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One of France's oldest cities
Clermont-Ferrand is situated in the Auvergne region of France, and is this region’s principal city, as well one of France’s oldest cities. It also lies in the Massif Centrale, surrounded by stunning countryside. Wide open pastures and lakes sit side by side with volcanic mountain ranges, craters, and rivers, and castles and chateaux dot the landscape.
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A city of light and colour
Despite its position in history as one of the oldest cities in France, Clermont-Ferrand today is a city of light, colour and youthful energy. Greatly influenced by its vast student population, the city is a forward-looking hub of research and industry, with the Michelin tyre industry providing employment for many and research into Information Technology reaching new heights. Clermont-Ferrand also has ancient monuments by the dozen and history in spades, so it would seem that whatever it is you are looking for in a French city you will find it here in Clermont-Ferrand.
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Life in the city…
Life in the city is an exciting blend of business and pleasure. While you are aware of being part of a thriving industrial community, you will also find yourself spoiled for choice by opportunities to enjoy yourself. The city has dozens of excellent bars and restaurants, and the shopping facilities are no less than superb.
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The Saracen
If you enjoy tracing the history of a town or city there can be few better places to start than Clermont-Ferrand. Monuments worth a visit include the Saracen, which is a black volcanic rock structure. At seven metres high and almost two metres thick, it is the largest surviving structure from Gallo Roman times when the town was called Augustonemetum.
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La Fontaine d’Ambroise
La Fontaine d’Ambroise, the beautiful fountain which has remained intact for five centuries despite having been dismantled, moved and rebuilt several times, is also well worth seeing. It possesses not only beauty, but also great significance, as it carries a message for the people of Clermont-Ferrand within its intricate Renaissance detailing.
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Clermont-Ferrand’s cathedral and opera house
There is a lovely and imposing cathedral, the Cathedral Notre Dame de L’Assumption, and also a beautiful Italianate opera house. Another monument you must not miss is the striking equestrian statue of Vercingetorix, the Gaulish chieftain who has the distinction of having vanquished none other than Julius Caesar in a battle just outside the city. It is also possible to visit the battleground.
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And life outside…
Should you tire of the city itself (or should that be ‘tyre’ given the Michelin connection?) there is still plenty to see and do outside the confines of the city. You could visit the region’s famous 80 volcanoes, enjoy seeing the many beautiful lakes and castles dotted around the countryside, attend a jazz festival or the international short film festival held yearly here, or work off some energy taking part in the water sports available on the nearby lake. In the winter you can take to the slopes of the Massif Centrale for a little skiing, or get tickets for a rugby game and see the passion of the locals at close quarters!
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How to get there
Clermont-Ferrand has its own international airport, but at the time of writing there are no direct flights from the UK available. It is feasible, however, to fly to Paris and then take a connecting domestic flight to Clermont-Ferrand. Another option is to fly to Limoges or Rodez direct from the UK with Ryanair, or Lyon with Air France, BA, easyJet, bmibaby or bmi. Rail travel is another possibility, as the city has direct rail links to Paris, Dijon, Lyon and Marseille, or if you are driving you should take the A71 autoroute from Paris.
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Property prices and availability in and around Clermont-Ferrand
Clermont-Ferrand is an excellent place to look for bargain property in central France. The region is easily accessible from many European cities, and is certainly an up and coming industrial centre. Rental potential from property in the city is good, and in general property prices in and around Clermont-Ferrand represent value for money, and should make a good investment.
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CLERMONT-FERRAND AT A GLANCE |
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HOTELS IN CLERMONT-FERRAND
* online booking & great prices
* up-to-the-minute availability
* unbiased hotel reviews
* full confirmation with directions |
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AGENTS WITH PROPERTY IN THIS AREA |
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4/5