A few words about Clermont-Ferrand

Clermont-Ferrand was born after the two small towns of Clermont and Montferrand merged into one in 1731. Today it is commonly called Clermont and is the capital of the Puy-de-Dome department of France, located in its south part at about 170 km from Lyon. Clermont enjoys delightful surroundings in the heart of the Auvergne region, famous for its beautiful nature immersed in sunshine, the tourist routes and the imaginative culinary specialties. The town itself is surrounded by numerous extinct volcanoes creating a fascinating landscape with the highest of them, Puy-de-Dome, representing major attraction with the antennas perched on its top. Though its present vision is quite contemporary looking, the town has vast background going back to ancient times. Clermond was first mentioned in the writings of Greek geographers and later on was the site of battles against the Roman invaders for the independence of Gallia. The famous mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal made one of his most important experiments here - he tested the hypothesis of Torricelli by running all the distance from the town to Puy-to-Dome.

The city today is a fascinating modern center, which has charmingly incorporated its long historical past in the unique perspective of the surrounding landscapes. Industrial suburbs and modern entertainment, business and sports facilities assure it the reputation of a prosperous urban center. There is a university attracting French and international students in the heart of Auvergne. The city center keeps the memories of glorious times, especially on the Place de Jaude with the huge statue of Vincingetorix, the great leader of Gallia's resistance. The statue was created by Bartholdi, the author of the world-famous Statue of Liberty. There is an impressive gothic cathedral, Notre Dame de l'Assomption and a beautiful old church called Notre Dame du Port. Clermont-Ferrand hosts various artistic events the most popular of which is the annual short film festival that has had its 25th edition recently. With lots of students in it, the city has young heart and fresh spirit, best sensed in the small pubs and charming restaurants, the bars and the nightclubs. And besides its industrial look it is hospitable, in the French way, with a warm welcome from the depth of the volcano heart of Auvergne.