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Discover Clermont-Ferrand in 5 Days on a Budget

Discover the secrets of Clermont-Ferrand without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Clermont-Ferrand, located in the heart of France, offers a vibrant mix of culture, history, and scenic beauty. A budget trip to this city can be ideal for students or solo travelers, with affordable accommodation options and many free attractions such as the Gothic cathedral, Place de Jaude, and the Puy-de-Dôme volcano. Local markets serve up tasty regional cuisine that won't break the bank, making Clermont-Ferrand a great destination for anyone looking to experience France on a limited budget.

Travel plan

• Check into Hotel Ibis Budget Clermont-Ferrand Centre Montferrand, budget-friendly with great location.
• Visit the iconic Gothic-style Notre-Dame-du-Port Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Stroll around the Jardin Lecoq, 7 acres of romantic French gardens with a duck-filled pond.
• Check out the art-packed Centre d'Art Contemporain Project Room, housed in an old factory.
• Grab a crêpe and some hot tea from Les Potes en Ciel for a cozy evening treat.

• Head to the fascinating Musee d'Art Roger Quillot, showcasing sculptures, paintings, and artifacts from the Auvergne region.
• Walk up to the statue-topped Place de Jaude, featuring stunning public art and views of Puy-de-Dome.
• Tour the Gothic Cathedrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, one of the largest in France and offering great views of the city from its bell tower.
• Stop by the 13th-century Maison de Mandrin, the former home of France's Robin Hood, with interactive exhibits and shows.
• Have a cheesy gourmet pizza at La Raffinerie, a trendy spot with a cool ambiance.

• Take a 30-minute bus ride to Puy-de-Dome, a 1,465-meter mountain known for stunning vistas and hiking trails.
• Cable car up to the summit to explore the Temple of Mercury, Roman ruins, and a museum about the 2018 Tour de France.
• Wander around the quaint village of Charbonnières-les-Varennes, with its historic church and lovely vineyards.
• Go geocaching in the Châteaugay forest, a hidden adventure in the woods.
• Indulge in some hearty local cuisine at Le Cezallier, serving dishes like truffade, a cheesy potato dish.

• Get some retail therapy at the massive Carrefour and Auchan supermarkets, offering everything from fresh oysters to household appliances.
• Explore the quirky shops and boutiques along the Rue des Gras and Rue du Port, like the nostalgic toy store La La Land.
• Have a picnic in the Place Sugny, soaking up the local atmosphere and people-watching.
• Pamper yourself at the Aquatonic spa, with its heated pools, hydrotherapy jets, and relaxing saunas.
• Savor some sweet macarons and pastries at Les Jardins de la Duchesse, a delightful patisserie.

• Take a scenic drive to the nearby town of Volvic, known for its famed mineral water and glass factory.
• Tour the Maison de la Pierre, a museum about the local stone industry that helped build the region's cathedrals and bridges.
• Hike the Volvic Volcano Trail, a 2-hour loop showcasing the area's geology and fauna.
• Try the regional AOC Saint-Nectaire cheese at the cozy La Taverne de Maître Kanter restaurant.
• Soak up the last views of Clermont-Ferrand from the top of the Montjuzet park, a peaceful green spot.