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Prefecture and commune in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
Photo: Another one of my pictures: This photograph was taken by Medium69 (William Crochot) and released under the license stated below. You are free to use it for any , CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Clermont-Ferrand is a city in central France, the capital of the Auvergne region. Population 140,000.
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The city centre, housing many cafés, stores, restaurants, and a shopping mall. People gather here to watch important sporting matches which are shown on giant screens, as well as to celebrate festivals. Its centerpiece is the large bronze statue of Vercingetorix, the Gallic leader, and Julius Caesar's opponent, during the Gallic Wars, 2,000 years ago. He led a stunning victory at Gergovie (6 km south of town, the ruins and archaeological digs atop the battle field plateau are also worth a visit) which was Caesar's lone defeat during this campaign. Vercingetorix is also immortalized in bronze tiles strewn about the streets along with Clermont-Ferrand's other two famous sons: Pope Urban II who launched the first crusade, and famed mathematician Blaise Pascal.
European Volcanic Park
Volcanic-based theme park which lets you discover the landscapes, geology and legends of the Auvergne and beyond, across 3D films and interactive activities.
Notre-Dame-du-Port is a Romanesque basilica constructed in the 11th and 12th century out of yellow sandstone. It's known for its detailed capitals, which are at the top of the pillars inside.
La Fontaine d'Amboise, which was built in 1515.
This park over the town offers a great view for visitors who can't make it to the top of the Puy-de-Dome. Located on the North end of town, it's a five minute hike up offering fantastic views of the valley and the surrounding bluffs and plateaus which encircle Clermont-Ferrand.
French cuisine
Moroccan
This café next to the cathedral has an international feel. It is lively at night.
This bar has an apartment theme and guests can choose to sit in the bedroom, living room, or bathroom.
International students, particularly anglophones, like to congregate here.
This bar is next to the court hall, this is the best place to enjoy good beer on a sunny terrace!
bar, restaurant, snack, ice cream
Concerts. Happy hours. Beers, cider and other specialities from Brittany.
Great salad/pasta bar. Very friendly owners. Very good bargain. Try the homemade yogurt, it's to die for!
Hostel
By bus
Clermont-Ferrand also has a bus station.
By car
Clermont-Ferrand is also at the intersection of the A71 from Orléans and the North, the A75 from the South and Béziers, and the east-west A89 from Bordeaux to Lyon.
By plane
On foot
Like most European cities, Clermont-Ferrand is very walkable. Any destination or need is within a 30 minute walk. Use your legs to explore the hills and alleys and the neighborhood shops they contain.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Clermont-Ferrand · International · CFE
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