With so many beautiful French cities to visit, it’s easy to overlook Clermont-Ferrand in favor of Paris or Nice; however, you’d be missing out on one of the most picturesque cities in rural France.
History abounds here; Clermont-Ferrand is one of the oldest cities in the country. At its center sits the dark gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, or Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral. Renaissance mansions rub shoulders with 1960s apartments, creating a mishmash of architectural style that adds to the city’s charm.
Today, the city has a thriving university population. Come Saturday night, the streets are packed with young revelers and rugby fans watching the latest match (a two-time French champion team is based here).
Once the sun rises, you’ll see the forest-carpeted peaks of a dormant volcano range which surrounds Clermont-Ferrand, prime for hiking and cycling.
The easiest way to get to Clermont-Ferrand is by train with high-speed rail links available from Paris, Béziers, Lyon, Nîmes, and Toulouse.
Read on to discover why Clermont-Ferrand is the city you shouldn’t miss on your next French adventure with Trainline.
Image Credit: Getty Images, tolgaildun. Image Location: Clermont-Ferrand, France
Where is Clermont-Ferrand?
Clermont sits almost smack-dab in the middle of France, with Lyon to the east (71 miles) and Paris to the north (263 miles). As part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, it’s surrounded by dormant volcanoes known as the Chaîne des Puys, alongside lush valleys and natural hot springs.
What are the best things to do in Clermont-Ferrand?
You can’t miss the Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral (or Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption) with its jet-black facade that juts out above the city's terracotta rooftops. Inside, the nave is illuminated by 13th-century-stained glass windows. Listen out for the clock bell that chimes to this day.
Next up, visit the Musée d’Art Roger-Quilliot. This hidden gem of an art gallery looks fairly nondescript from the outside, but inside it’s packed with oil paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages to the modern day. It’s worth peeking inside to see the Guggenheim-esque spiral staircase, which is a spectacle in itself.
Film fans should try to time their trip with the Clermont-Ferrand Film Festival, which takes place every February. Famous directors and buyers for TV networks flock here to spot up-and-coming talent; many of the movies go on to be screened at Sundance and Tribeca Film Festivals.
Finally, a trip to Clermont-Ferrand wouldn’t be complete without exploring its mountainous surroundings. The cone-shaped Puy-de-Dôme is one of the most distinctive peaks and is visible from the city center. Climb aboard the cog railway or hike to the Chemin de Chèvres route (a 3-mile walk which takes around three hours). Panoramic views await you at the summit.
Image Credit: Getty Images, JackF. Image Location: Clermont-Ferrand, France
Which restaurants in Clermont-Ferrand are worth visiting?
For typical Auvergne dishes, book a table at Le Kitchen. This understated little bistro looks old-fashioned, but the food is tip-top and reasonably priced. Order the local delicacy truffade, which are slivers of potato deep-fried in goose fat and topped with layers of grilled tome fraîche cheese.
If you want to impress your other half, check out Restaurant Le 62. Creatively presented French dishes include langoustine tartare with foamy miso mayonnaise and quince tarte tatin with cognac and chestnut-infused cream. Ask for a table on the candlelit terrace.
Which accommodation in Clermont-Ferrand should I book?
Sandwiched between the Clermont-Ferrand train station and the city center you’ll find Hotel Littéraire Alexandre Vialatte, part of the Best Western Chain. Each room is themed around this Auvergne-born author. Book the Superior Double Room for a private balcony with postcard views of the Puy-de-Dôme.
Alternatively, Artyster Clermont-Ferrand has a younger feel. Think kaleidoscopic mural walls, foosball tables, and a resident DJ in the onsite bar. Choose from a paired-back single, double or twin room. Working remotely? Welcome perks include a co-working space and super-fast WiFi.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Gary Yeowell. Image Location: Paris, France
How do I get to Clermont-Ferrand from Paris by train?
Traveling from Paris to Clermont-Ferrand by train couldn’t be easier. Around 15 trains per day leave from one of three Parisian stations: Bercy Bourgogne-Pays, Austerlitz and Gare De Lyon.
Journey times start from 3h 26m, depending on which train you board. Direct trains are available, so bag yourself a ticket, sit back, and watch the bucolic French countryside slide past your window.
Book your train tickets with the Trainline app; it’s super easy and will show you the best deals and times available.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Gary Yeowell. Image Location: Clermont-Ferrand, France