Clermont Ferrand - Much more than Tyres by Mary Smith

Clermont Ferrand (Pop. 140,700)is the capital the Puy de Dome department located in the Auvergne region of central France. The Puy de Dome is one of four departments which make up the Auvergne, the others being the Allier in the north, the Haute-Loire to the east and the Cantal to the south.

The cities dramatic location on the Plain de Limagne surrounded by volcanic uplands is dominated by the Puy de Dome which at 1464m can be seen from miles around and can be scaled on foot or, for the less so inclined (no pun intended), accessed by road.

Clermont Ferrand is one of the oldest cities in France, emerging in the 1st century BC as the capital of the gaulish tribe, the Arverni, led by Vercingatorix, who was born in the area in about 72BC. The site of the gauls most famous victory over Caesars Roman invaders at the Battle of Gergovia in 52BC is commemorated at the Plateau de Gergovia, located to the south of Clermont, with a statue of Vercingatorix and a visitor centre. The creator of the Statue of Liberty, Frederic Bartholdi, also sculpted the statue of Vercingatorix found in the Place Jaude, Clermont's main square.

Clermont Ferrand was once two distinct cities, Clermont and Montferrand, which were joined together by two royal edicts, the first in 1630 under Louis X111 and the second in 1731 under Loius XV. The city of Clermont Ferrand developed over the next two hundred years but the area occupied by Montferrand was largely ignored, leading to its decline. The distinction between the two original cities can be seen to this day with Montferrand retaining much of its 17th and 18th century architecture and narrow cobbled streets.

For lovers of religious architecture Clermont Ferrand has two significant sites. The Romanesque church of Notre Dame de Port was built between the 11th and 12th centuries and is today an official UNESCO World Heritage site. The twin towered cathedral (Cathedral Notre-Dame-de-L'Assomption de Clermont Ferrand) is a fine example of the gothic style, built between the 13th and 19th centuries.

The city has long been associated with the giant tyre manufacturer Michelin who retain their headquarters there today despite much of the manufacturing process now taking place overseas. The firm played a large part in re-uniting the separate cities of Clermont and Montferrand through its large factory outlets employing at one time up to 30,000 people. Michelin also owns Clermont's rugby club, Clermont Auvergne, founded in 1911 by Marcel Michelin. The recently re-developed 16,000 seat Stade Michelin hosts the clubs home games, and is more often than not filled to capacity. Today Michelin has been overtaken as an employer by new industries such as food processing, engineering and computer software development.

In recent years the city has experienced major re-development in the form of a new tram link which connects the north and south of the city. This new development generated the re-development and pedestrianisation of the Place Jaude, as well as stimulating the upgrading of many of the areas through which the tramway runs. The tram is a symbol of Clermont's progressive re-development and has greatly enhanced the visitors experience, linking many of the cities major points of interest. In the warmer months the Place Jaude is a great place to relax and sit outside with a coffee or lunch and watch the world go by. From here it is a short walk to the cathedral via the pretty pedestrianised streets where you will find a good selection of chic shops and restaurants serving anything from Japanese to Portugese food.

One of the Clermont's major modern attractions is Vulcania, a theme park dedicated to the history of volcanoes located 15km from the centre of Clermont Ferrand. Much of Vulcania is located underground, lessening its impact on the environment. The range of attractions found at the park include interactive rides, play areas, experimental areas for children and a permanent exhibition area. It is on of the Auvergne's primary tourist sites and is highly recommended.

The city is an important cultural centre, hosting more than twenty film, dance, theatre and music festivals each year. One of the primary events is the International Short Film Festival which in 2009 (January 30th to 7th February) will be in its 31st year. The festival was the worlds first in 1979 and today is second only to Cannes in numbers of visitors attracted.

From Clermont it is only a 40 minute drive to the ski resort of Superbesse, located within the Sancy mountain range to the west of the city. With 43km of downhill runs and a many cross country ski trails the resort is certainly worth a visit for the novice to intermediate skier. Super Besse is linked, via ski run, to Mont Dore on the opposite side of the mountain, providing a combined down hill ski distance of 85km. It is advisable to check that the link is open before you go if you want to experience the complete ski terrain.

From ancient to modern, the city of Clermont Ferrand has something for everyone. Whether you want to explore the many facets of the city itself over a few days or pay a short visit whilst staying elsewhere in the vicinity you will be pleasantly surprised at the variety and quality of activities on offer.

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