Situated in the central part of France, the City of
Clermont-Ferrand serves as the capital to the region of
Auvergne. The city has a population of about 140,000 and is well-known for its extinct volcanoes that can be found in the fringes, about 13 kilometers away from the heart of the city. Over the years,
Clermont-Ferrand has grown to be one of the favorite cities for those who select France as their holiday destination.
The real essence of the city of
Clermont-Ferrand lies in its historical richness. Strabo, the Greek geographer, first mentioned the city, calling it ‘Nemessos,’ which, in Gaulish, means sacred forest.
Clermont-Ferrand was witness to the mighty Battle of Gergovia, where the Gauls bravely fought the Romans. After the Romans finally won, the region was given the name ‘Augustonemetum.’ However, the name was changed again during the ninth century. It was at this time that the city got its current name ‘Clairmont,’ inspired from Clarus Mons the castle.
The present existence of the city came to be after the Edict of Troyes used force to merge the cities of Clermont and Montferrand. Despite the merger, even today, the two cities have their separate identities.
Clermont-Ferrand has been home to Michelin, the tire giant, for years now.
The other attractive sites in the city are Puy-de-Dome, the statue of Vercingetorix, and Le Musee Roger-Quilliot. The Puy-de-Dome is the famous dormant volcano that stands facing the city. Visitors can go hitchhiking there and even visit the local café. The statue of Vercingetorix is made of bronze and was built to commemorate the bravery of Vercingetorix, the soldier who led the Gauls in the fight against the Romans. Le Musee Roger-Quilliot is an art museum that is home to works from around the region.
