Weekend Bliss: 3 Days in Clermont-Ferrand, France

Discover the captivating volcanic landscapes and vibrant local culture in Clermont-Ferrand.

22 April 2023

Clermont-Ferrand is a vibrant city in the Auvergne region of France. This city has a rich history and culture, as well as stunning natural beauty. Attractions include its iconic black volcano rock cathedral, delicious local cuisine, and nearby natural parks for outdoor adventures.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Discovering the Old Town

  • Stay at the cozy Les Laureades Hotel in the heart of the old town
  • Start your day with a coffee and a croissant at Café Marmite
  • Visit the majestic Gothic Cathedral Notre-Dame-du-Port
  • Stroll around the picturesque Place de Jaude and the Place de la Victoire
  • Don't miss the vibrant Saint-Pierre Market for some traditional Auvergne cheese
  • Stop for a delicious multi-course dinner at Le Bistrot Montferrat
Day 2

Exploring the Natural Wonders

  • Early check-out and head to Chaîne des Puys for a day of hiking
  • Take the scenic Route des Crêtes and enjoy the breathtaking panorama of the volcanoes
  • Hike up to the top of the Puy de Dôme for a striking view of the region
  • Have a picnic lunch on the top and try the famous Saint-Nectaire cheese
  • Visit the Volcano Lemptégy and explore the undergrounds of a lava flow
  • For dinner, head back to Clermont-Ferrand for a savory cassoulet at Le Bougnat Food
Day 3

Art and Culture

  • End your stay with a cultural tour of Clermont-Ferrand
  • Visit the contemporary art museum, FRAC Auvergne
  • Discover the history of Clermont-Ferrand with a guided tour of the 13th-century castle
  • Stop at the impressive Basilique Notre-Dame-du-Port for some spirituality
  • Visit the Musee Bargoin and learn about the history of textiles in the region
  • End the day with a fancy dinner at Un Parfum de Gourmandise, for some delightful French cuisine.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Clermont-Ferrand by plane is to fly to Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport or Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport. Airlines such as Air France, Ryanair, and easyJet operate flights to the city.

Car

The best way to get to Clermont-Ferrand by car is to take the A71 motorway from Paris or the A75 motorway from Montpellier. The journey takes around 4 and 2.5 hours respectively.

Train

Clermont-Ferrand has a train station called Gare de Clermont-Ferrand which is served by TGV, TER, and Intercités trains. The best way to get there by train is to take a TGV train from Paris or Lyon which takes around 3 hours.

Boat

There are no direct boat connections to Clermont-Ferrand as it is a landlocked city. The nearest major port is Marseille which is around 4 hours away by car.

Bus

The best way to get to Clermont-Ferrand by bus is to take a Flixbus from Paris which takes around 6 hours. There are also bus services from Lyon, Marseille and Toulouse.

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