Riom Old Town
Riom
The former judicial capital of Auvergne, lined with black volcanic-stone mansions. The Sainte-Chapelle built by the Duke of Berry preserves stained-glass windows from the 14th and 15th centuries.
Riom is one of France's "Towns of Art and History." In the Middle Ages it was the capital of the Duchy of Auvergne. The old town is laid out around a ring road. Along its streets stand many Renaissance mansions built of volcanic stone, bell towers (which you can climb), and ornate fountains. The Sainte-Chapelle, built by the Duke of Berry, preserves exquisite stained-glass windows. The Notre-Dame church in the town of Mauriac holds a statue of the "Virgin with the Bird." The old town is small, and you can see it all in about 2 hours on foot. There is a market on Saturday mornings. It is about 15 km from Clermont-Ferrand, roughly 10 minutes by regional train.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Château de Tournoël
- Montferrand
- L'Aventure Michelin
- Basilica of Notre-Dame du Port
- Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral
- Place de Jaude
- Puy de Pariou
- Plateau de Gergovie