Clermont-Ferrand is recognisable by the dark stone of its cathedral. The volcanic origin of the material is evident in the town’s appearance, but the walk itself can remain compact and leisurely. Start with the central squares, and plan your walks along the Auvergne’s natural trails separately.
Where to start your walk
The cathedral towers over the old quarters, so it’s best to approach it gradually via the side streets. Don’t limit yourself to a photo of the main façade: walking around it allows you to see how this grand structure fits into the dense urban fabric. On a hot day, make use of the shaded walkways.
How to continue your route
The Basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Port adds Romanesque architecture to the itinerary, whilst Place Jod offers an open urban space. This is a good combination for a day after travelling. A single, thorough exploration and a longer stroll often yield more than several hurried visits.
A local detail worth bearing in mind
Puy-de-Dôme shouldn’t be added as a random final stop. Travelling out of town requires checking the road conditions, the weather and your return time.
Plan for after the coach journey
The itinerary is designed for exploring the city at your own pace, rather than a guided tour with a strict timetable. First, check the arrival address against your ticket and decide where to leave your luggage. Mark your accommodation, the first sightseeing spot and the pick-up point on an offline map. Count the time for your city walk from the moment your luggage has been dropped off and you’re ready to set off.
On the day of arrival, plan just one main sightseeing stop. If your flight is delayed, cut back on the extra part of your itinerary, whilst still allowing time for a meal and the journey back. Before paying for entry, check the official opening hours, access conditions and any ongoing works. A view of the building from the outside does not mean that its interiors are accessible without restrictions.
What to keep before leaving
- the drop-off address and the transport operator’s contact details;
- an offline map showing the return route;
- confirmation of your chosen museum or guided tour slot;
- contact details for your accommodation and the arrangements for collecting any luggage you’ve left behind.
You may find the following useful when preparing: How to plan your first day after a long coach journey, How to find a hotel from the coach station, Offline maps for travelling in Europe: how to set up your phone. Check available bus journey options on RedRay; this guide does not confirm the availability of a direct service to every city.
Resources for preparation
General information about the city and attractions: Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral, Basilica of Notre-Dame du Port, Place de Jaude. The suggested walking route is the editorial team’s recommendation; please check with the relevant venues for current opening times.
Image details
- Jaude 04.JPG — Wikimedia Commons; Public domain. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. Licence terms are available on the original page.
- Notre dame port arrierer 2.JPG — Romary; CC BY 2.5. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. The licence terms are available on the original page.
- Jardin lecoq clermont-fd.jpg — Fabien1309; CC BY-SA 2.0 fr. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. The licence terms are available on the original page.
Questions and Answers
Can this route be used on the day of arrival?
Yes, by selecting the central section and one main sightseeing spot. After a night’s journey, it is more convenient to leave the strenuous climbs and longer journeys for the following day.
What is the most important thing to bear in mind for this walk?
Puy-de-Dôme should not be added as a random final destination. Travelling out of town requires checking the road conditions, the weather and your estimated time of return.
What should I do with my suitcase?
Before you set off, confirm that your luggage will be stored at your accommodation or in a secure left-luggage facility, including the time you’ll collect your belongings. Keep your documents, ticket and a fully charged mobile phone with you.
Do you need to buy all admission tickets in advance?
First, choose your main attraction and check its rules. Don’t book several closely spaced time slots until you’ve confirmed the journey between them. Keep your city walk flexible.