Se hva du kan gjøre og oppleve i Clermont-Ferrand

It took over 500 years, from the 13th century to the 19th century, to build this Cathedral with volcanic stones. Inside you can find unique stained-glass windows and wall paintings, and if you walk up the Bayette tower you will get the best panoramic view of the area.

A vibrant gathering point, Place de Jaude is set in the middle of the city. The square features an imposing statue of Vercingetorix, the Gaul hero who stopped Julius Caesar, sitting imperiously on a horse and holding a glaive, and is home to some of the most iconic monuments of Clermont-Ferrand, such as the Opera Theatre.

The second largest square of Clermont-Ferrand, just after the one of Jaude, Place de la Victoire is located in the heart of the historic centre of the city. Besides the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, it is surrounded by notable buildings, including the former home of the famous philosopher Blaise Pascal. In the centre stands the statue of Urban II, the pope at the origin of the First Crusade. Today, it is a dynamic gathering place thanks to its several bars and restaurants.

The basilica of Notre-Dame du Port is a 10th century religious edifice, elegantly constructed in a Romanesque style. The basilica is a UNESCO World Heritage site and it's ideally located in one of Clermont’s most picturesque areas.

Parc de Montjuzet is the largest park of Clermont-Ferrand, overlooking the city from the top of a hill, offering a privileged viewpoint and a stunning panorama of the city and its surroundings. Made up of Mediterranean and exotic gardens, it also houses many playgrounds, perfect for families who want to escape the bustle of the city centre and relax while enjoying a splendid view.

Just a few minutes walk away from Place de Jaude, Jardin Lecoq is an English-style picturesque garden that offers an idyllic escape from the bustle of the city centre and a perfect place for a romantic walk or a picnic by the lake.

Vulcania is a theme park and museum built to discover the fascinating world of volcanoes. With high tech and interactive activities, it is a perfect place for families and children to learn more about our planet Earth and to experience the thrill of the earthquake simulator.

Puy De Dôme, with its 1465 metre height, is the highest peak of the Natural Volcano Park and features an exceptional panorama and the famous ruins of the 1st and 2nd century Roman Temple of Mercury. Come and discover the jewel of the region, a real must for sports lovers.

Musée d'Art Roger Quilliot is one of the largest museums of Clermont-Ferrand and the entire region. You can find paintings from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, as well as sculptures and decorative art. Throughout the year, cultural events are organised such as children's workshops, conferences or temporary exhibitions.

Located in the heart of the city, Musée Bargoin is made up of two distinct exhibitions, one devoted to archeology and the other to textiles. The first presents an extensive collection of archaeological items from excavations carried out in the Clermont-Ferrand region. The second tells the story of world's textiles, from the 18th to the 21st century, and illustrates the passion of weavers, dressmakers and other cloth manufacturers.

The Natural History Museum of Clermont-Ferrand presents a fascinating collection centering around the natural heritage of the region. Named in tribute to the French botanist Henri Lecoq, this place is an opportunity to discover all kinds of animal and plant species on an exciting journey through the history of the city. Temporary exhibitions and workshops are also regularly organised.

Located just a few minutes by car or bus from Clermont-Ferrand city centre, Royatonic is an aquatic relaxation area with indoor and outdoor baths, saunas, steam rooms and jacuzzis, as well as a spa offering many treatments and massages. Young and old, everyone will find what they are looking for among the diversity of pools, calm or with swirls, and at different temperatures, for a genuinely relaxing moment.

Browse around the fascinating exhibition and enjoy the different interactive activities of the museum. Learn about the history of Michelin and listen to the catchy tour guide while looking at the vehicles and learning how they've developed.

Discover the history of the famous rugby club of Clermont-Ferrand, ASM Clermont Auvergne, several times the champion of France and Europe. This museum, the only theme park dedicated to rugby in Europe, offers a fun and interactive exhibition about the club and rugby in general. A guided tour of the Marcel Michelin stadium, the club's favorite venue, is also included.

The performance of the Orchestre d'Auvergne is always a breathtaking experience. If you are in Clermont-Ferrand, don't miss out on a chance to enjoy pleasant melodies masterly played by talented musicians.

Located on the dynamic Place de la Victoire, this rustic-style restaurant offers authentic Auvergnat specialities, like truffade and aligot, two rich dishes made of potatoes and cheese from the region. All the dishes and desserts are prepared with local ingredients of high quality and are made every day by passionate cooks.

Among the many restaurants on rue des Minimes, Lard et La Manière offers traditional French cuisine through a menu that changes with the seasons. In a vintage and elegant setting, enjoy delicious dishes made according to the chef's won design and accompany your meal with a glass of wine from their large selection.

This big medieval-style crêperie serves authentic French cuisine as well as regional dishes. But what makes this restaurant pleasant is its setting: a small passage leads to a gorgeous and open courtyard, where one can sit and enjoy delicious galettes or crêpes accompanied by a glass of cider.

In the heart of the historic city centre of Clermont-Ferrand, L’AOC is a restaurant that has gained great popularity among tourists and locals. The menu is simple but is composed of a variety of flavours that will please all tastes. All dishes are made with local and quality products.

La Table au Plafond offers a sophisticated, yet innovative menu. Modern interiors and impeccable service create the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a glass of wine accompanied by appetisers and sharing platters.

Le Puy de la Lune offers great regional specialities such as beef cheek and truffles, matching delicious food with a great selection of craft beers, cocktails and a lively atmosphere created by live music and weekly jazz concerts.

Just behind the cathedral of Clermont-Ferrand, this Italian restaurant has a warm atmosphere with brick walls and red velvet seating. You can find typical dishes of Italian cuisine such as ravioli, pasta or risottos with original and innovative flavours. Be guided by waiter advice and enjoy a glass of wine directly imported from Italy.

As the name suggests, Los Dos Hermanos is a traditional Spanish restaurant. Located in the city centre, it offers an ample assortment of Spanish tapas that range from croquetas to tortillas or Serrano ham to be accompanied by sangria and other drinks of the Spanish tradition.

Located in downtown Clermont-Ferrand, Le 24 has a vibrant atmosphere with its cosy and modern setting. The menu features authentic French cuisine, homemade dishes, but with original and inventive flavours that vary depending on the season.

This little chocolate shop and tea house is barely noticeable in the winding rue des Chaussetiers. From old-fashioned hot chocolate to pastries made daily, there is more than enough to satisfy your sweet tooth. Sit in the tiny main room or in the winter garden and enjoy a slice of homemade cake and tasty tea. Every Sunday, a brunch is served from 11:30am to 1:30pm.

For lunch or for a snack break, this café has something for everyone. Soups, sandwiches or salads - all the dishes are made with fresh, quality products. For dessert, you will be spoiled for choice with the large selection of pastries, which taste even better with a hot chocolate or a smoothie. A brunch is organised every first Sunday of the month, at the same time as the market on Place de Jaude.

This small café specializes in Latin American drinks and speciality dishes. For breakfast, lunch or a snack break, everything is made on-site and with fresh products. The simple but tasty dishes contain little fat; cakes and pastries change on a rotation basis. Relax in this cosy place and discover new flavours of coffee or tea.

The first cereal bar of Clermont-Ferrand, this small and colourful café offers a wide selection of cereals from around the world to be accompanied by different kinds of milks and toppings. For those who prefer something savoury, tasty bagels also feature on the menu. The owner of British origin also organises many events such as concerts or sessions to practice your English.

Choose from the 300 different kinds of teas or the 25 varieties of coffee that Café Thomas offers. Regional products such as jams and chocolates are also available in the shop. Ideally located in the district of Ballainvilliers, this place is perfect for a coffee break on the sunny terrace.

Les Goûters de Justine is a tea house that offers homemade cakes, made daily by the owner of the place, as well as delicious hot or cold drinks to match. Once you set foot in it, you will be thrown back in time to the 80s, when this café first opened, with its mismatched furniture and its ancient decor.

Les Augustes is an extremely charming café where coffee, baked goods and drinks can be enjoyed alongside books, papers, and magazines.

For all beer lovers, Les BerThoM is a must in Clermont-Ferrand. The brand has several establishments throughout France, each styled to like a village with cobbled streets and old houses. The menu includes beers from the region and beyond, draught or bottled, as well as new beers to discover every two weeks.

Au Fût et à mesure is a new beer bar concept: hopping over from table to table and serving your own beer with a prepaid card. The brand has bars in many cities throughout France, and it is a place to meet new people while discovering a multitude of beer flavors. In a pop-electro atmosphere, try several beers from the large selection of casks, with a plate of cheese or cold meats to go along.

At the corner of the rue des Petits Gras and rue des Chaussetiers, L'ostrog is a wine bar located in an old cellar. In the vaulted ceiling room with stone walls, choose from a wide selection of wines and enjoy an assortment of local cold meats and cheeses. The atmosphere is relaxed and the outside seating often fills up very quickly.

The Still is a well-established Irish pub in Clermont-Ferrand that frequently hosts live bands and traditional Irish music. This bar is also very popular for its wide selection of carefully selected beers, whiskeys and rums, to enjoy during a football match being broadcast or on a night out with friends.

Located on the vibrant Place de la Victoire, Café Pascal is both an Irish pub and a brasserie offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, always with homemade dishes. A wide variety of beers are served at the bar as well as many cocktails. Every day, afterworks and happy hours are also offered, and the bar is surely one of the best places in the city to watch a game of football or rugby.

Le Rimbaud is a bar and restaurant that offers mainly local and Breton beers. At night, it becomes a real party place when a young crowd gathers for the concerts that are frequently hosted. The eatery serves typical pub food, including some of the best burgers in town.

Located in the city centre and close to Place de Jaude, this nightclub has become a must of Clermont-Ferrand nightlife. The dance floor, one of the largest in the city, welcomes every weekend, and a mixed crowd comes to dance to current pop and electronic music. Events are regularly organised, especially on Thursday nights for student parties.

Le Baraka is a nightclub that also serves as a concert venue. On weekends, the music styles are very broad, from rock and hip-hop to electro. The small space makes the club a warm place where the party does not end until the early morning.

Every Friday and Saturday night, Café Del Sol is sold out. The two floors of the nightclub create different atmospheres, with mainly Latin music upstairs, and electro, house and hip-hop downstairs. Neither locals nor visitors leave the dance floor before dawn: the place does not close until 7am.

On the emblematic Place de Jaude, this shopping centre stands out with its modern architecture and offers a large number of national and international brands of clothing, interior design or electronic goods shops. In addition to its 130 boutiques in two buildings, there are also cafes, restaurants and cinemas, which all make the main square of the city a vibrant and busy place.

La Rue des Gras is one of the main pedestrian and shopping streets of Clermont-Ferrand's historic city centre. It goes up to Place de la Victoire and offers a splendid view over the Cathedral and the Puy de Dôme from the top. Lined with local shops, international brand stores and restaurants, it is one of the most popular meeting places in the city.

This small shop located in the charming rue des Gras specialises in regional products. You can find both sweet and savory specialities, as well as organic fruit and vegetables, food and bottled wine. Local farms and small producers supply the boutique, which is a sign of high quality.

This shop is packed with products from the Auvergne region. At Mefia te, which means "beware" in the regional dialect, you can find a large number of clothing items with zany inscriptions as well as accessories and a selection of regional products, perfect for a gift or as a souvenir of your stay in Auvergne.

A brand with a few boutiques across France, the Kilo Shop is a vintage second-hand shop with an original concept: choose your clothes or accessories, weigh them and pay for your items according to the weight displayed on the scale. Different ranges of prices per kilo are proposed, but all the clothes are unique and come from recycled second-hand clothes, for environmentally-friendly consumption.

Lego Store is a paradise for young and old. With countless of the famous bricks of all colours, there are thousands of possibilities to foster the creativity of all. Located in the Jaude shopping centre, the shop in Clermont-Ferrand showcases a large number of building sets about various themes.

This covered market houses shopkeepers selling fresh products, often from local farms and small producers. Butchers, fishmongers, cheese makers, caterers and greengrocers offer the chance to discover regional flavours. A brewery and a gourmet restaurant are also located in the market square.

Every Sunday morning the flea market of Clermont-Ferrand is held in the parking lot of Place Gambetta. Professionals and private sellers exhibit trinkets, antiques and other second-hand items. Each week, between 5,000 and 10,000 visitors come here to walk around or find a rare gem. There is also a food market right next to it, in the courtyard of the bus terminal.

When going to Clermont-Ferrand, the best time to visit is during the summer, between June and September. The hottest months are July and August, with temperatures reaching up to over 30°C. But because of its geographical location in the centre of France and in an old volcanic crater, there is often little wind and the air can therefore quickly become stifling. The lakes around the city, such as Lac Pavin and Lac Chambon, are a great area to get fresh air. If you prefer more moderate temperatures, April to June are ideal, even if the weather conditions may be changeable. In winter, temperatures can be very low, can even drop below 0°C, but the snowfall is perfect for a ski session at one of the resorts in nearby towns like Super Besse and MontDore. A nominee for the European Capital of Culture title in 2028, Clermont-Ferrand hosts many cultural events throughout the year. In February, the International Short Film Festival is held, which presents and rewards the works of filmmakers from around the world. In June, the Europavox music festival takes place with a programme made up of French and international artists. If you are a rugby fan, try to attend a match of the ASM team at Marcel Michelin Stadium for a unique experience.

France can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport (CFE) is located 6 kilometres east of Clermont-Ferrand. It has an ideal location at the intersection between the motorways A71/A75 and A72/A89. From the airport you can easily reach the city by car in about 10 minutes. You can also reach the city centre with the bus of the T2C network, line number 20. The bus stop is located only 3 minutes from the terminal building and the journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes. More information on: www.t2c.fr A train station is also located a few steps away from the terminal building and, with line 6 towards Saint-Etienne, it will take you to the city-centre in 10 minutes. More information on: www.ter-sncf.com Numerous taxi and car rental companies are also located at arrivals.

The city's public transport network, T2C, operates throughout Clermont-Ferrand and its surrounding area thanks to 25 bus lines and one tram line. You can buy a ticket directly on board or at the distributors available at each stop. The buses and the tram circulate between 5am and 12am, but the schedules vary by line. For more information, visit the T2C main office: 24 Boulevard Charles de Gaulle, Clermont-Ferrand www.t2c.fr +33 473 28 70 00

In Clermont - Ferrand you can easily hail a taxi on the street or book one by phone or on the Internet. There are many companies operating throughout the city. Allo Taxi Radio 59 Avenue de l'Union Soviétique, Clermont-Ferrand +33 4 73 19 53 53 Taxi 63 40 Rue Fontgieve, Clermont-Ferrand +33 4 73 31 53 15 www.taxi63.fr ABC TAXI Clermont-Ferrand 49 Chemin de Floréal, Clermont-Ferrand +33 6 08 32 70 41 www.abctaxi.fr

To send a mail in France or abroad, it is advisable to go to a post office, where you will also find postcards and stamps. Post offices feature a yellow and blue sign on the outside and are run by the French company La Poste. They generally open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 12:30pm and from 1:30pm to 6pm and on Saturday morning from 9am to 12pm. In the city centre you will find three of them: 22 Place de Jaude, Clermont-Ferrand 1 Rue Maurice Busset, Clermont-Ferrand 2 Place Gilbert Gaillard, Clermont-Ferrand

Several pharmacies are located in the city centre and can be easily recognized by the "Pharmacie" sign in green letters or by a green cross on the outside. They are usually open from Monday to Saturday from 8:30am to 7:30pm but some offer a 24-hour service including the pharmacy located on Place Delille, although prices are higher after 10pm. Pharmacie Ducher 1 Place Delille, Clermont-Ferrand +33 4 73 91 31 77 Pharmacie Lafayette du 11 Novembre 28 Avenue des États Unis, Clermont-Ferrand +33 4 73 37 58 01 Pharmacie Laporte Centre jaude, 18 Rue d'Allagnat, Clermont-Ferrand +33 4 73 29 42 60

Country code: +33 Area code: 04

230 volts, 50 Hz Type F plug