According to a survey by L’Express, Clermont‑Ferrand ranks among the top five French cities offering the best quality of life. The capital of Auvergne also holds 10th place in the ranking of French cities where it is good to work.
Clermont-Ferrand is indeed a dynamic city experiencing strong economic growth, thanks to its strategic location within France, at the crossroads of two major motorway axes: the route linking Paris to Montpellier and the one connecting Bordeaux to Lyon. A student city with a vibrant cultural scene and an exceptional natural living environment, Clermont-Ferrand is a truly unique city.
A city at the heart of an exceptional natural heritage
Clermont-Ferrand is not just about its city center… With 300 km of marked trails, the surrounding natural environment of the metropolitan area is quickly and easily accessible. The city is indeed ideally located near many attractive sites. Beyond the Gergovie plateau or the Puy de Dôme site, Clermont-Ferrand is in close proximity to the Chaîne des Puys. This group of nearly 80 volcanoes stretching over about thirty kilometers has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2018, thus becoming the first natural site inscribed in mainland France.
This natural environment offers pleasant walks and numerous hiking opportunities. From long-distance hikes and family discovery walks to mountain biking routes and trail running, many paths wind around the volcanoes, connect them, or lead to their summits.
Exploring these volcanic landscapes combines magnificent nature, wildlife, and protected flora. A true jewel of natural heritage!
A rich cultural offering
Beyond its heritage, Clermont-Ferrand also places a strong focus on culture. Since 2015, the city has been working on a bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2028.
It maintains its reputation as a cultural city and promotes this image through festivals such as the International Short Film Festival and the Travel Diary Biennial…
When it comes to music, the city was awarded the title of Rock Capital a few years ago. This distinction was earned thanks to its diverse local music scene, the growing popularity of local artists, the presence of La Coopérative de Mai—a renowned concert venue hosting more than a hundred concerts each year—and its contemporary music festivals.
A remarkable urban heritage
The multi-faceted metropolitan area invites visitors to discover its historic districts with medieval or Renaissance architecture, its spa architecture, and its contemporary heritage.
Designated as a City of Art and History, Clermont-Ferrand is home to remarkable architectural masterpieces. Among them, the Basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Port, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the medieval district of Montferrand, and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, with its two spires rising nearly 100 meters high, designed by the renowned architect Viollet-le-Duc, stand out as iconic landmarks.
The city’s neighborhoods have been gradually redeveloped to offer attractive urban walks, making the city center increasingly appealing. Clermont-Ferrand also features numerous green spaces, with 150 hectares of parks and gardens.
One of the lowest costs of living among mid-sized French cities
The cost of living in Clermont-Ferrand is slightly lower than that of other mid-sized French metropolitan areas and overall around 35% lower than in Paris.
The capital of Auvergne is indeed one of the most affordable cities in France, with an average real estate price of around €2,300 per square meter in the city center and €2,000 per square meter in the surrounding areas.
