Clermont-Ferrand sits in the central Auvergne region of France, and so its airport tends to serve a number of nearby destinations. The city itself has a reasonably famous Short Film Festival as part of its more modern cultural heritage, as well as the tyre company Michelin which grew up in the area. There's a huge cathedral with towering black spires, but strikingly, this isn't what dominates the broader skyline; the Puy de Dome Volcano fulfils that role.
Car hire at Clermont-Ferrand Airport is popular with tourists as Puy de Dome is a good 14km outside the city. Hiring a car in Clermont-Ferrand is available both from the airport and in the city centre.
Landing at Clermont-Ferrand Airport and travelling into the city, you'll notice two features that characterise the skyline: The blackened spires of Notre Dame de l'Assomption Cathedral and the dormant volcano that is Puy de Dome - few cities can claim such a dramatic cityscape. Hiring a car at Clermont-Ferrand Airport is wise as Puy de Dome is a short drive away and you'll appreciate the spectacular views en-route.
In the centre of town, you'll find the Place de Jaude, which sits nicely alongside the Opera House and the Vercingétorix statue. The Notre Dame du Port Basilica is popular with tourists, as is the much appreciated Michelin Museum – L'Aventure Michelin.
If you have kids, a trip to Vulcania Theme Park is a welcome excursion and just a short drive out of the city – around 16km on the D941.
Lyon is around 166km east on the convenient A89 but closer at hand, the Vichy Opera is less than an hour away on the equally direct A71 north. Rent a car at Clermont-Ferrand and make an easy transfer for the 6.5km into the city centre, or to whichever point of arrival you've chosen in the Auvergne region.
