Clermont-Ferrand

Clermont-Ferrand is a city in France, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It has a population of 146,351 people and is the capital of the Puy-de-Dôme department. The city is surrounded by a chain of volcanoes, including the Puy de Dôme, and has been listed as a "tectonic hotspot" on the UNESCO World Heritage List since July 2018.

Clermont-Ferrand is one of the oldest cities in France. The Romans called it the capital of the Arvernie tribe. Over the centuries, it has seen many changes and challenges, including raids by different groups. In 1095, it hosted the Council of Clermont, where Pope Urban II called for the First Crusade.

Today, Clermont-Ferrand is known for the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, one of the world's leading festivals for short films. The city is also home to the headquarters of Michelin, a major tire company founded there over 100 years ago. With many students and researchers, it is the first city in France to join the UNESCO Learning City Network.

One of the city's famous sights is its black lava stone Gothic styled Cathedral. Another well-known place is Place de Jaude, where a grand statue of Vercingetorix stands. The statue was sculpted by Frédéric Bartholdi, who also created the Statue of Liberty.

History

Clermont-Ferrand has a long and interesting history. Its first name was Augustonemetum, meaning "sanctuary for Augustus." The city began on a hill where the cathedral stands today. In 848, the city was renamed Clermont after a nearby castle. In 1731, the small town of Montferrand joined with Clermont to form the city we know today.

Clermont is one of France’s oldest cities. A famous leader named Vercingetorix, who fought against Roman invaders, was born nearby. After the Romans took over, the city became an important place. In the Middle Ages, it was a center for Christian leaders and was the starting point for the First Crusade when leaders called for a journey to retake Jerusalem. Over time, the city grew and changed, becoming part of the French Crown and shaping into the modern city of Clermont-Ferrand we see today.

Only remaining Gallo-Roman wall of the Vasso Galate temple, Clermont-Ferrand

Geography

Clermont-Ferrand has an oceanic climate, which means it has rain and clouds but is one of the driest places in France thanks to mountains blocking the rain. These mountains also make the city's weather feel more like areas far away, with cold winters and hot summers. Frost is common in winter, and the city often gets very cold in the valley while the mountains stay warm. Snow falls sometimes but doesn’t stay long. Summers can get very hot, with temperatures going above 35 °C (95 °F) and sometimes big thunderstorms.

Basilica of Notre-Dame du Port

The city has some beautiful old buildings, including two famous churches. Notre-Dame du Port is a Romanesque church from the 11th and 12th centuries, and Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral is a Gothic cathedral built between the 13th and 19th centuries. There are also lovely parks and gardens to explore, such as Jardin Lecoq, Parc de Montjuzet, Jardin botanique de la Charme, Arboretum de Royat, and Jardin botanique d'Auvergne. Other interesting buildings include the Galeries of Jaude, Hôtel d'Aubière, Hôtel de Ville, and parts of an old Gallo-Roman wall.

Economy and infrastructure

Food production, processing, and engineering are important jobs in the area. Many research facilities for computer software and pharmaceutical companies also provide work.

The city was known for the French tyre manufacturer Michelin, which created the radial tyre and grew to be a worldwide leader. For much of the 20th century, Michelin had big factories in Clermont-Ferrand, employing up to 30,000 workers. Though the company still has its headquarters there, most manufacturing now happens in other countries. This change happened slowly, helping the city attract new industries and stay prosperous.

Transport

Tramway in Clermont-Ferrand

The main railway station connects to Paris and several regional places such as Lyon, Moulins via Vichy, Le Puy-en-Velay, Aurillac, Nîmes, Issoire, Montluçon, and Thiers.

The A71 motorway links Clermont-Ferrand with Orléans and Bourges, the A75 with Montpellier, and the A89 with Bordeaux, Lyon, and Saint-Étienne. The airport offers flights within France. Clermont-Ferrand was the first city in France to get a new Translohr transit system, the Clermont-Ferrand tramway, connecting the north and south parts of the city.

The TGV will arrive in Auvergne after 2030. It will be one of the last regions without a TGV stop.

Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport serves only a few mostly domestic destinations. For international travel, the nearest international airport is Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport, located 190 km (120 mi) to the east of Clermont-Ferrand.

Population

Culture

Clermont-Ferrand is an important city for culture and learning. It was home to Blaise Pascal, a famous mathematician and philosopher. The city also holds the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, the world's first short film festival, which started in 1979. This event brings many visitors and has helped launch the careers of several well-known directors.

One of the 48 public fountains with the cathedral in background. The fountain and the cathedral are made with the typical black volcanic stone of the area, named "pierre de Volvic".

The city hosts many other festivals for music, dance, theatre, and digital art every year. Clermont-Ferrand is also known for its museum about the history of the Michelin group. Some famous films, like The Sorrow and the Pity and My Night at Maud's, have used the city as a setting.

Sport

Clermont-Ferrand has a rich sports history. A racing circuit near the city, the Charade Circuit, hosted the French Grand Prix several times. The city has also been part of the Tour de France and has hosted international rugby and football events. It is home to ASM Clermont Auvergne, a top-level rugby team, and Clermont Foot, a football club that has played in France's top league.

Famous people

Born in Clermont-Ferrand

Blaise Pascal, c. 1690

André Michelin, 1920

Clermont-Ferrand has been home to many notable people throughout history. Some famous individuals born there include Avitus, a Roman emperor, and Blaise Pascal, a famous mathematician and scientist. Other well-known figures include writers, artists, and leaders from many fields.

Sport

Audrey Tautou

Many athletes have come from Clermont-Ferrand, including Gabriella Papadakis, an ice dancer who has won Olympic gold medals, and Aurélien Rougerie, a rugby player who has represented France. The city has produced champions in many different sports.

Resident in Clermont-Ferrand

Clermont-Ferrand has also attracted famous residents over the years. Henri Bergson, a famous philosopher, and Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, who served as president of France, both lived in or near the city. Other notable residents include writers, artists, and important community leaders.

Education

Education is a big part of Clermont-Ferrand's life and work.

The city has the University of Clermont Auvergne, which was formed in 2017 and has more than 37,000 students. There is also Clermont Auvergne INP, the largest engineering school in the city with about 2,700 students. The ESC Clermont Business School has been in the city since 1919.

Twin towns – sister cities

Clermont-Ferrand has friendly partnerships with cities in different countries. These partnerships started at different times, with the one with Regensburg beginning in 1969 and Aberdeen in 1983. The cities it partners with include: