Very Good Breakfast
Hotel Litteraire Alexandre Vialatte, BW Signature Collection
- Private Parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- Facilities for disabled guests
- 24-hour front desk
- Room service
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Wonderful Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
L'Aventure Michelin
A 21,500 sq ft exhibition space in the city center to dive into the history of the famous brand with Bibendum (the Michelin Man).
- Large 21,500 sq ft exhibition space in the city center
- Fun, interactive approach for the whole family
- From the first tire invented by the Michelin brothers to the latest innovations
- Includes Michelin's impact on the city
L'Aventure Michelin is the company's museum. It's a massive 21,500 sq ft exhibition space in the city center. The approach is playful and suitable for the whole family. The journey begins with the first tire invented by the Michelin brothers and ends with the international firm's latest technical innovations. The museum traces over a century of innovation, industrial epics, and the birth of Bibendum.
Essential for Understanding the City
The Michelin factories contributed significantly to Clermont-Ferrand's fame. This museum explains that history in a fun way.
On-site Rates and Hours
Check the reception for opening hours. The ClermontPass (€5) offers discounts on admission.
Plan at least two hours to enjoy all the interactive displays.
The museum is located in the city center, easily accessible on foot from most accommodations.
Novotel Clermont-Ferrand
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Restaurant
- Fitness center
- Non-smoking rooms
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Excellent Breakfast
The Originals City Hotel Artyster Clermont Ferrand
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking rooms
- 24-hour front desk
- Bar
- Good Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Lecoq Garden
The green lungs of the city center, designed at the end of the 19th century by Professor Henri Lecoq.
- 12 acres in the heart of the city
- Rose garden, lawns, a pond, and a playground
- Designed under the guidance of Henri Lecoq, professor of mineralogy and botany
- Next to the Henri Lecoq Museum (650,000 items)
Lecoq Garden is the city center's green oasis. It was landscaped at the end of the 19th century under the direction of Henri Lecoq, a professor of mineralogy and botany. Come take a break in its rose garden, on its lawns, near its pond, or at the playground: 12 acres await you. Next to the garden, the Henri Lecoq Museum houses 650,000 objects and specimens in the fields of botany, geology, mineralogy, paleontology, zoology, and the history of science.
The Green Heart of Downtown
Lecoq Garden spans 12 acres. It's perfect for a shaded break after visiting the historic center.
Enjoy the Museum Right Next Door
The Henri Lecoq Museum, located right next to the garden, exhibits 650,000 objects. It's a great complementary cultural outing.
Take a book and sit by the pond for a real break.
The neighborhood around the garden is residential and quiet, while still being close to shops.
The Originals Boutique, Hotel Le Marmotel, Clermont-Ferrand
- Private Parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Restaurant
- Fitness center
- Non-smoking rooms
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Very Good Breakfast
Ibis Clermont-Ferrand Centre Stade
- Private Parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- Facilities for disabled guests
- 24-hour front desk
- Bar
- Good Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Place de Jaude
The beating heart of Clermont-Ferrand, featuring Bartholdi's equestrian statue of Vercingetorix and a view of the Puy-de-Dôme.
- Equestrian statue of Vercingetorix by Auguste Bartholdi
- Department stores, outdoor patios, and a lively atmosphere
- Spectacular view of the Puy-de-Dôme as a backdrop
- Ferris wheel set up during the holiday season
The true beating heart of the city, Place de Jaude concentrates all the urban excitement. In its center stands the majestic equestrian statue of Vercingetorix, a work by Auguste Bartholdi. From the esplanade, your gaze is drawn toward the upper city, offering a spectacular view of the Puy de Dôme. The square is also the ideal starting point for a shopping session or a coffee break on a patio. During the end-of-year holidays, a Ferris wheel is installed so you can see the city from above.
A Landmark in the City
The statue of Vercingetorix by Bartholdi is the symbol of the square. Enjoy the view of the Puy-de-Dôme from the esplanade.
Visit in the Late Afternoon for the Vibe
The patios are very lively as soon as the sunny days arrive. It's the best time for a break.
On Christmas Eve, the Ferris wheel lights up the square—it's a magical moment.
Staying near Place de Jaude puts everything at your fingertips: shops, restaurants, and transportation.
Hotel Ibis Styles Clermont-Ferrand Gare
- Private Parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- 24-hour front desk
- Room service
- Bar
- Very Good Breakfast
Mercure Clermont Ferrand Centre Jaude
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- Facilities for disabled guests
- 24-hour front desk
- Room service
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Excellent Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Summit of the Puy-de-Dôme
The highest point of the Chaîne des Puys, at 4,806 feet, with a breathtaking view of the volcanoes and Clermont.
- Highest point of the Chaîne des Puys (4,806 ft)
- Panoramique des Dômes train: a 15-minute rack railway ascent
- Chemin des Muletiers for hiking up
- UNESCO World Heritage site with the Limagne Fault
From Clermont's city center, you can reach the foot of the Puy-de-Dôme volcano in 15 minutes by car (a 'Grand Site de France'). In summer, a shuttle allows you to make this trip without a car. It is the highest point of the Chaîne des Puys and a landmark for everyone in the region. From the top (4,806 feet altitude), the view is breathtaking: you can see the Clermont-Ferrand metropolitan area and all the surrounding volcanoes. Two options to go up: take one of the hiking trails (Chemin des Muletiers) or ride the Panoramique des Dômes, a rack railway that gently climbs the 1,600-foot elevation gain. The Chaîne des Puys and the Limagne Fault are UNESCO World Heritage sites. 80 dormant volcanoes make up this unique landscape.
Bus Access from the Center
From the train station, take line B to the Europe stop, then line P36 to the Panoramique des Dômes station. Expect a 40 to 55-minute trip. The rack railway does the rest in 15 minutes.
A UNESCO-Listed Site
The Chaîne des Puys and the Limagne Fault are UNESCO World Heritage sites. 80 dormant volcanoes form this exceptional landscape.
Panoramic Train and Shuttles
The Panoramique des Dômes operates seasonally. In summer, shuttles connect Clermont to the foot of the volcano. Check the Tourist Office for schedules.
If you're feeling athletic, hike up via the Chemin des Muletiers—the view at the top is the reward.
For an immersive experience, stay in the villages at the foot of the volcano, a 15-minute drive from Clermont.
Kyriad Eco - Clermont Ferrand Estaing
- Parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- Facilities for disabled guests
- 24-hour front desk
- Very Good Breakfast
Hotel Les Commercants
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Bar
- Excellent Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
What is the best time to visit Clermont-Ferrand?
Spring and fall offer mild temperatures for sightseeing and hiking. Summer is lively with outdoor patios and swimming at Lake Aydat. In winter, the International Short Film Festival in February brings the city to life.
How much time should I plan for the summit of the Puy-de-Dôme?
Plan for half a day: the bus trip from the center takes 40 to 55 minutes, followed by a 15-minute rack railway ride. You can also hike up via the Chemin des Muletiers (about 1.5 hours). Leave enough time to enjoy the view.
Where can I taste Auvergne cuisine?
Around Place de la Victoire and the Saint-Pierre district, bistros serve truffade, aligot, and AOP cheeses (Saint-Nectaire, Bleu d'Auvergne). Also, stop by Halles Saint-Pierre for local products.
What is there to do in Clermont-Ferrand with a family?
L'Aventure Michelin offers a fun tour suitable for kids. Lecoq Garden with its playground and the summit of the Puy-de-Dôme by panoramic train are also perfect for a family outing.
How do I get to the Puy-de-Dôme without a car?
From the train station, take tram line B to the Europe stop, then bus line P36 to the Panoramique des Dômes station. Expect a 40 to 55-minute trip.
