Bed and Breakfast hotels in Clermont Ferrand

Clermont-Ferrand is located in the Puy-de-Dôme department in the Auvergne region. The inner-city population is about 142,000, whereas the greater metropolitan area holds some 460,000 people. To the west of the city there is a volcanic plateau, upon which lies the Puys chain, the largest chain of volcanoes in all of Europe. To the north lie the fertile plains of Limagne, the second largest cereal plains in France. The city acts as a sort of roundabout for many major French motorways.

Clermont-Ferrand was founded with the union of two old cities, Clairmont and Montferrand. This union was imposed by the Edict of Troyes in 1630, signed by Louis XIII and later confirmed by Louis XV. Montferrand was founded in the early 12th century by the Auvergne counts, inspired by the walled towns of the French south-west. Clairmont is much older, its existence being first mentioned in one of Strabo’s (a Greek geographer) works in the 1st century AD. At the time the city was known as Nemossos and was referred to as the “Metropolis of the Averni”. The city has a very rich history, but it is today best known for being the birthplace of the Michelin Company. In 1832, Aristide Barbier and Édouard Daubrée founded a factory which produced rubber balls and agricultural machines. This factory was the beginning of the Michelin group. In the late 1800’s Michelin began to produce the rubber breaks for bicycles, and the first patent for the bicycle tyre was written in 1891. The tyre-manufacturing giant still has its headquarters in Clermont-Ferrand to this day.

A two-day break
Clermont-Ferrand is recognized as a city rich in both art and history. The four nearby campanile hotels, Hotel Campanile Clermont-Ferrand Le Brézet , Hotel Campanile Clermont-Ferrand Sud Aubière, Hotel Campanile Clermont Ferrand Nord Riom and Hotel Campanile Clermont-Ferrand Sud Issoire range from 4km to 25km in distance from the centre of the city, so you can choose which location suits you best. Most of the city’s architecture is built with pierre de volvic, a volcanic stone which is mined from the nearby Chaine des Puys. A must-see is the Roman Notre-Dame du Port Basilica which was constructed in the 12th century to replace an older church which had been destroyed. It is comprised of a number of stone chapels which have been named on UNESCO’s world heritage list. The Saint Laurent church is today hidden amongst the city's buildings but is a true gem. Other important sights to see are the Monteffrand historic quarter- especially its “Elephant House” -, the old centre city that surrounds the Place de la Victoire, and the 48 public fountains which are located throughout the city. Lastly, you can’t stop by Clermont-Ferrand without paying a visit to the Michelin Museum !

A week-long stay
For a longer stay, visit more of the city’s old churches, which are spread all around. Also stop by some of the once private homes (hotels particuliers), such as the Hotel de Fontfreyde or the Hotel de Chazerat. The latter, constructed in the style of Louis XVI, houses a gorgeous oval courtyard lined with pillars, and today is the headquarters of Auvergne’s Department of Cultural Affairs. The city also contains a mixture of 20th and 21st century architecture. The Galeries de Jaude, today home to the Galeries Lafayette department store, dates back to 1907 and leads onto the Place de Jaude and its beautiful fountains. The Marché Saint-Pierre is a covered market built in the 80s on the grounds of an abandoned 19th century building, and every day gathers merchants selling produce. The Place de Jaude 2 is an ongoing project which will make space for a 4-star hotel, shops and a new cinema.

A family holiday
Whether it is for shopping, sight-seeing or hiking, your family trip to Clermont-Ferrand will not leave you feeling disappointed.

Transport
Acting in a way as a major French roundabout, Clermont-Ferrand can be reached via several major motorways. The city has four major train stations, with trains coming and going in all directions. There is a nearby international airport, which back in the day welcomed the Concorde jets. When in the city, it is easy to get around either by car, or using the well-developed public transport system.

Gastronomy
Auvergnate cuisine is rather diverse. There are many stews and hearty baked vegetable and poultry dishes, as well as tarts and other rich desserts. The blue Auvergne cheese comes from the region and must be tasted!

Events
One of the more important festivals held in Clermont-Ferrand is the International Short Film Festival, which has been held every year since 1979. It takes place at the Maison des Congrès et de la Culture, and is the largest French film festival after the Cannes Film Festival. Jazz en tête was founded in 1988 and each year showcases international jazz musicians. Also, the Nicéphore + festival, whose name is a reference to Nicéphore Niepece – one of the inventors of photography - every year hosts a still-life exhibition along with other masterpieces.

Interesting fact
The French philosopher Michel Foucault taught at the University of Clermont-Ferrand between 1960 and 1966. 

Useful links
http://www.clermont-fd.com (official city site) http://www.clermont-ferrand.fr (Tourism site)