The Best Cultural Hotels in and Around Clermont-Ferrand

The statue of Vercingetorix towers over Clermont-Ferrand, an historic city with plenty of culture | © JAUBERT French Collection / Alamy Stock Photo

Kim Gregory

3 November 2021

View

Clermont-Ferrand, in the heart of central France, is a lively, historic city with architectural marvels like the lava stone Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Cathedral, atmospheric squares and plenty of culture. The university city is surrounded by the Chaîne des Puys – a magnificent chain of 80 dormant volcanoes now recognised as a Unesco World Heritage site. The Auvergne region’s landscape is unique, including the Limagne Fault and the Puy-de-Dôme lakes. Check out our list of hotels in Clermont-Ferrand, from countryside family-run getaways to stylish city-centre stays – bookable on Culture Trip.

Hôtel Le Lion, for delectable cuisine

Bedroom with large bed, blue headboard and curtains, hardwood floors and French windows toward street

Courtesy of Hôtel Le Lion / Expedia

You’re right on Place de Jaude at this chic hotel – featuring quirky, colourful rooms with designer furniture and parquet flooring. Start days with a buffet breakfast including charcuterie and fruits, and finish in the Brasserie with happy hour cocktails, detox juices, concerts and big-screen sports. Up for dinner? Grab a chair in the dining room or terrace – surrounded by retro seating, sculptures and designer lighting – for pizza or “butcher’s choice” dishes, followed by iced raspberry tiramisu.

Première Classe Clermont-Ferrand Centre, for family ease

Queen bedroom with grey patterned carpet, desk, red wardrobe and flatscreen TV

Courtesy of Première Classe Clermont-Ferrand Centre / Expedia

This family-friendly stay is a 10-minute walk from the train station and a 10-minute drive to Clermont-Ferrand’s city centre – take advantage of street parking. Rest in your simple room – brightened by bold colours – before starting your day with a tasty buffet breakfast. Enjoy your coffee at outdoor tables when the sun’s shining – pets are allowed, and the reception is 24-hour. Chill out in the lobby with its striking wall art, TVs, vending machines and plenty of places to sit and relax.

Artyster Clermont-Ferrand, for a design-led aesthetic

Snug modern bedroom with large bed, charcoal carpeting and seating nook

Courtesy of Artyster Clermont-Ferrand / Expedia

Near the Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, you’ll find this hip hotel offering rooms with arty touches like exposed bulbs, black and white photography on the walls, brightly coloured tiles and funky trinkets. You’ll enjoy the breakfast buffet and the cocktails, vegetable juices and locally produced small plates at the quirkily furnished restaurant and bar – and the patio is lovely when it’s warm. Time it right for pop-up art events and meet fellow travellers over arcade games and table football.

Oceania Clermont-Ferrand, for space and luxury

Upscale modern suite with separate king bedroom, brocade armchair and living room with neutral couch and floor lamp

Courtesy of Oceania Clermont-Ferrand / Expedia

Choose a room with a view at this contemporary four-star hotel to see the mountains and Chaîne des Puys through your window. Rooms – including family and connecting options – come with Italian-style walk-in showers, while suites have spa baths. Rejuvenate in the wellbeing area featuring a Turkish hammam, gym and massages – before walking 10 minutes to explore the city centre. The window-framed restaurant with a large terrace serves buffet breakfast, regional cuisine dinners and kids’ plates – try the honey, ginger and green pepper-marinated chicken thigh.

Hôtel Clermont Estaing, for central convenience

Modern bedroom with large bed, red accent wall and curtains and patterned red and brown carpeting

Courtesy of Hôtel Clermont Estaing / Expedia

Drive to Hôtel Clermont Estaing, 15 minutes from the airport, enjoy free parking in the private car park and catch the tram into Clermont-Ferrand. This easy set-up means that in your spare time, you can drive around the Auvergne region. Staff are at reception 24/7 to recommend sites and local events. Get ready for adventures at the breakfast buffet and wind down with snacks and drinks in the bar or on the terrace as the sun goes down.

Novotel Clermont-Ferrand, for activities galore

Aerial view of Novotel Clermont-Ferrand's outdoor pool area with loungers and surrounding foliage

Courtesy of Novotel Clermont-Ferrand / Expedia

Families will love this activity-packed hotel with its swimming pool, ping-pong and play area. Visit nearby Limagne Fault for hot-air ballooning and paragliding – the hotel car park is helpful. Back at Novotel – which has a free airport shuttle – recuperate in the restaurant serving homemade food or the terrace-clad bar with piano and board games. There’s a jacuzzi, hammam and fitness centre for adults. Relax in your contemporary room with striking wall art – and bond over the morning’s buffet breakfast.

Hôtel Les Commerçants, for romantic terrace views

Snug room with queen and bunk beds and wood floors

Courtesy of Hôtel Les Commerçants / Expedia

It’s easy to explore Auvergne with the secure parking included at this city centre stay. It’s opposite the Clermont-Ferrand SNCF train station and other transport links. You’ll enjoy the restaurant with fresh products making up dishes like the poisson du jour (fish of the day) or steak tartare; accompany with regional wines and finish with homemade desserts. Sunny? Enjoy dinner on the terrace before retiring to your modern, cosy room.

Aiden by Best Western @ Clermont-Ferrand, for modern elegance

Bedroom with large bed, grey carpeting, pale salmon loveseat and chair and floor-length mirror

Courtesy of Aiden by Best Western / Expedia

Chic decor runs throughout this four-star hotel from the rooms to the restaurant and lounge: think pastel colours, neon lights and plush sofas. Savour the rainbow bowls and decadent desserts in the restaurant, followed by cocktails in the Le Magnetic bar. Here to work? Aiden is located in Clermont-Ferrand’s business district – near the city-centre-going tramway and train stations – and boasts meeting rooms, computers available 24/7, video conferencing and more. Dispel any stress in the 24-hour exercise centre.

Le Marius Hotel, for exploring nature’s finest

Courtesy of Le Marius Hotel / Expedia

Want to explore Auvergne’s landscape? Check into this Aydat-based stay near the Chaîne des Puys and the Limagne Fault. Explore on two feet – the hotel can pack you a picnic – or try breath-taking hot air balloon rides or paragliding nearby. The family-run hotel is next to Auvergne’s largest lake for swimming and kayaking. Inside, order the set homemade menu and tuck in beside sweeping rural views at the stylish restaurant with a lake-facing terrace. Individually designed rooms feature pastel-coloured furniture and wall art.

These recommendations were updated on November 3, 2021 to keep your travel plans fresh.

Give us feedback