Clermont-Ferrand - capital of the Auvergne

Clermont-Ferrand – gateway to central southern France

Built with distinctive black Volvic stone, the cathedral towers over old Clermont

A short history of Clermont-Ferrand

The origins of Clermont-Ferrand go back to antiquity, when the Gauls founded a settlement known as Nemossos at the edge of a fertile plain, today called La Limagne. Under Roman rule, Nemossos became known as Augustonemetum, and developed as an important administrative and religious centre in central Gaul. There are the remains of a Roman temple of Mercury on the top of the Puy de Dome mountain.

In the Middle Ages, the city existed as two neighbouring towns: episcopal Clermont, and nearby Montferrand, founded by the counts of Auvergne. The two towns were formally united in the 17th century.

From the late 19th century onwards, Clermont-Ferrand became a major industrial centre, closely associated with the Michelin tyre company, which  shaped the city’s modern economy and international profile.

Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral

Sites and monuments in Clermont-Ferrand

Historic railcar in the Michelin Adventure museum

• Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Cathedral – Gothic cathedral built of black volcanic stone.
• Basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Port – 12th century Romanesque basilica and UNESCO World Heritage site, in the Auvergnat style.
• Montferrand – Preserved medieval quarter.
• Musée d’Art Roger-Quilliot – Fine and decorative arts museum, located in Montferrand.
• The Michelin Adventure - between Clermont and Montferrand, interactive industrial museum.

In the area of Clermont-Ferrand

The Puy de Dôme volcano, accesible by rack-and-pinion tramway

• Puy de Dôme (15 km) Visitors can ride to the summit by modern rack and pinion railway.
• Chaîne des Puys – A UNESCO-listed volcanic chain, to the west of the city, with hiking trails.
• Vulcania – Volcanic theme park - fun and educational. Booking recommended.
• Orcival – Another UNESCO listed Auvergnat Romanesque church
• Issoire – Historic town to the south of Clermont-Ferrand, with decorated Romanesque church.
• Riom – just north of Clermont-Ferrand, small town with a historic centre.
• Saint-Nectaire - Another UNESCO listed Auvergnat Romanesque church, but also petrifying springs, and home of  an internationally renowned cheese.
• Thiers – to the east of Clermont Ferrand, this hilll town is the historic capital of knife-making in France
• Vichy: genteel spa town on the river Allier, with art-nouveau buildings and attractive parks
• Volvic and Chatel-Guyon: thermal towns in the Chaine des Puys, famous for their spring water

Clermont-Ferrand is a starting point for exploring the natural landscapes, Romanesque art and outdoor activities of the Auvergne region.