Things To Do
in Clermont-Ferrand
Clermont-Ferrand is a historic city set on a volcanic plateau in central France, where black lava stone creates a striking urban landscape. It serves as the gateway to the Chaîne des Puys, a UNESCO-listed chain of volcanic hills that frames the city. The historic center around Place de Jaude blends medieval charm with a lively student vibe, thanks to the Université Clermont Auvergne.
A short journey from the city reveals dramatic natural scenery, including the Puy de Dôme and the volcanic lakes that define the Auvergne region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling fresh croissants and strong coffee. After fueling up, stroll through the cobblestone streets of the historic center, marveling at the stunning Gothic architecture of the Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral. Don’t forget to stop by the Place de Jaude, a vibrant square that serves as the heart of the city.
Explore the fascinating Musée Bargoin, where you can admire collections of archaeological artifacts and textiles from the region. Afterward, indulge in a traditional French lunch at a bistro, savoring regional specialties such as truffade or aligot. Spend the afternoon wandering through the charming streets, discovering local shops and artisanal boutiques.
As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant for dinner, where you can enjoy a glass of Auvergne wine paired with regional cheese. After dinner, take a scenic walk along the Allier River, soaking in the beautiful views of the illuminated city. End your evening with a visit to a nearby bar for a nightcap, enjoying the lively atmosphere and perhaps some live music.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast, then prepare for a hike up the Puy de Dôme, one of the most iconic volcanic hills in the region. Take the scenic train or hike the well-marked trails, where you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Along the way, learn about the geological history of the area from informative signs and guides.
Once at the summit, enjoy a packed lunch while taking in the stunning vistas, with the city of Clermont-Ferrand and the Chaîne des Puys stretching before you. After lunch, explore the visitor center to learn more about the volcanic activity that shaped this unique region. Consider taking a leisurely stroll along the paths at the top, capturing photos of the incredible scenery.
Descend the mountain and return to Clermont-Ferrand in the early evening. Treat yourself to dinner at a restaurant that specializes in local cuisine, perhaps trying a dish made with fresh ingredients from the Auvergne region. After your meal, enjoy a relaxing evening at your accommodation or explore the nightlife in the city’s vibrant areas.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-15 |
| 🚇One-way local transport ticket | $2.50-3.00 |
| 🏨3-star hotel per night | $90-140 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🍷Glass of wine (restaurant) | $5-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Iconic volcanic scenery just outside the city
- Strong regional cuisine and welcoming locals
- Excellent access to nature with good hiking options
- Compact city center that is easy to explore on foot
- Smaller nightlife scene compared to bigger cities
- Some tourist sites have seasonal hours
- Hills and cobblestones can be challenging for strollers and wheelchairs in parts
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good day
- "Bonsoir" - Good evening
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où sont les toilettes?" - Where are the toilets?
- "Combien ça coûte?" - How much does this cost?
Places to Visit in Clermont-Ferrand
Visit one of these nice places.
Central square with the imposing statue and the city’s curved architecture as a dramatic urban backdrop.
Gothic façade and ornate interior; ideal for dramatic light and long-shutter shots.
Romanesque architecture with intricate portal sculptures and cloister scenes.
Elevated vantage point over the city for sunset cityscapes and distant volcano silhouettes.
Historic lanes with half-timbered houses and charming stone textures.
Expansive views of the volcanic hills and pristine countryside; great for wide-angle shots.
Food in Clermont-Ferrand
Clermont-Ferrand Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy blend of mashed potatoes, Tomme d’Auvergne cheese, and garlic; served as a side or with sausages.
Must-Try!
Potatoes fried with cheese (often Cantal) and sometimes lardons; a warming staple on cool evenings.
Savory herb-and-meat loaf made with greens and prunes, baked and sliceable.
Small spiced meat parcels wrapped in veins of caul fat and braised until tender.
Iconic Auvergne cheeses frequently enjoyed with bread, charcuterie, and wine.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Indoor market near Place de Jaude offering fresh produce, cheeses, charcuterie, bread, and regional specialties.
Outdoor market with local farmers selling cheeses, meats, vegetables, pastries, and ready-to-eat foods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Say 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir' when entering shops or restaurants; a polite, friendly tone goes a long way.
Respect personal space and queue manners; avoid loud conversations in public transport and quiet zones.
Use cutlery properly, say 's'il vous plaît' and 'merci'; modest tipping is appreciated if service is not included.
Safety
Tipping in Clermont-Ferrand
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is often included as 'service compris' in larger restaurants; if not, a tip of 5-10% for good service is customary.
Credit/debit cards (contactless), mobile payments, and cash are widely accepted; ATMs are common in the city center.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with afternoon thunderstorms possible; hydrate, wear sunscreen, and plan outdoor hikes early in the day.
Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes; occasional rain; ideal for city walks and hilltop viewpoints.
Crisp air and colorful foliage in the Puys; layer clothing and be prepared for windy ridge tops.
Cold with potential snow in higher elevations; good for cozy dining and hillside winter scenery; skiing in Mont-Dore or Super-Besse nearby is popular.
Clermont-Ferrand at Night
Hiking in Clermont-Ferrand
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Iconic volcanic cone offering panoramic views of the Chaîne des Puys; accessible by hiking trails or the Panoramique des Dômes railway.
UNESCO-listed volcanic chain with multiple trails and scenic ridges; ideal for day hikes and photography.
Mountain scenery with options for hiking, waterfalls, and winter skiing; a short drive from Clermont-Ferrand.
Airports
How to reach Clermont-Ferrand by plane.
Located near Aulnat, about 10-15 minutes from the city center; serves domestic and select international routes; good for quick access to the region.
Major international hub about 2.5-3 hours by car or train; frequent connections to Europe and beyond.
Need about 3-4 hours by high-speed train from Clermont-Ferrand; useful for long-haul connections; frequent domestic to international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A sizable student population due to Université Clermont Auvergne and several engineering schools.
Many families live in the city and nearby suburbs, contributing to a family-friendly atmosphere.
A stable presence in residential neighborhoods with some retirees drawn to the region’s scenery and slower pace.
A mix of expatriates and international students attracted by universities and research institutions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Top-level rugby club with a strong local following and a storied history.
Local football club competing in national leagues with loyal fans.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Clermont-Ferrand.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for vegetable-forward dishes or sides (cheeses, legumes, seasonal vegetables). In Auvergne, many places can adapt dishes to be vegetarian; ask for 'plat végétarien' or 'sans viande' and confirm no meat stocks in broths.