Clermont-Ferrand

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Description

Clermont-Ferrand is a city in central France, the capital of the Auvergne region. Population 140,000.

Clermont-Ferrand is famous for the chain of extinct volcanoes that ring the city, including the highest, Puy-de-Dôme, some 13 km away from the city centre.

One of the oldest cities of France, its first mention was by the Greek geographer Strabo, who called it Nemessos, a Gaulish word for a sacred forest. The settlement witnessed the famous Battle of Gergovia, in which the Gauls led by Vercingetorix triumphed temporarily over the Romans led ultimately by Julius Caesar. After the Roman conquest, the city was renamed Augustonemetum, a name which combined its original Gallic name with that of the Emperor Augustus. Its population was estimated at 15,000–30,000 inhabitants in the 2nd century CE, making it one of the largest cities of Roman Gaul.

In 848, the city was renamed Clairmont, after the castle Clarus Mons. Clairmont was an episcopal city ruled by its bishop, and famously the starting point of the First Crusade raised to free Jerusalem from Muslim domination. Pope Urban II preached Crusade in 1095 at the Council of Clermont. In 1120, to counteract the power of the clergy, the counts of Auvergne founded the city of Montferrand on the model of the new cities of the Midi. In 1551, Clermont became a royal city, and in 1610, the inseparable property of the Crown.

On 15 April 1630, the Edict of Troyes (the First Edict of Union) forcibly joined the two cities of Clermont and Ferrand. This union was confirmed in 1731 by Louis XV with the Second Edict of Union. At this time Montferrand was no more than a satellite city of Clermont, in which condition it remained until the beginning of the 20th century. Wishing to retain its independence, Montferrand made three demands for independence, in 1789, 1848, and 1863.

In the 20th century, the construction of the Michelin factories and city gardens definitively reunited Clermont and Montferrand. Today, although the two cities are amalgamated, one may find in Clermont-Ferrand two distinct downtowns, and Montferrand retains a strong identity.

Clermont-Ferrand remains home to the famous French tyre manufacturing company Michelin.

Transportation

Clermont has recently opened a intra-urban tramway providing access to a number of key points in the city.

Activities and Sightseeing

• the large bronze statue of Vercingetorix in the place de Jaude, the city's most famous public square

• the Puy-de-Dôme, the dormant volcano overlooking the city. This is accessible by a bus which runs in the summer. At the top, visitors can parasail, go hiking, or visit the cafe.

• Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption. Construction on the black gothic cathedral started in 1248 and was not finished until 1902. Like most of the old buildings and churches in this region, it was built out of black volcanic rock.

• La Fontaine d'Amboise, which was built in 1515.

• Notre-Dame-du-Port. This is a Romanesque basilica constructed in the 11th and 12th century out of yellow sandstone. It's known for its detailed capitals, which are at the top of the pillars inside.

• Parc Montjuzet. This park over the town offers a great view for visitors who can't make it to the top of the Puy-de-Dome. It's a long hike up, but it's worth it.

Take a walk in the olds streets around the cathedral in the old town area. You will find a lot of cute stores ( antiques, clothes ) and good restaurants.

Restaurants

• Le Chat Noir. This is a small tea house next to the cathedral that serves a wide variety of teas and scones. Most of the jellies and teas are locally made.

• Pizza Tino, 40, Place de Jaude. This restaurant serves reasonably priced pizzas and is always crowded at lunch.

• Le Pinocchio, 20, rue Saint-Dominique. This is an Italian restaurant which serves excellent pastas and pizzas.

• Le Friand, rue des gras ( Cathedral's street ). This bakery is the one where you will find the biggest and the best "viennoiseries" in the town !

Lodging

See the Listing of the hotels in Clermont-Ferrand

Nightlife

• Le Café Pascal. This café next to the cathedral has an international feel. It is lively at night.

• L'Appart, 6, place Sugny. This bar has an apartment theme and guests can choose to sit in the bedroom, living room, or bathroom.

• Le Still Irish Pub, 7, boulevard Leon Malrey. International students, particularly anglophones, like to congregate here.

• Les Frères Berthoms. This bar is next to the court hall, this is the best place to enjoy good beer on a sunny terrasse !