Running in Clermont-Ferrand: capital of Auvergne
- audreyubertino
- Oct 20
- 3 min read
At the foot of the Puy de Dôme and a stone's throw from the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park, Clermont-Ferrand enjoys a strategic location in the heart of France. Although the city is mainly associated with volcanoes and the Michelin company, it boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. From medieval streets to the peaks of the Chaîne des Puys, discover Clermont-Ferrand with the city's audio-guided tours!
Born in the 17th century from the union of two rival cities, Clermont and Montferrand, the capital of Auvergne has had an eventful history. Pillaged, besieged, and shaken by an earthquake several times over, and marked by numerous revolts, Clermont-Ferrand has managed to rebuild itself and find new life, thanks in particular to industry. Today, it is one of the ten most attractive cities in France and has become a major university center, with nearly forty thousand students per year.
Land of history
Built partly from Volvic stone, an andesite rock ranging from light gray to black, the city of Clermont-Ferrand boasts some striking architecture. The most striking example of the use of this volcanic rock is the Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Cathedral, built in the 13th century. Perched atop the hill in the historic center, the building is a masterpiece of Gothic art and a must-see in the Auvergne city. A few steps from the cathedral is the equally remarkable Notre-Dame-du-Port Basilica, the starting point of one of the routes to Santiago de Compostela. As such, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As you stroll around discovering the city's squares, your steps will take you to Place de Jaude, the largest and most famous square in Clermont-Ferrand. A place of passage and trade in Roman times, then a vast marshland in the Middle Ages, Place de Jaude is now the epicenter of the city and a favorite gathering place for its inhabitants. Surrounded by monuments such as the opera house and the Church of Saint-Pierre-des-Minimes, it is dominated by the iconic statue of Vercingetorix, which faces that of General Desaix.
Your walk will also take you a little way from the city center to the medieval district of Montferrand, one of the oldest in France. Its narrow streets are lined with splendid mansions, such as the Hôtel Fontfreyde, which bear witness to the city's rich historical and architectural heritage. For the record, it was in this medieval city that the famous mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal was born in 1623.
Land of volcanoes
A must-see in the Auvergne region, the volcanoes of the Chaîne des Puys are located just a few kilometers from Clermont-Ferrand and overlook the city. The most famous of these is, of course, the Puy de Dôme, which rises to an altitude of 1,465 meters. To reach the summit, the most adventurous can take the Chemin des Muletiers, a 6-kilometer hike. For everyone else, a small electric cog railway makes the journey in 15 minutes. Whichever option you choose, a breathtaking 360° panoramic view awaits you at the top!
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside the Chaîne des Puys, the Limagne fault marks the separation between the Dômes plateau and the Limagne plain. A major tectonic site, the Chaîne des Puys - Limagne fault is an exceptional geological site, not only for its volcanoes, of course, but also for its rich biodiversity.
For a more in-depth and entertaining exploration of volcanism, Vulcania offers experiences that are as fun as they are spectacular. The only park in Europe dedicated to volcanoes, Vulcania opened its doors in 2002 and was created on the initiative of former French President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing.
Land of passions
In addition to its volcanoes, the city of Clermont-Ferrand is also renowned for its rugby club. Founded in 1911, ASM Clermont Auvergne, formerly known as Association Sportive Montferrandaise, currently plays in the Top 14. The club is based at the Marcel-Michelin sports park, named after its founder and manager of the Michelin tire group, who died in deportation during World War II. For rugby fans, the stadium is home to the ASM Experience, an interactive museum dedicated to rugby and the life of the club.
Just opposite the stadium is L'Aventure Michelin, a 2,000 m² exhibition retracing the history of the tire giant that has contributed greatly to the city's growth. Founded in 1889 by brothers André and Edouard Michelin, the company is responsible for numerous innovations and has built a global network. Represented by its famous Bibendum character, Michelin has diversified and now also offers tourist, gastronomic, and hotel guides (Guide Vert, Guide Michelin, etc.) as well as road maps and atlases.
Run, walk, or cycle with JOOKS, from Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Cathedral to Place de Jaude!
Find all the routes in Clermont-Ferrand and more than 1,500 others on the JOOKS app.
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