Running in Clermont-Ferrand: the capital of Auvergne
Situated 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. Whilst the city is still mainly associated with volcanoes and the Michelin company, it boasts a wealth of historical and cultural heritage. From the medieval alleyways to the peaks of the Chaîne des Puys, set off to explore Clermont-Ferrand with the audio-guided tours offered by the city!
Born in the 17th century from the union of two rival towns, Clermont and Montferrand, the capital of Auvergne has had an eventful history. Pillaged and besieged on several occasions, shaken by an earthquake and marked by numerous revolts, Clermont-Ferrand has managed to rebuild itself and find a new lease of life, thanks in particular to industry. Today, it ranks among the ten most attractive cities in France and has, in particular, become a major university centre in France, with nearly forty thousand students each year.
A land of history
Built partly from Volvic stone – an andesite ranging in colour from light grey to black – the city of Clermont-Ferrand boasts some striking architecture. The most striking example of the use of this volcanic rock is the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, built in the 13th century. Perched atop the hill in the historic centre, the building is a masterpiece of Gothic art and a must-see in this Auvergne city. Just a stone’s throw from the cathedral stands the equally remarkable Basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Port, the starting point for 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 town’s squares, your steps will take you to Place de Jaude, the largest and best-known square in Clermont-Ferrand. A hub of trade and travel in Roman times, then a vast marsh in the Middle Ages, Place de Jaude is now the heart of the city and a favourite gathering place for its residents. Surrounded by monuments such as the opera house and the Church of Saint-Pierre-des-Minimes, it is dominated by the iconic statue of Vercingétorix, which stands opposite that of General Desaix.
Your walk will also take you a little way out of the town centre, towards the medieval quarter 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 town’s rich historical and architectural heritage. Incidentally, it was in this medieval town that the famous mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal was born in 1623.
A land of volcanoes
A must-see in the Auvergne region, the volcanoes of the Chaîne des Puys are just a few kilometres from Clermont-Ferrand and tower over the city. The most famous of these is, of course, the Puy de Dôme, which rises to an altitude of 1,465 metres. To reach the summit, the more adventurous can take the Chemin des Muletiers for a 6-kilometre hike. For everyone else, a small electric rack-and-pinion train 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 boundary between the Plateau des Dômes and the Limagne Plain. A major tectonic feature, 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 volcano-themed park of its kind in Europe, Vulcania opened its doors in 2002 and was established on the initiative of the former President of the Republic, Valéry Giscard d’Estaing.
A land of passions
As well as its volcanoes, the city of Clermont-Ferrand is also renowned for its rugby club. Founded in 1911, ASM Clermont Auvergne – formerly the Association sportive montferrandaise – currently plays in the Top 14. The club is based at the Marcel-Michelin Sports Park, named after its founder and managing director of the Michelin tyre group, who died in a deportation camp during the Second World War. For rugby fans, the stadium is home to the ASM Experience, an interactive museum dedicated to rugby and the history of the club.
Directly opposite the stadium is the Aventure Michelin, a 2,000 m² interactive exhibition tracing the history of the tyre giant, which has played a major role in the city’s growth. Founded in 1889 by brothers André and Edouard Michelin, the company has been behind numerous innovations and has built up a global network. Represented by its famous Bibendum mascot, Michelin has successfully diversified and now also produces tourist, gastronomic and hotel guides (the Green Guide, the Michelin Guide, 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 over 1,700 more on the JOOKS app.
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