Hidden Clermont-Ferrand English Walking Tours are immersive experiences that enable both tourists and long-time residents to explore Clermont-Ferrand’s strange and mysterious history.
Designed and run by Dr A. D. Manns, the tours draw upon the poetic storytelling tradition of Auvergne’s medieval troubadours and feature a variety of thrilling, humorous, and little-known anecdotes.
Visit Auvergne offers Clermont-based tours year-round. Special visits to the city’s souterrains, centuries-old underground structures that have been compared to the Paris catacombs, can also be arranged. Use the contact information below to find out more.
Visit Auvergne also leads guided visits to destinations outside Clermont, such as Aydat, a scenic lake town; Montpeyroux, the heart of Auvergne’s “Tuscany”; and Mont-Dore, a mountain village known for its thermal spas.
1) The Essential Clermont Tour
2) The Haunted Clermont Experience
3) Auvergne Discovery Days
1) The Essential Clermont Tour explains the backstories behind a number of off-the-beaten-path attractions as well as key iconic landmarks, such as the ancient Notre-Dame-du-Port and the Notre Dame de l’Assomption Cathedral.
The tour includes a visit to a 125-year-old pub and concludes with a tasting session* featuring genuine food and wine from Auvergne.
Meeting Place: Fontaine Delille (the fountain just across from the Hôtel Littéraire Alexandre Vialatte, 16 Place Delille, Clermont-Ferrand 63000)
When: Email govisitauvergne@gmail.com to arrange a time.
Price:
€20.00 for students/young professionals (ages 18-26)
€25 for adults
Group/seasonal special rates are also available
*Please note that the tasting session is only available for groups of 3 or more people.
2) The Haunted Clermont Experience is Clermont-Ferrand’s first and only ghost tour. Your journey into the city’s occult history will begin after dark on Rue Ballainvilliers. You’ll then be guided through Clermont’s darker, less-frequented corners, and encounter various haunted places on the way.
The tour includes a drink at a local tavern with a surprising history of its own.
Meeting Place: In front of the Musée Bargoin, 45 Rue Ballainvilliers, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand.
When: Email govisitauvergne@gmail.com to arrange a time.
Price:
€15.00 for students/young professionals (ages 18-26)
€20 for adults
Group/seasonal special rates are also available
3) Auvergne Discovery Days
A typical Discovery Day could include a historic storytelling walk, a museum visit, lunch (either a picnic or a restaurant meal), hiking, and other outdoor activities. To book your Discovery Day or learn more about what’s on offer, contact us using the email address above.
Visit Auvergne also runs and organises custom tastings, one-man-shows, excursions, and team-building events in exclusive, historic locations, such as castles, mausoleums, and underground passages. Feel free to email us for more information.
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