Attractions in France: Clermont-Ferrand

The ancient French city of Clermont-Ferrand is interesting in many respects. Its location, history and attractions attract tourists from all over the world. If you want to know more about this wonderful place, then please read our article.

Historical reference

Clermont-Ferrand is now the capital of the French region Auvergne. The city is located on the slopes of an extinct volcano at an altitude of 400 meters above sea level.

The double name of this place hints at its unusual origin. The fact is that up to the 17th century there were two warring cities here. The ancient Clermont was once the abode of powerful bishops, who had great influence throughout the region. And the Monferrans were owned by the Auvergne Counts, which for a long time opposed the church authorities.

It is not known how this confrontation could end, but fortunately, the decree of King Louis XIII forced rivals to unite, and since then a new unusual city appeared on the map of the country.

Modernity

The capital of Auvergne has become famous all over the world not only for its rich history of interesting facts. Residents are proud of the fact that it was here that the famous Michelin tires appeared and the most famous way of evaluating restaurants "Red Guide" was invented.

Also the city is known in narrow circles thanks to the festival of short films regularly held in it.

Clermont-Ferrand: attractions

If you want to see the oldest part of the city, then you should explore the place between Place Delille and Place de Jaude. Do not forget to glance at Victory Square, and then you will see the Gothic Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady.

This grandiose structure was built in the 13th century from black volcanic stone, and inside it there are unique stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the Bible and sketches from medieval life. Nearby is the Basilica of Notre-Dame du Port, built in the 11th century. In comparison with the cathedral, it looks quite ascetic, but it is one of the best buildings of the Romanesque period.

History lovers we recommend to visit the Central Tourist Bureau, which is located near the Cathedral, and purchase for ten euros a single ticket for a one-time visit to all the museums of the city.

Entertainment

Most tourists prefer to spend their free time in local cafes or walking along the streets of the city. Also a mandatory item is shopping in local stores. Lovers of active lifestyles can rent bicycles and explore specially equipped routes.

Do not forget to visit another natural landmark - Mountain House. It is best to go there in the morning or in the evening. In this case you can enjoy magnificent views without encountering crowds of strolling tourists. During this useful excursion in all respects, you will receive a small bonus - the opportunity to see the ruins of an ancient Roman temple located at the foot of the House and inspect the memorial dedicated to the feats of aviator Eugene Renault.

Kitchen

After studying the history of the city, you will undoubtedly feel hungry and want to rest in one of the local restaurants and cafes. It is worth noting that the local cuisine is quite specific. For example, a visiting card of local chefs is a scar in an Auvergne, stuffed with beef giblets and abundantly seasoned with spices.

If you are not ready to try exotic for ordinary Russians products, then stop on a truffade dish (truffade), which is known in our country as French fries. And do not forget that Clermont-Ferrand is famous for five varieties of cheese. The mention of the oldest of them (the cantal) can be found in the records of Pliny the Elder - a Roman writer who lived in the 1st century.

Where to stay

Which way of accommodation is better to choose if you decide to visit Clermont-Ferrand? Hotels in the city are quite diverse, but not numerous. Most of them are located around the historic center of the city and the station.

If you decide to spend your vacation here, it is better to choose a hotel closer to the historic center of the city. If you want to spend a few nights in the capital of the region or travel with friends, then choose one of the municipal campsites.

How to get there

In the capital of Auvergne you can get very easily - just buy a plane ticket in one of the major cities in Europe or France. The central airport is just seven kilometers from the city center. If you decide to travel by train, it will be most convenient to take a ticket from Paris. And motorists can reach the city by one of the central highways.

Visa to France

When you decide to come to this wonderful country from Russia or one of the CIS countries, you will have to fulfill a number of requirements:

1. Get a Schengen visa.
2. Have a passport with a margin of action for three months.
3. Book a ticket and place in the hotel.
4. Have documents confirming your financial solvency.
5. To pay a visa fee of 35 euros and a service fee - a little more than a thousand rubles.
6. Another important requirement that operates in this country and must certainly be met is to have three blank pages in a foreign passport.

A visa to France can be obtained independently or with the help of travel agent agents. It is important to remember that if you are under the age of 18, you will need officially certified consent of the parents. Pensioners and non-working citizens should carry a sponsorship letter from children, spouses or close relatives.

Applications for short-term visas are accepted by French visa centers from citizens, their immediate relatives or representatives of an accredited travel agency. The only exception is the center in Moscow, since only here you can file documents through a trustee.

Conclusion

We look forward to hearing from you about the wonderful old town of Clermont-Ferrand. If you get this opportunity, then you must visit the capital of Auvergne and get a lot of positive emotions from this trip. Vivid impressions!