Summer activities in and around Clermont-Ferrand
From the emblematic Fête de la Musique festivals to outdoor activities, Clermont-Ferrand is packed with activities to help you make the most of your summer! On the programme: lively festivals, scenic walks, moments of idleness, and much more!
Festivals
Start your summer with music! 21 June marks the start of the summer season, but it’s also the date on which the Fête de la Musique will be held throughout France. Make your way to the Place de Jaude, then take a stroll around the town in an infectious atmosphere. The streets will come alive with the sound of music, and local artists will take over the squares and parks to offer you a variety of performances. You’re sure to find a musical atmosphere to thrill you!
Then continue your musical summer at the Europavox Festival. It takes place from 30 June to 2 July at various venues across the city. This unique event showcases Europe’s musical diversity, welcoming artists from the four corners of the continent. Whether you’re a fan of pop, rock, electro or world music, Europavox will have you dancing to the beat!
Original activities
Find out more about the national conference on pattern recognition and artificial intelligence. It will be held in Clermont-Ferrand on 27 June. This event brings together the brightest minds in the field, offering a unique opportunity to explore the exciting advances in artificial intelligence. The conference is not just about academic presentations and technical discussions. A particularly captivating attraction is the intelligent Lego robot showdown. Designed and programmed by students, these amazing creations vie with each other to outdo each other in a fascinating competition.
Would you rather be at the heart of the action? Test your puzzle-solving skills and team spirit with your friends in an outdoor escape game. Les arcanes de la cité offers a number of scenarios, plunging you into missions to be solved in the city’s most emblematic locations. Whether you’re trying to solve a historical mystery or escape a perilous situation, these life-size games will give you an immersive and captivating experience.
Outdoor activities
As well as festivals and robot fights, Clermont-Ferrand and the surrounding area is bursting with activities! Whether you’re a nature lover or a thrill-seeker, the region is full of possibilities! From bivouacking in the wilderness to paragliding over volcanoes, you’ll never be bored this summer!
For hiking and cycling enthusiasts, the Puy-de-Dôme (63) offers some magnificent routes through the surrounding countryside. Take to the paths that criss-cross the region and discover breathtaking panoramas. Whether you’re a mountain biker, road cyclist, stroller or racer, there’s something to suit all levels and tastes!
If you’re going away for several days, why not go camping in the great outdoors? You can discover some superb sites where you can bivouac or camp in the wild. Head to the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne and explore the different areas authorised for spending the night under the stars. Whether on the summit of an extinct volcano or on the banks of a peaceful lake, this will be a unique experience!
Enjoy an open-water swim the day after your bivouac. Head to Lac Chambon, Lac d’Aydat, Lac de Guéry and Lac de Fades to cool off in crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush green countryside. Enjoy activities such as paddle-boarding, kayaking, canoeing and water-skiing as you explore the shores of these natural lakes.
But if you’re in the mood for something a little more thrilling, head for the Allier gorges! For thrill-seekers, canyoning is an extraordinary water adventure. Equipped with a neoprene wetsuit, helmet and harness, explore spectacular canyons. Slide down natural water slides, jump into wild pools and abseil down waterfalls. Supervised by experienced guides, you’ll enjoy a thrilling experience in the heart of nature!
Are you an adrenalin-seeker who prefers to wear a harness to climb steep walls? Discover the various climbing and via ferrata sites that await you! Test your skills on the rock faces of the Dent de La Rancune or the Capucin. Or try your hand at via ferrata, an activity that combines climbing and a safe aerial route. Accompanied by professionals, you can discover breathtaking panoramas while pushing back your limits.
Finally, climbing to the top of a cliff isn’t enough for you? Take to the skies in a paraglider or hot-air balloon and discover a fantastic view of the Auvergne volcanoes. Fly over the volcanic landscapes and enjoy an unforgettable experience with breathtaking views. Thrills guaranteed!
Farniente and the local market
After all these exciting adventures, you can enjoy a more relaxed time in town or strolling around the flea markets, garage sales and local markets that will be bringing the towns and cities of Auvergne to life this summer.
Want to make the most of the fine weather in Clermont-Ferrand? Take a look at the flea markets and garage sales. Every Sunday morning, the Brocante des Salins welcomes you. Stroll around the stalls and unearth some unexpected treasures. Another not-to-be-missed event is the Brocante de Champratel, held every first Sunday of the month. In a friendly atmosphere, be surprised by the diversity of items on offer. Whether you’re a keen collector or just curious, this flea market is a real trip back in time.
Garage sales are also an ideal opportunity to pick up bargains. Every year, the Vide-grenier in Cournon-d’Auvergne attracts many exhibitors and visitors. In August, you can also visit the Vide-grenier in Royat, nestling in a lush green setting.
And don’t forget to visit the various local markets in the region. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover local produce and taste local culinary specialities. Take advantage of the friendly, festive atmosphere to talk to enthusiastic producers and share good times with your friends!
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a bargain-hunter or a curious epicurean, the Puy de Dôme has something for everyone this summer!