Clermont-Ferrand is a city and commune of France, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, with a population of 141,569 (2012). It is the prefecture (capital) of the Puy-de-Dôme department and sits on the plain of Limagne in the Massif Central, surrounded by a major industrial area.
The city is known for the chain of volcanoes, the Chaîne des Puys surrounding it, including the dormant volcano Puy de Dôme, one of the highest, topped by communications towers, and visible from the city.
Clermont-Ferrand's most famous public square is Place de Jaude, on which stands a grand statue of Vercingetorix sitting imperiously on a horse and holding a sword. The inscription reads: "J'ai pris les armes pour la liberté de tous" (I took up arms for the liberty of all). This statue was sculpted by Frédéric Bartholdi, who also created the Statue of Liberty.
Getting to Clermont Ferrand
By plane: Only 7 km from the centre of Clermont-Ferrand, the Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne airport (code CFE) is easily accessible by motorway. There are daily flights to Paris (Paris Charles de Gaule - CDG), and seasonal flights to several EU destinations. Another possibility is to fly to Lyon, and then commute to Clermont via train or bus.
By train: The SNCF provides daily connections with Paris (Paris Bercy Bourgogne - Pays d’Auvergne train station), including one non-stop train in just 3 hours. There are also regular connections for Lyon, and other towns. Check SNCF-connect & TER Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
By bus: FlixBus has several lines with stops at Clermont (check the site for further information).
The venue
The conference will be hosted at
For local transportation (tram and bus), check the Clermont public transportation webpage, T2C (in French) and the Clermont public bike system, C'velo.
Bus and tram tickets can be paid with credit card by directly touching your VISA or MASTERCARD in the machines inside the bus (1.60 EUR). If you need a proof of payment you can buy paper tickets in all tram stops (1.60 EUR, with card) or with the driver (2.00 EUR, cash).
The ticket is valid for 1h10min starting from the time of validation. You can use multiple connections or change between bus/tram with the same ticket as long as it is within this time period.
In case you arrive on Sunday or plan to stay in the city during the weekend, DO NOT pay for a ticket. Public transportation is free in the Clermont city area on Saturdays and Sundays. However, if you accidentally pay for a ticket there is no way to get your money back.
Accessing the venue from the city center by bus
If you are in the city center or coming from the train station the easiest way is to walk until the bus stop Maison de la Culture is to get the bus B in the direction ROYAT Pl. Allard.
If you are staying close to any tram stop just take the tram to Maison de la Culture and take the bus B from there.
From Monday to Thursday, the bus B leaves from Maison de la Culture at:
8:40 am
8:52 am
9:08 am
Get out of the bus in the stop Thermes. Cross the street and make your way to the Casino parking lot. You will see an elevator (and stairs) that will give you access to the venue. Once out of the elevator go left and you will find the entrance.
There will be signs with our logo to help you find it.
