Clermont-Ferrand

See

thumbnail|right|Vercingetorix the Gallic leader . Construction on the black Gothic cathedral started in 1248 and was not finished until 1902. Like most of the old buildings and churches in this region, it was built out of black volcanic rock, giving it a somber and ominous mood from the outside. It is open to the public and regular masses are performed there. Just south of the cathedral halfway across Place de la Victoire is a statue honoring Pope Urban II. The Place de la Victoire is where the annual Christmas Market is held. The Puy-de-Dôme, the dormant volcano overlooking the city. This is accessible by a bus (#40 stopping at, e.g., Jaude and train station), which runs in the summer and is not listed in the timetables. It goes to Panoramic de Dome, from where one can hike or take a train (~15 € return) to the summit. At the top, visitors can parasail, go hiking, or visit the cafe. La Fontaine d'Amboise, which was built in 1515. 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. Parc Montjuzet. 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. Le Musee Roger-Quilliot is an excellent art museum housing works of …

Do

Take a walk in the old streets around the cathedral in the old town area. You will find a lot of cute stores (antiques, clothes) good restaurants, and little parks to sit down and rest. Have a picnic or take a nap in Jardin Lecoq. The immense park in the center of town is open year round. A cafe and a merry-go-round are at its center, with paths, hills, trees, and flower gardens all around. Eat a baguette, kick a football, or catch some rays while enjoying this urban oasis. Hike le Puy-De-Dome Hike "Les Cotes" and enjoy the beautiful view of the city. Access it from Rue Valentin Vigneron at the north of the city. Take a ride around (hiking, biking) to see the lakes, volcanos, little roads and villages surrounding the area. Football: Clermont Foot (aka "Les Lanciers") were relegated in 2024 and now play soccer in Ligue 2, the second tier. Their home ground is Stade Gabriel Montpied (capacity 12,000) in Croix-de-Neyrat 5 km north of city centre. Rugby: ASM Clermont Auvergne play in Top 14, the top tier, at Stade Marcel Michelin (capacity 19,000) 1 km northeast of the centre. Watch a baseball game. Go to one of the various festivals: short film festival, jazz en tête. Have an Afterwork at the Coopérative de Mai.

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