About Clermont-Ferrand

Clermont-Ferrand is the first French town twinned with Salford. Serge Godard is the current Mayor of the city.

Localisation

It is located in the middle of France in Auvergne region. The city is famous for the chain of volcanoes (extinct for 12,000 years) surrounding it, the Chaîne des Puys. The Puy-de-Dôme (13km from the city) is the highest peak of the district and well-known for the telecommunication antennas that sit on its top and are visible from far away.

It is built largely of the dark volcanic rock of the region. The gothic cathedral of Notre-Dame is the most visible and famous building in the city.

Economy

The French tyre manufacturer Michelin, the worldwide leader in its industry, has been located there for about 200 years. Many other prominent businesses, such as pharmaceutical industry, mechanical engineering and the food-processing industry are also present.

Cultural life

The 2000 years of history explains the rich heritage. Many festivals, like the short film festival, the Biennal of the Journal of Travels and Jazz, are organised each year. Museums, concerts and theatre offer a lot of events. Clermont-Ferrand is ranked as an Art and History town in France.

Sport and leisure

It is a paradise for the amateurs of nature and rambling. The Regional Auvergne Natural Volcanoes Park gathers 80 volcanoes to contemplate. The European park of volcanoes, Vulcania, allows both discovery and enjoyment of volcanoes. The French town offers132 sports facilities. The city is also host to a high-profile rugby, basketball and football club. Several international sport events are organised. Clermont-Ferrand is regularly presented at the top rank by specialised press in terms of health, life and sports practices.

This page was last updated on 4 October 2009