What to See in Clermont-Ferrand

Overview

Sites, Monuments, and Architectural Landmarks

Notre-Dame du Port Basilica
This is a collegiate church in the "Auvergne Romanesque" style, built in the 12th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de l'Assomption
This medieval Gothic cathedral is recognisable by its black colour, due to the Volvic stone used in its construction. Its stained glass and interior frescoes are remarkable, as are its two imposing spires built in the late 19th century, which can be seen from afar.

Montferrand
Once a rival city, Montferrand is now a district of the "united city" of Clermont-Ferrand. Its historic area still features beautiful townhouses and half-timbered houses.

Jaude Square
This is the main square in Clermont-Ferrand and the liveliest, with its outdoor terraces.

Old Clermont-Ferrand
This is the district around the cathedral, still home to some historic remnants.

Museums

The Michelin Adventure
The famous brand was born in Clermont and has its dedicated museum there. It features a 2,000 m² interactive scenographic journey exploring the history, present, and future of Michelin across all its sectors.

MARQ
Also known as the Roger Quilliot Museum of Art. The venue houses collections of paintings, sculptures, furniture, and art objects from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

Bargoin Museum
It houses numerous archaeological pieces discovered locally, as well as collections of non-European textile art through temporary exhibitions.

Henri Lecoq Museum
This is the city’s natural history museum, housed in a private mansion. It features collections on botany, geology, paleontology, zoology, and other subjects related to science and technology.

Parks and Gardens

Lecoq Garden
It is also known as the Clermont-Ferrand botanical garden. A beautiful landscaped space with a lake and a wide variety of tree and plant species.

Montjuzet Park
Covering 26 hectares overlooking the city, this is its largest urban park.

Nearby

Some interesting sites to see around Clermont-Ferrand:

Château de Chazeron, Puy-de-Dôme, France

Château de Chazeron
In Loubeyrat, a medieval château later expanded in the style of Versailles.

Murol Castle
These are the remains of an old fortified castle perched not far from Mont-Dore, facing the Sancy Massif.

La Sauvetat
South of Clermont-Ferrand, this village is made up of a medieval fortified complex.

Lake Guéry
This high-altitude lake (the highest in Auvergne) is renowned for fishing, even in winter through the ice that covers it. There are many other lakes nearby.

Massif des Monts Dore, Puy-de-Dôme, France

Monts Dore Massif
A charming volcanic massif with lakes and extinct volcanoes located in the Volcanoes of Auvergne Park. It’s a popular spot for hiking, skiing, or exploring the many thermal resorts in the area. It’s also home to Puy de Sancy, the highest peak in the Massif Central.

Montpeyroux
Just near Clermont, this small hilltop village dominated by its keep is listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France".

Parc naturel Livradois-Forez, Puy-de-Dôme, France

Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park
This park spanning two regions offers beautiful landscapes, including the Monts du Forez, as well as opportunities for hiking and skiing. It can also be partly explored via the Livradois-Forez tourist train.

Puy de Sancy
At 1,885 m, it is the highest peak in the Massif Central. You can hike in the surrounding area or ski at the Mont-Dore, Super-Besse, and Chastreix-Sancy resorts.

Vulcania
West of Clermont-Ferrand, in Saint-Ours, Vulcania is a mix of museum and theme park dedicated to volcanoes.