When in Clermont-Ferrand, you can check out its famous museums and cathedral. You can also spend a day on the ski slopes or explore its quaint little streets. You might even find some great bargains! This central French city is full of history and a vibrant culture, so you’ll have no trouble finding fun things to do in Clermont-Ferrand France.
Puy-de-Dome Volcano
The Puy-de-Dome Volcane is a dormant volcano located 15 km from Clermont-Ferrand, France. It is part of the Chaine des Puys, a collection of 80 ancient volcanoes in the region. Standing at 1.465m, Puy de Dome is the highest of them all. The volcanic cone is the iconic image of the Auvergne department, and the Orcines municipality is home to the Puy-de-Dome.
The map shows the location of affleurements and the formation of Chemin de Ronde. The map also highlights buildings and paths, and the distance between contour lines is 5 meters. The tephra and the lava flows are classified as basaltic and trachyte. Interestingly, the tephra of Puy de Dome is a mixture of both.
Among the highlights of the area are the natural environments and the quaint towns and villages that dot the surrounding countryside. Visits to the Temple of Mercury and the Clermont Observatory of Terrestrial Physics are highly recommended. You can also take workshops at the observatory or take group tours to learn more about the earth’s climate. In addition to the natural surroundings, you can enjoy the towns and villages of Clermont-Ferrand, including the Mozac Abbey and Orcival.
L’Aventure Michelin
L’Aventure Michelin in Clersmont-Ferrand France is a museum that reveals the story of the Michelin Group. The museum covers two floors and features chronological and themed exhibitions. Highlights include a 1930s Micheline railcar, a Breguet plane, and a food court. There’s even a gift shop for all the Michelin enthusiasts.
The Michelin Adventure is a two-thousand square meter interactive museum that puts the visitor’s senses to the test. Highlights of the exhibition include an interactive exhibit where visitors can feel Michelin materials and have conversations with the Michelin family. The park is easily accessible from major roads and tramway stations. L’Aventure Michelin is a must see for anyone traveling to the area.
The museum also has a special focus on transport and technology. Visitors to Clermont-Ferrand should not miss the cathedral. Its spires are made of jet black igneous rock. The city is a young, university town that is home to many famous figures, including Blaise Pascal. Its museum, L’Aventure Michelin, was recently opened in Clermont-Ferrand, France.
Cathedrale Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption
The Cathedrale Notre-Dame-de-l-Assomption in Clermont, France, is a Gothic cathedral that stands on a central hill at the foot of ancient volcanoes. The cathedral’s construction dates from 1248 to 1884, and the overall style is quite coherent. It is considered a Gothic cathedral, though Neo-Gothic elements were added in the nineteenth century.
The cathedral features medieval glass in the sacristie and crypt. The stained-glass windows are one of the finest in France, and are comprised of four distinct ensembles. During the French Revolution, the cathedral was largely destroyed, but Dom Michel Francois Verdier-de-Latour persuaded the revolutionaries to spare the cathedral and its contents. Some of the surviving furnishings and glass, including the jube, were rescued and restored by an entrepreneur.
Jardin Lecoq
The Jardin Lecoq in Clermont Ferrand, France is a five-hectare public garden that is surrounded by the city’s university campus. It is located against the central plateau and is bounded by the boulevards Lafayette and Francois-Mitterrand. Near the rectorat, the garden is perfect for romantic walks or a picnic by the lake.
The city’s renaissance architecture is stunning. The city is home to the famous Fontaine d’Amboise, a historic fountain that was crafted between 1511 and 1515. It features gothic elements and renaissance sculptures. The fountain has a statue of a wild man holding his coat of arms. This park is an absolute must-see for any tourist to Clermont-Ferrand.
Basilique Notre-Dame-du-Port
Located in the city centre of Clermont-Ferrand, the basilique is part of the Port district. This is one of ten major Romanesque churches in the Auvergne region. These buildings are characterized by their consistency and rich ornamentation. Originally called Sainte-Marie Principale, the church has since been renamed Notre-Dame-du-Port, after the neighbourhood it is located in.
The basilica was once a collegiate church and served a community of canons until the French Revolution. The building was eventually abandoned and neglected. Its bells were even dismantled. However, a petition from residents of the town saved the basilica from destruction. It has been renovated several times in the past, most recently in the 21st century, as it has been designated a World Heritage Site.
Eglise Saint-Léger
The eglise Saint-Leger is a medieval church in the city of Clermont-Ferrand, located in the bourg of Royat. The structure was built on the site of a former monastery from the VIIe century. The church is made of mellow stone and has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1862. There have been several restorations and alterations carried out over the centuries.
The crypte of this cathedral is carved in a voute en berceau. The crypt is open to the transept and choeur. Its ogives and sculpted columns can be seen at the intersection of the transept and choeur. The crypt is the most interesting part of the church, as the sculpted columns and voute are remarkably beautiful.
Musée d’Art Roger Quilliot
Located in a former convent, the Musée d’Art Roger Quillaiot features art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. From medieval carvings to modern works, you’re sure to find a work of art that catches your eye. You can visit the museum during any season, and admission is free.
The Art Roger-Quilliot Museum in Clermont-Ferrand is one of the largest museums in the region. It features collections ranging from the Middle Ages to the XXe siècle, as well as sculptures and decorative arts. The museum also holds cultural events throughout the year, including children’s workshops, conferences, and temporary exhibitions.
This museum is located in an Ursuline convent, and takes design cues from New York’s Guggenheim. It features a white spiral staircase that connects the various centuries of European art. An annexe displays religious art relics from the 7th century. The museum is accessed by tram A from Place de Jaude, and is open daily. The art collection includes works by Pablo Picasso, Claude Gaillard, and other artists.
Panoramique des Domes
Since mid-2012, you can ride the 5.2 km-long rack railway to the top of the Puy de Dôme in France. The train will take you to the top of the Puy de Dôme, where you can admire its breathtaking view of the city and surrounding areas. Once you’re done, take in the breathtaking view of Clermont-Ferrand from the top.
If you love the views from the top of a mountain, you might want to go hiking. The Col de Ceyssat is located at 1078 metres. The walk will take about 50 minutes, but the views from the top will be worth it. In addition, you can also take a look at the 89-metre-high television relay antenna, which can be seen for miles around.