Discover Clermont-Ferrand: A Day Trip Guide
Discover the charm of Clermont-Ferrand without breaking the bank.
21 June 2023
Raymonde Gagnon
France Travel Writer
Clermont-Ferrand is a charming city located in central France, known for its volcanic landscapes, historic architecture, and vibrant culture. A trip on a limited budget can still be highly enjoyable, with plenty of affordable accommodation options, inexpensive dining options that highlight local cuisine, and free or low-cost activities like hiking, visiting museums and churches, and exploring the city's many parks. Visitors can also take advantage of the city's excellent public transportation system to access neighboring towns and cities.
Day trip plan
Getting latest place information
- Start the day with breakfast at La Fabrique, known for their artisanal breads and pastries.
- Visit the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, a gothic masterpiece with stunning stained-glass windows.
- Check out the Musée Bargoin, which showcases regional art and history.
- For lunch, head to the historic Charcuterie Saint-Pierre, serving up local specialties like Auvergne ham and sausages.
- Spend the afternoon exploring the Grotte de la Pierre de Volvic, an underground cave system created by volcanic activity.
- End the night with dinner at Le Saint Amable, a cozy restaurant with a menu featuring local ingredients like Puy lentils and Saint-Nectaire cheese.
Length of stay
Type of trip
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.
