Clermont-Ferrand, France

Mais comment est-ce possible?!

How can there be an under-the-radar location in France, the most popular tourist destination in the world? Well, if you’ve done the Dordogne, perused throughout Paris, and sunned in St. Tropez, then consider Clermont-Ferrand in Auvergne. This city is situated just over 400km south of Paris and has a population of about 140,000. With a thriving arts scene, delectable dining options, and a beautiful countryside on its doorstep, this hidden gem has everything a Francophile could want.

Culturally, Clermont-Ferrand has a lot going for it and is nicknamed “France’s Liverpool” due to all the live music venues and theatre performances you can attend. The city plays hosts to France’s second largest film festival and the largest of its kind in the world, the Short Film Festival. And, last but not least, this is a rugby-obsessed city and you’d be well advised to get yourself tickets to see ASM Clermont Auvergne play if there’s a game on while you’re in town.

Michelin-star dining in the home of Michelin

Perhaps Clermont-Ferrand’s biggest claim to fame is that it is the headquarters of Michelin, the second largest tire company in the world and, more importantly for our purposes, the creator of the renowned Michelin restaurant guide. Thankfully, Michelin staff, locals, and visitors have several Michelin starred restaurants to choose from. If Michelin-starred dining is out of your price range, then there are an array of other restaurants featuring specialties from Auvergne. The region excels in hearty dishes – look out for menus featuring pork, cabbage, lentils, and cheese (such as the Bleu d’Auvergne).

Don’t forget your hiking gear!

As with most DailyDirect destinations, there’s a lot to explore just outside the city in which you land, and Clermont-Ferrand is no exception. Just twenty minutes west of the city is Puy de Dôme, the highest dormant volcano in a range that extends over forty kilometres. You can hike or take a train to the peak, from where you can enjoy a terrific panorama view over the city and valley below. Once you’ve reached top, you have the option to paraglide down if you’re feeling tired from your hike up.

Direct Flights to Clermont-Ferrand

There are very few direct flights to Clermont-Ferrand from outside of France…in fact there’s only one!

Amsterdam

You can fly direct to Clermont-Ferrand four days a week with Air France. The flight takes one hour and a half.