Clermont-ferrand, Puy-de-Dôme, Auvergne

We are following the footsteps of the templars who took refuge at the Olloix commandery at the time when Auvergne was one of the main territories of the Order of Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem. Superb views, crosses, bridges, megaliths.... Starting point - From the starting sign, go down towards the village of Chaynat. At the first fork, continue to the right. On the village square, turn right towards the rue du Four à pain until you reach the fountain. 1 - Turn left onto Chemin de Gourdon and continue up about 500 m to an intersection. 2 - Take the right track. At the T-junction, turn left. At a new T-junction on the flat, turn right and continue for 50 m (menhir des Deux territoires), until you reach a fork. 3 - Turn right. At the next road, turn left for 300 m, turn left again and continue until a crossing 300 m further on. 4 - Go up to the right on the wide grassy path for a round trip to the top of the Puy de Gourdon (from the top, distant circular view). Back to point 4, continue the path to the right. On the descent, the oblique path to the left before reaching a T-junction, near an agricultural building. Turn left and follow this main road back to point 3, continue to the right and keep east-west for 500 m. The path then turns largely to the left. Continue straight ahead, reach point 2 and continue until you reach the fountain in Chaynat. Follow the road on the right (D74, route de Ludesse) to pass below the church (church and commandery, 15th century). Stay on the road towards Saint-Saturnin. At the end of the village, turn left into rue des Avats, which runs alongside the castle park before going straight up to the starting point of the circuit.

Overlooking the Allier and the couze Chambon near Coudes, this hike on the plateau allows us to visit the very beautiful village of Montpeyroux and to cross landscapes of pailhats reminiscent of the old winegrowing economy. Starting point - From the starting panel, walk along the car park. At the educational farm, turn left and progress on the arkose outcrops (view of the Sancy massif and the Puys chain) until the beginning of the descent. Continue on this road until you reach an intersection at mid-slope. 1 - Turn right and go down immediately to the left until you reach a T-junction. Turn right and continue until you reach a wide flat path at the bottom of the descent. Take it to the left. At the next intersection go down to a road, cross it (access to Chadieu Castle, private site) and continue opposite until the first road on the right. 2 - Take it, barrier. Advance in the undergrowth along the banks of the Allier and leaving paths on either side. At the road, go down on the left and continue straight ahead until you reach the first houses of Coudes. Walk up to the level of a path going up to the right. 3 - Engage between hedges and fences, continue along gardens and then in the middle of houses until you reach the road. 4 - Go up to the right by the Chemin du Cuel. Further to the right, take the Pailhas path (terraces). On the plateau, continue to the left, until you reach the road. Turn left for 100 m, then go up on a road opposite. At the cross, go up the steps and turn right to the Place de l'Église. Go down through the streets of la Quye and des Granges (panorama on the Sancy massif) to reach the entrance of the village (former arkose quarry) and the starting car park.

A village of blond stone, perched on a hill, Montpeyroux is easily recognizable. The hiking trail is accessible to families and will allow you to stroll through the pretty alleys and admire the horizon during a short walk. Starting point - From the starting sign on the car park, pass in front of the community centre and turn left at the roundabout (place de l'Hume). Go up the rue des Granges. In front of the medieval porch, after the church, turn left into rue de Tralume. Go down the stairs on the left, cross the street in front of a cross and join the paved road. Take it down to the first crossroads. 1 - Continue straight on this road, and after a large bend, leave a path that goes to the left towards the castle of Chadieu and go down towards the Allier. Leave a path on the right and continue to the climbing site "Les Rochettes". 2 - After about 80 m, take a small track on the right which joins the first houses of Coudes between gardens and cliff. Go up the rue du Nord for about ten metres and to the right the chemin du Cuel. At the fork, take the right track, and go straight up to get back to the crossroads at point 1, turn left to go up on Montpeyroux. After 100 m, turn left to reach the stone cross. Go up the stairs and turn right into rue de Tralume. In front of the medieval porch, turn right to reach the car park.

A tour in a beautiful area between the Allier and the " Nid d'aigle " of Buron through a path that is both village-like and country-like, leading to the summit of the puy Rousset, from where you can overlook the ruins of a 13th century feudal castle. Nice views. Starting point - From the starting sign, go up rue de Chabonat (fire brigade). At the last house, the street becomes a path (view on the Sancy and Montpeyroux massif). Continue on this path, ignoring the right and left paths, until you reach the entrance of the village of Buron (passage near an old washhouse). 1 - Go up the street to the left and ignore the path of the Buron fountain. Go up the main street for 30 m, turn right into rue de Fontbuisson and go up rue de la Forge to the main street. Take it on the right for 150 m, go through the car park and go up on the left towards the church. To the right, go down the path under the wall. Ignore the dead end on the left and turn left. At the Buron exit sign, at the fork, turn left onto the D 760. In Les Verdiers, go down the main street to the right. 30 m before the Calvary, turn right on Chemin de Largeleix. At the cemetery, continue to the left to enter Yronde. At the crossroads take the rue de l'Horloge on the left. Walk along the church and take the path of the Vias. Take the left track (other yellow PR on the right) to go up to the intersection (cross). 2 - Go straight ahead, ignoring the right and left paths, then continue straight ahead until you reach a crossing on the plateau. 3 - Turn left (radio relay / 180° panorama on the Cézallier, Sancy, Chaîne des Puys) and continue until the road. Follow it on the right for 50 m and then take the first road on the left. At the first intersection go down on the left. At the road, go opposite and follow the D 760 for 50 m. At the metal cross, take the right track. At the first intersection, turn left and continue straight ahead until you reach a crossroads of 5 paths. 4 - Go up in front then stay on the left on a grassy path. At a cross, go straight ahead (view of Montpeyroux). At the entrance to the village of Parent, at a fountain, go down to the left. At the next fountain, follow the direction of the VVF, on the left to return to the starting point.

The path rises between vineyards and rocky outcrops to Aubary lime and the menhir of Pierre-Fichade, proof of a human presence of more than 4,000 years. We go down to the red tiles of Champeix and the couze Chambon. Starting point - From the starting sign on the right of the town hall, go towards the schools. Leave the D978 on the right, cross the D28 (route de Ludesse), then the school car park. Turn right just after the post office. Take a stone path on the left. At the crossing, turn right on the road (view of Champeix and Le Marchidial). Pass the houses and continue until you reach a T-junction. Turn left, go up between the vines (view of the Pardines plateau, the 12th century Anciat chapel and the Couze Chambon valley), then turn right at the next intersection. At the fork, turn left. At the crossroads, turn left (circular view of the County, the Allier valley, the Ysson peak and the Sancy massif) until you reach the fork. 1 - Keep on your left until the next crossing in T. Go down and, at the T-intersection, turn left onto the wide road until you reach the D28. 2 - Cross the road and take the first road on the left. Walk past the menhir of the Stone Fichade and continue straight ahead. At Beauregard, leave the right path and go down into Champeix. Turn left into "Petite rue de Beauregard". At the D996, turn left and reach the car park.

From Champeix, we then discover, in Saint-Julien, the old Saint-Nectaire maturing cellars dug into the rock. Back through the site of the Marchidial de Champeix, one can only succumb to the temptation to infiltrate its pretty alleys. Starting point - Starting sign on the square, rue des Halles, near the town hall. Go past the town hall, towards the bridge without crossing it, turn right and go up the Petite Rue Beauregard until you reach the road on the plateau. 1 - Turn left twice. Follow a wide path (view on the top of Champeix). We reach a sign (point of view on the Marchidial district). Continue, leaving two paths on the right (view of the castle of Montaigut-le-Blanc and the Sancy) and go down to a transverse path. Turn left and continue down to Saint-Julien by a hollow ochre path. Cross the stream and go up to the entrance of the village of Saint-Julien. 2 - In front of the municipal school turn left. Cross the Place de la Chapelle. Continue along rue des Granges and chemin des Caves (the entrances to the Saint-Julien cellars). Turn right on the road until the crossing with the D631. Turn left for 30 m and go down a small road towards the Montaigut-le-Blanc cemetery. Cross the bridge and go up rue de l'Église then turn left before the monumental gate (panoramic view from the church square) to go down to the D996. 3 - Cross the road and take the bridge over the Couze Chambon. Immediately turn left and walk along the right bank of the river for a long time. Then turn right until you reach the first houses. Turn left and go to the porch of the castle of Marchidial (gardens). 4 - Go down to the center of Champeix. Turn left to cross the metal bridge that leads back to the car park.

The hike begins in Champeix, a village overlooked by its Marchidial and its pretty alleys. The hiker explores the old Saint-Nectaire maturing cellars dug into the rock. This tour is punctuated by panoramic views.

The Region of Issoire and the South-Allier valley offer rich history and architectural diversity. Indeed, the history marked the territory, especially by building fortified villages to protect them from the Hundred Years’ War. You’ll also discover others defensive sites such as fortified castles, but also recreational castles.

The pleasant valley of La Rodde leads to Gourdon from where you can enjoy a vast panoramic view of the western plateaus, the Limagne plain and the volcanoes. A path between broom and undergrowth leads back to the medieval heights of Montaigut-le-Blanc. 1 - Follow it to the right for 100 m. After the bend, take the road to the right (several cellars and a well) until you reach the entrance of Gourdon (washhouse below). Go through the village, go up on the right until you reach the farm, keep going on the right. On the plateau, at the sign "Puy de la Rodde 747 m", take the right track (view on the Cézallier and the Sancy massif). Continue on the plateau, (view of the Forez and the Limagne plain). At the T-junction, turn right. At the next fork, take the right track (long and delicate descent). Follow a path on the right until the T-junction (opposite Saint Julien). 2 - Turn right then left (view on the castle, the church and the village of Montaigut). Pass in front of the "white monks" (light rocks that evoke monks on the left). At the bridge, go up to the right rue de l'Eglise. Before the gate of the castle enclosure, take the track to the left. Go down to the D996 road. Follow it to the left until you reach the car park. Cross it on the right and take the grating on the left to return to the starting point.

This hike will introduce you to the former winegrowing villages of Chadeleuf and Neschers and will take you along an old roman road. Starting point - From the starting sign, located on Place de la Résistance, opposite the iron cross and between 2 conifers, go down through the passage of the Canche. Beautiful habitat heritage. Continue opposite by going up rue Borie. At the T-junction, turn right and continue along the grassy path. At the next crossing, turn right into a wide dirt road (viewpoint) to an electric pole facing a calvary. 1 - Go down to the right on the grassy path (old Roman road). View on Neschers. At the road, continue the descent to the right towards Neschers. Cross the road of Coudes and go down on the left the street Robert Oléon. Walk past the town hall. Ignore the Chemin des Vergers on the right and the rue des Licettes on the left. Continue until you reach the tower of the Chemin des Meuniers. 2 - Turn left on rue Pierre Fourvel, until you reach the lava fountain (1859). Turn left into rue des Vignerons. Go around the church. After the calvary, take to the right the rue des Murettes extended by the rue des Croix Basses. Facing the n°11, go down to the right to reach the banks of the Couze Chambon. Do not take the Pont des Croix Basses but follow the Couze to the right (picnic area). At the rue du Theil, turn left. Go under the bridge. Continue along the Couze Chambon by Chemin des Meuniers on the left, until you reach a dam on the watercourse. 3 - Take the 2nd narrow path on the right between high walls. 4 - At the first crossing of 4 lanes, turn right, then, 50 m further on, turn left. At the next T-junction, turn right to join an asphalt street. Turn left until you reach characteristic point 2. Turn left then, 50 m further on, turn left again into Chemin des Vergers, until you reach the cemetery. Turn right, cross the road of Coudes to go up by the track opposite. At the top of the hill (crossing), turn left (view of Chadeleuf) until you see a steep drainage channel in the coppices on the right. 5 - Go down to the right, in the drainage channel, by a path with laces. Walk past a dovecote. At the bottom of the slope, turn right. Walk past a washhouse, then turn right for 80 m. Then go up on the left by a path. In the village, take the Champ Serre trail. At the foot of the tower, turn left and then right. Reach the starting point after going around the church and passing under a fortified gate.

Do you love climbing? Then come and discover this 1800m² bouldering park in Vétraz-Monthoux. Large, bright spaces to discover or rediscover bouldering. For experienced climbers, try out Europe's largest indoor "psychobloc". Detailed description

Located in Clermont-Ferrand, l'Aventure Michelin spreads over a 2000m2 area and displays over a century of fascinating history L'Aventure Michelin is a scenographic journey of 2000m². Thanks to an interactive scenography, you will discover the history, the present and the future of the Michelin group. From the very first detachable tyre to the MICHELIN Visionary Concept not forgetting the famous maps and guides - or the good old Michelin Man - a whole world of excitement awaits you ! The museum exhibition is bilingual (French/English). You can also take a tour in German or Spanish, thanks to the audioguide available at the site reception, or in German, Spanish, Italian and Dutch by downloading the free l'Aventure Michelin mobile application.

.Located on the Gergovie plateau - a true natural belvedere over Auvergne, this new generation plunges young and old into the Gallic Wars between Vercingetorix and Julius Caesar. It combines archaeological objects and multimedia tools. More than a visit, the Archaeological Museum of the Battle of Gergovie offers a lively and interactive journey. The space combines graphics, models, archaeological objects and multimedia with the highlight of an audiovisual room plunging the visitor into the atmosphere of the Battle of Gergovie between Romans and Gauls. The route also allows you to discover the civilization of oppida arvernes, to discover the archaeological secrets of Gergovie and to understand the natural and geological history of the Plateau and the magnificent landscapes that surround it.

Discover this magnificent 18ha estate with its waterfalls, forests, fountains, French gardens and its castle that crosses the centuries since the 13th century.

Family-hotel and restaurant near Lake La Cassière. The inn "Between Lakes and Volcanoes" offers a nature stop for a meal or a stay.

Twilight walk among the volcanoes During walks at nightfall, we suggest you discover the history of the place, the volcanism but also the nature between dogs and wolves...

Want to discover the world of volcanoes and the natural phenomena of planet Earth? Go exploring in Vulcania in Auvergne, unique park in Europe on the theme of volcanoes and the Earth. You can enjoy a 3-hour outing to explore the interior of a totally natural volcano on foot or on a little train, with the assistance of a knowledgeable guide. During this fun visit you’ll encounter some geological treasures and learn about man’s involveme

Understand at last the work of the bee, its role on the environment. Workshop to create breeding-cages for insects. Candle making. During a fun and educational visit, the facilitator first presents how the life of bees in the hive is organized. Then, you will discover the essential role of the bee in our environment with the help of the "theater of nature". Then, observe the bees in complete safety in the glass hives. Then comes the most spectacular moment, when the host opens a beehive behind glass. Thanks to a macro video system, we get inside the cells! At the honey house, you will attend a demonstration of honey extraction. And to end this journey well, we offer you a tasting of honey and homemade products. Duration of the visit: around 1h15 The Boutique is open all year round Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. and on the opening days of the museum. Discovery workshops during school holidays. Exhibition on edible insects and children's games.

Designed at the end of the 1960s, the Cézeaux campus has rewritten its history since the 1980s, placing emphasis on contemporary architecture. The Cézeaux campus is situated on a basalt plateau today surrounded by the town. It was designed in the late 1960s by the architect Eugène Beaudoin (1898-1983) in charge of the university development of Clermont. The project included teaching buildings, a library, a restaurant and student housing. The historic architects are Daniel Badani, Jean-Louis Douat, Antoine Espinasse, Paul Lanquette and Pierre Roux-Dorlut. At this time the campus was built on the principle of architectural and functional austerity according to a rational plan and a system of work industrialisation. A factory for prefabrication of the construction materials was set up on site. The campus has sculptures corresponding to the development of the site in the 1970s. A few examples: La dématérialisation (1972) by Francis Pellerin (1915-1988), Murs-Fontaines (1972) by Ervin Patkaï (1937-1985), and Silhouettes formant un réceptacle à l’enseignement dispensé par la Connaissance (1978) by Michell. Since the 1980s, the campus has rewritten its history, placing emphasis on contemporary architecture: Polytech (architects Bresson, Ondet, Berthon and Collet); the Laboratoire de Physique Corpusculaire (Paris-based architects Brenac and Gonzalez); The Institut National de Recherche en Sciences et Technologies pour l’Environnement et l’Agriculture (IRSTEA, architect Hauvette and Atelier 4) with its plant-based shell made from maple trees; the Institut Français de Mécanique Avancée (IFMA, architects Ameil and Jalicon) which proposes a shape evocative of the world of industry; the Laboratoire Magmas et Volcans (architecture firm Groupe 6, Hallé) with unstable volumes like moving magma.

Completed in 1945, the Clermont-Ferrand train station is an example of modernist architecture. It has Architecture Contemporaine Remarquable (remarkable contemporary architecture) status. The first train station in Clermont-Ferrand was inaugurated in 1855 for goods transport and passenger travel. An entire new neighbourhood was created to the east of the historic centre of Clermont-Ferrand and urban planning created wide avenues leading to the station. A new parish (Saint Joseph), businesses and hotels completed the development. But the only parts remaining of this first station are the side lodges. The present-day station was completed in 1945. It was the SNCF architect-engineer Paul Peirani who designed it, based on the model for the station at Le Havre (1929-1931) by architect Henri Pacon. The building is an example of modernist architecture with wide bay windows for maximum lighting in the entrance lobby, refined and simple lines, and an emphasis on light. The entrance lobby is decorated with enamelled lava stone by Jean Jaffeux. The clock tower is a recurring feature in train station architecture, since it is a symbol of punctuality and speed. The Clermont-Ferrand train station was awarded “Architecture Contemporaine Remarquable” (remarkable contemporary architecture) status in 2023. Since thermal spa resorts were becoming popular in the 19th century, it became important to establish train connections with them. Royat was connected from 1886 after the construction of a huge viaduct in 1881. Previously, spa visitors left the train at Clermont-Ferrand and finished their journey by horse and carriage. This is what Napoleon III did when he visited Clermont-Ferrand and Royat in 1862.

Designed at the dawn of the 20th century, the Jeanne-d’Arc high school is the first high school for girls in Clermont-Ferrand. The building makes the very most of the land layout, and features an eclectic style with a blend of influences. Jeanne-d’Arc high school is one of the finest examples of school construction from the Third Republic, an achievement of architect Jean-Joseph Teillard (1854-1915). Construction began in 1896 and was completed in 1899 in the new neighbourhood created when the Clermont-Ferrand’s train station was opened in 1855. First of all, it housed the girls whose education had been entrusted to nuns until 1880. The high school had a U-shaped layout surrounding an interior courtyard closed by a gate that used to overlook the terrace gardens. The rational layout of the buildings depends on their intended destination (administration, student buildings, etc.) and their use (classrooms, dormitories, etc.). Its style is eclectic, its influences include Romanesque (semi-circular arches), Regionalist (materials), Byzantine (minaret) and Nordic (stepped gable). Its materials come in varied shapes and colours: brick, glazed brick, limestone for the supports, glazed terracotta for the decorative features and cast iron. Above the entrance door, on the Avenue de Grande-Bretagne side, the bust of Joan-of-Arc is the work of sculptor Henri Gourgouillon (1858-1902). To the west is the former Petit Lycée for boys, an annex of Blaise-Pascal high school. It has been an integral part of Jeanne-d'Arc high school since 1950. In neo-Classical style, it is the last work of the architect François-Louis Jarrier, built between 1878 and 1880. Its H-shaped layout gives a façade on three levels, with an additional central wing housing the chapel. The walls are made from coated quarry stone and the corner quoins and window frames from Volvic stone. It is an example of a school built just before the Ferry laws in France (establishing free education then mandatory and secular education). It is inspired by a model evocative of the former Collège de l’Oratoire in Riom (17th century).

The Saint-Joseph covered market is a metal-covered market from the 19th century, protected as a Historic Monument. The metropolitan area features other covered markets that are evidence of its trading activity. The Saint-Joseph covered market, in the style of the Baltard market, is one of the last remaining examples in the region without major changes; the markets on Place Renoux and Place Saint-Pierre have been demolished. It was built in 1891-1892 by the ironwork workshop of André Michelin (1853-1931), one of the founding brothers of the famous factory. On a square layout with a central roof window, it is surrounded by a mid-level brick wall with atrium windows. This market is part of a urban planning project for the square for which the town council forbade the use of Volvic stone. The buildings meet strict specifications: “a basement or cellar, a ground floor with bright, spacious storage spaces for the business, a mezzanine with apartments for shopkeepers, two floors with apartments for families or errand boys and a floor with mansard roof for the servants.” The building has been on the historic monuments registry since 2002. The metropolitan area features several other covered markets that are evidence of its trading activity. In rue Ballainvilliers in Clermont-Ferrand is a former covered wheat market built in 1767-1769 in neo-Classical style, which is now renovated to accommodate the Fonds Régional d’Art Contemporain (regional contemporary art collection). In Montferrand on the rue du Séminaire is a former canvas covered market from the 15th century, evidence of the vitality of hemp trading. On Place Poly is another covered market, built in the 19th century, which continues to operate with a weekly Friday market. Elsewhere, Lempdes has a covered market built in 1839, with Volvic stone columns supporting a frame and a hipped roof. Romagnat has a small, elegant, metal covered market, whose workmanship is almost identical to the one in Chauriat (Puy-de-Dôme).

Designed in the 1950s-1960s, Blaise Pascal high school is built on a hierarchical structured and organised base, both functional and airy. The building boasts a real urban setting. Blaise-Pascal high school was founded in 1808 and was for boys only. It was first housed in the former Jesuits college on rue du Maréchal-Joffre, dating from 1675. The high school was completed in 1877-1880 by the construction of an annex: the Petit Lycée, on Avenue Carnot, by architect François-Louis Jarrier (1829-1881). This annex is now attached to Jeanne-d’Arc high school, built on a lower level from 1896 to 1899 to accommodate girls whose education had thus far been entrusted to nuns. Following World War II, Blaise Pascal high school had become too small to house the pupils. It was therefore decided to build a new school on the site of the former Gribeauval barracks, close to the university. The work began in 1954 according to the project of architect Georges Noël (1907-1970), Prix de Rome award winner, who is also the architect of the Ambroise-Brugière and Sidoine-Apollinaire high schools and of the humanities university at Clermont-Ferrand. The official inauguration took place in 1962. The ten buildings within it are very different and are separated from one another so as to provide openings onto the city. The façades are made from sheets encrusted with ochre-red crushed stone, and the windows highlighted by white painted concrete. Volvic stone is used for the understructures which offset the gradient of the ground and the main entrance on Avenue Carnot. A relief by the sculptor Raymond Coulon (1917-2007) adorns the entrance.

The winemaker’s house is testimony to a previously prosperous business : vine growing From the second half of the 19th century, it changed to reflect the economic and social success of wine makers. The winemaker’s house is testimony to a previously prosperous business in Aubière and on all the hillsides of Limagne from the Middle Ages to the 19th century: vine growing The region has two types of winemaker houses. The first type is the traditional winemaker house located in the village centre. A narrow construction, it houses both the business premises and the living quarters: a vat room for pressing, fermentation and conservation of wine on the ground floor, a single room for living on the first floor, accessible via an outside staircase, and an attic beneath the roof. The second type of house was developed in the second half of the 19th century, at the height of vine growing. It reflected the economic and social success of the winemaker. These houses, a series of which can be found on Rue Chambon, are more imposing and generally have an extra floor for living quarters. They use Volvic stone for the window and door frames, storey separation panels, cornices and corner quoins. They have balconies with guardrails in metalwork or cast iron. They also have courtyards and technical buildings that give the residence a certain professional dimension, focused on the exclusive and important business of wine production. Musée de la vigne et du vin, 24 avenue Jean Noëllet in Aubière, recounts the history of the vineyards of Basse-Auvergne and its expertise, from planting to the winemaking process.

The Humanities university building and the Law and Economics university building of Clermont-Ferrand, built in the 1960s, both have Architecture Contemporaine Remarquable (remarkable contemporary architecture) status. HUMANITIES UNIVERSITY BUILDING The humanities university building on Boulevard Gergovia was built between 1963 and 1966 by the architect Georges Noël (1907-1970), Prix de Rome award winner. An example of rational architecture, the building belongs to the Brutalism trend. Recognisable on the boulevard by the considerable size of the large amphitheatre, the university is built entirely from reinforced concrete. The amphitheatre, standing on V-shaped piers, straddles the entrance path to the university. The teaching spaces are organised in a perpendicular five-storey building. This building, with its totally visible reinforced concrete frame, is also sitting on concrete piers. It was awarded “Architecture Contemporaine Remarquable” (remarkable contemporary architecture) status in 2023. LAW AND ECONOMICS UNIVERSITY BUILDING The law and economics university building received the same award, as did the adjoining school for tax studies. The two institutions were inaugurated in 1966. Eugène Beaudoin (1898-1983) was the architect of the law school and Bernard de la Tour d’Auvergne of the tax studies school. Structured into four buildings around a central garden, the two institutions share the space: the northern, eastern and half of the southern section for law; the rest for the tax studies school. The first level is enhanced as a first floor. The floor culminates in a cornice placed on supports, thus creating a simple line of light that highlights the façade. The architects used Volvic stone and aluminium and created large glass surfaces. The monument La France, by Antoine Bourdelle (1861-1929), bequeathed by the sculptor’s widow, depicts France as Pallas or Athena, holding a spear decorated with olive branches, a shield formed from the tablets of stone, and the serpents of wisdom. Opposite is the statue of the Clermont lawyer, Jean Domat, a friend of Blaise Pascal, by Gustave Gournier (1970).

This chapel, with a style unique in the region, is from the 18th century. It is protected as a Historic Monument.Nearby, a cemetery, considered to be the “Père-Lachaise” of Clermont, is classified as a “significant cemetery” by the Association of Significant Cemeteries of Europe. The chapel On the site of a chapel and a cemetery, the cathedral canons founded the Chantoin monastery in the 12th century. In 1631, the fathers of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites settled into the building. But the convent and the church burned down in 1699. The church was rebuilt between 1752 and 1775 by architect André Peyrat (circa 1695-1752). With a quatrefoil layout, the chapel has a dome ceiling. It is the only example of this type in the region. The main façade, made from Volvic stone, comprises two superimposed levels with a small cast-iron bell tower on top. The first concave level features the entrance door, framed by two pilasters with ionic capitals. The Louis XV-style door leaves are surmounted by a woodwork tympanum with the coat-of-arms of an archbishop and of the city of Clermont-Ferrand. The second level comprises a screen wall in the centre of which is a large bay lighting the sanctuary. This bay is flanked by two half-gables with inward-facing decorative scrolls reminiscent of “Roman” façades, along the lines of the Church of the Gesù in Rome. The chapel was listed on the historic monuments registry in 1976. It was renovated in 2017 but closed to visitors. The cemetery The Carmes cemetery was inaugurated in 1816. Considered the “Père-Lachaise” of Clermont, it contains the sepulchres of great men from the City. These include politicians (Blatin, Charras), industrialists (Bargoin, Lecoq), artists (musicians Onslow and Claussmann, sculptors Chalonnax, Morel-Ladeuil and Mombur, architects Ledru and Jarrier), scientists (Alluard, Glangeaud) and intellectuals (Varenne, Mège). The Carmes cemetery is classified as a “significant cemetery” by the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe. Near its entrance is a monument dedicated to Clermont inhabitants killed during the First World War (1914-1918). Created by the architect André Papillard (1880-1964) and the sculptor Jean Camus (1877-1955), its shape is reminiscent of an ancient Egyptian mastaba. This building is a contemporary of the monument in Place Salford, honouring veterans, with which it was part of a joint competition. It was inaugurated in 1924 and was listed as a historic monument in 2021.

In the Kessler-Rabanesse neighbourhood sits an unusual building with a tower, probably dating from the 15th century. The building nicknamed the Château de Rabanesse was revamped for various uses and served as a meteorological station. The château’s origins dates back to those of an 11th century fiefdom named Rabanisça or Rabanessa in ancient Occitan. Close to the city, this fortified farm supplied the estate with foodstuffs but also assisted in its defence, since its position enabled it to send a warning in the event of an attack. The square tower is probably from the 15th century. It features a spiral staircase lit by six levels of small bay windows framed by Volvic stone moulding. The two-storey adjoining rectangular lodge features irregular openings that may date back to the 17th or 18th century. It also shows traces where adjacent buildings were torn off and demolished. This lodge used to house a wheel mill, since the Tiretaine river flowed in this spot. From 1874 to 1911, the building became a lowland metrological station. The tower was then raised and levelled to a terrace to accommodate the measuring instruments, while the lodge was used successively as a telegraph office, a photo laboratory and a library. Connected to the Puy de Dôme observatory by a telegraph line, the station exchanged observations from the two stations with those of the Paris observatory. In the early 21st century the building was still derelict. It was restored when the Kessler-Rabanesse district was renovated. The château was listed on the historic monuments registry in 2009.

Place des Carmes houses the historic headquarters of the Michelin plant, founded in Clermont-Ferrand in 1889 and its Hevea greenhouse. Located outside the city’s walls and crossed by the former Roman path (currently Chaussée Claudius), Place des Carmes, long occupied by farming land, is close to Route de Montferrand, below Place Champet, today named Place Delille. Its space was given over to religious orders, with the Chantoin monastery in the 6th century, on the site of the chapel and the cemetery, replaced by the Discalced Carmelites in 1653, the Jacobins in the 13th century on the street bearing their name and the Augustines Hospitalières nuns in 1672 in a large enclosure to the south. The river Tiretaine crosses the square from west to east, the driving power generated by the water explaining the presence of the Raynaud mill (future Michelin headquarters) then plants. In 1832, two cousins, Aristide Barbier and Édouard Daubrée, started to manufacture farming machines and equipment for the sugar industry. Under the name “Barbier et Daubrée”, they had workshops on Place des Carmes and in Blanzat, in the early 1850s. The company thrived under the Second Empire, with 400 employees in around 1860. It then diversified into producing small rubber items (balls, joints, marbles, pipes), marking the start of rubber production in Clermont-Ferrand, along with other entrepreneurs such as Torrilhon and Bergougnan. From 1886, brothers André and Édouard Michelin, grandsons of Aristide Barbier, rescued the struggling company and named it Michelin et Cie in 1889. The elder brother, André, was a graduate of the prestigious Centrale Paris engineering school, and a builder of Eiffel-type metallic structures in Paris. He was the architect of the Saint-Joseph covered market in Clermont-Ferrand. Édouard was a law graduate and an artist who came in first place in the École des Beaux-Arts de Paris admissions exam in 1881. Their innovations, including removable tyres and road maps, would set the company on a sustainable track. Since its origins the company headquarters has always been on Place des Carmes. It is the only international company to have kept its headquarters on the site where it was founded. At the site entrance, a large greenhouse houses exotic plants and particularly hevea, which are used to produce rubber. L’Aventure Michelin, 32 rue du Clos-Four in Clermont-Ferrand recounts the entire history of the plant.

Local and traditional restoration in the exceptional historical site of Gergovie. This restaurant offres a panoramic setting 15 minutes from Clermont-Fd.

In the heart of the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park, 20 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand, the restaurant is ideally located on the beach of Lake Aydat. The chef offers traditional cuisine and a range of pizza, burger, salad and snack.

Artisanal pizzas. This pizzeria offers diverse pizzas, fresh pasta, salads, desserts and ice creams. On site or to take away.

Theme restaurant, traditional cuisine and snacks open all year. Reservation required for meals on plate, on tray or take away. Service at all hours. From September to June, the restaurant is open every day for lunch, with a workers' menu and a buffet on Sunday evenings! In July and August, the restaurant is open every day for lunch and dinner. The menu includes burgers, fish, meat, snacks and vegetarian dishes.

Tea room - Homemade pastries - Sweets - artisanal ice creams. Tea room - Homemade pastries - Ideas for presents and decoration - Sweets - artisanal ice creams - great choice of teas. Little menus offered during summer (by reservation): speciality the "Charloise".

Regional, traditional and seasonal cooking. Regional and traditional cooking.

Small pub; feeling at home ambience. Good humor guaranteed. Musical nights on the last Thursday of each month.

Located at an altitude of 1100m, the restaurant of Notre Dame de l'Hermitage welcomes you to a peaceful and mystical place. After enjoying a cuisine with Malagasy origins, you can enjoy the surroundings which offer panoramas and walks.

Creole and traditional meals.

Do you love climbing? Then come and discover this 1800m² bouldering park in Vétraz-Monthoux. Large, bright spaces to discover or rediscover bouldering. For experienced climbers, try out Europe's largest indoor "psychobloc". Detailed description

Opening 20/03/2020 > 01/11/2020 Stay in the Volcano region of the Auvergne! In the spa town of Royat, Huttopia Royat campsite welcomes you at the foot of the Puy de Dôme in a peaceful, natural setting.

Family-hotel and restaurant near Lake La Cassière. The inn "Between Lakes and Volcanoes" offers a nature stop for a meal or a stay.

Ecolodge in mountain village in Cournols. Construction with ecological materials and feng-shui intervention and geobiology. Fully equipped. Parking and private outdoor space. Rent by week or by night.

Suspended between 2 hundred-year-old oaks, enjoy its terrace at a height of 8.70 m! The Cabane Écureuil is a real cosy nest for the more adventurous. Its round bed and transparent dome will allow you to spend a night under the stars. 4 perched huts and an eco-lodge to spend a dream stay with family, friends or lovers, in the deepest respect for the environment. In short, a new experience, full of simplicity, authenticity, nature and space. And if that was luxury too!

In the heart of the Volcanic park of Auvergne, near the Gour of Tazenat, our guest rooms invite you to escape from it all. Electric vehicle charging station. The rooms were renovated in 2021/2022. The car charging station is accessible to everyone. From 5 p.m. access to the charging station is reserved for customers.

In the heart of the Combrailles, come and enjoy an authentic well-being stay. Nestled halfway between rivers and volcanoes, Marie-Claire welcomes you to two "Suites de Campagne®" located in the outbuildings of this old restored farmhouse. The choice of materials, the sobriety of the decor and the quality of the services (bubble bath, hammam and body treatments) will allow you to enjoy special moments in a natural setting. Les Suites de Campagne Les Eydieux, an address shared with those who wish to fully immerse themselves in simplicity, conviviality... or stop their digital dependence here by breathing deeply the air of Combrailles; housing which is therefore also suitable for escapees from the modern world… Welcome to this parenthetical place!

This cottages nestles in the valley of the Morge. Close by you'll find the reservoir of the Sep, the gour of Tazenat, the gorges of the Sioule, the viaduct of Fades, the meander of Queuille, Vulcania and the Puy Chain. Ideal for hiking, fishing and mountain biking. Wooded garden. Large bright room on the second floor. In the valley of the mills, in the lower Combrailles. Reservoir of the Sep, gour of Tazenat, the Sioule, thermal spa of Châteauneuf-les-Bains, Menat and its nautical base, viaduct of Fades, Méandre of Queuille, Vulcania, and the chain of Puys: 15 km. Ideal for hiking, fishing and mountain biking. Independent house on 3000 m² enclosed land with trees. Ground floor: large living space with living room, dining room, kitchen, laundry room, shower room / WC. On the 1st floor, 1 ch. 1 double bed 160 cm, baby bed, 1 bedroom. 1 double bed 140 cm, bathroom. WC. On the 2nd floor, large bright room 70 m² 5 single beds, games room. Heat. elect. according to consumption. Wood insert fireplace.

In this old hay barn, 4 lovely, cozy and spacious bedrooms await you, peaceful nights guaranteed ! The balconies have a magnificant view of the Puy Chain. Small, antique furniture is set alongside the large cupboerds of yesteryear. The floors are made of local oak. All the woodwork is treated with natural products.