Hotels in Arrondissement de Clermont-Ferrand

The city of Clermont-Ferrand is one of the best-kept secrets of the Auvergne region of France. It is one of the country’s oldest cities, having been around since the 2nd century AD. It is its long existence that gives the city its rich history and culture. This great university city has a lot to offer every traveller. Boasting a panoramic skyline that is dotted by volcanoes, Clermont-Ferrand is truly worth visiting.

How to Get There

Getting to Clermont-Ferrand is convenient since it has its airport Located seven kilometres away from the centre is the Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport (CFE), which services several carriers like Air France.

A train station is available outside the airport that would take you to the centre in no time. Meanwhile, you can also take a bus and it will drop you off at different stops within the city.

In case you are coming from another city in France, trains come to and from Paris every day. Travel time is about three and a half hours. In the case you are coming from within the Auvergne region, a ticket called Forfait Vacances will provide you with unlimited travel.

Getting Around

Once you are in the city, it is easy to get around. Through the Fleur de Lave tram, you can get to different historical monuments and tourist sites such as the Marcel Michelin Sports Centre and the Cézeaux University Centre. The bus network is also very accessible. It is organized into two parts — North-South and East-West. The bus services the entire metropolitan area of Clermont-Ferrand. Bike rentals are also available throughout the city, and bike parks are easy to see too.

Top Things to Do

Despite being a compact destination, the city of Clermont-Ferrand has a lot to offer every kind of tourist. A stroll around the city centre is accompanied by views of the different volcanic peaks. If you are up for an adventure, the highest point of Chaîne des Puys called Puy de Dôme is a must-see. Standing at 4,806 feet, tourists often go here to get an unparalleled view of the city. Options to go here are available such as hiking, driving, and taking the scenic route via the train. People often enjoy a nice dinner overlooking the volcanoes or they choose to explore the Temple of Mercury that was built during the Roman period. If you are daring enough, join the paragliders that take off from the point too.

For a quieter stroll in the city, a trip to Jardin Lecoq is a great option. The 5-hectare garden is an impressive site for wildlife and flora. You will find exotic plants, flowerbeds, and sculptures displayed around the area. It is the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful afternoon in the city. Spas are also widespread in Clermont-Ferrand because of its naturally rich soil. People have developed saunas, massage jets, and bubbling massage beds that make use of this natural resource. On the other hand, Royatonic Spa lets you enjoy a range of body and face treatments, wellness massages, and hydro massage beds. If you are with a group, a royatonic bath is an indoor and outdoor jacuzzi that has hydromassage nozzles and bubble baths.

Sightseeing and museums would not disappoint you in Clermont-Ferrand. For every traveler, the first stop should be the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption. People will immediately see the looming structure heading into the city. The cathedral is made entirely of black lava stone and its spires stand at 108-meters. It is the iconic building of Clermont-Ferrand and going up the tower of Bayette gives an overlooking view of the city.

Basilique Notre-Dame-du-Port, on the other hand, is less imposing. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this Romanesque church dates back longer than the cathedral. Apart from its carved interiors, it is also known for its black Madonna and subterranean crypt.

Museums are also abundant in the city with the likes of the Musee d’Art Roger Quillot around. It is an expansive gallery that houses art from the Middle Ages to the present day. Musée Bargoin is also another worthy visit because textile art is exhibited here. There are carpets, clothing, and furniture made from different parts of the world. Archaeological artifacts are also found here that dates back to prehistory. For car fanatics, Michelin is headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand. They have a museum called L’Aventure Michelin that tracks the history of the company’s innovations for the past century.

What to Eat

Food is a big deal in the city of Clermont-Ferrand especially cheese. It is why one of their famous restaurants incorporate it in their specialty burgers. In Bougnat Burger, you will find the likes of St-Nectaire and Bleu d’Auvergne and it towers over plates of fries and salads.

Le Sisisi is also one of the most popular destinations that locals also love. What sets this restaurant apart from the others is its excellent mix of savory and sweet dishes. An example would be their spiced honey duck breast and vanilla potatoes. Avenue is an adventure since their menu is constantly changing depending on what is in season.

Where to Stay

Catering to all types of visitors, finding a place to stay in Clermont-Ferrand is fairly easy. For those after a more scenic and restful stay, there are options located near the foot of the Puy de Dôme. This would offer a good view of the regional park and it is easily accessible for hiking, skiing, and biking. In the centre, you will easily find hotels that are a lot more fashionable. Most of them are in chic hotels that are mostly adorned with designer brands. Staying here would also bring you close to restaurants, cafes, and shops.

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