We found little parks here and there in the city. We wanted to visit some museums which were close to "Le jardin le Coq," but for odd reasons, they were all closed. The main attraction of Clermont-Ferrand is the Cathedral Notre Dame. Most of the oldest buildings of the city are built with volcanic rock, so the buildings are black, including the cathedral. Notre Dame is huge. Inside, everything is built with the same black volcanic rock, including the large pillars and the walls. With the cathedral ceilings, it results in an eerie yet awed feeling. Behind the Cathedral Notre Dame you'll find a trompe l'oeil from the famous painter Slobo.

Also in the vicinity, a water fountain was built within the same era using the same volcanic rock as the cathedral. We walked from the cathedral to the Fontaine D'Amboise, where you can also park your car (if you have one). Rue Desgras is the street right across from the main doors of Notre Dame. There you'll find assorted shops which sell anything from books to toys, cheese, and wine. ${QuickSuggestions} "Puy de Dome" is the place to go if you want to stand atop, with the wind playing in your hair while you watch the birds flying over the smaller volcanic mountains standing all around this mountain. It's impressive to see the many conic-shaped hills in the distance. Once you've stood taking pictures of the scenery, you'll probably enjoy the cafe/visitor center. Inside you'll find detailed information about volcanoes, and you can make arrangements for para-flying. If you hike to the higher summit, you'll discover a Roman ruin, the Temple of Mercury, and a monument to Eugene Renaux, a pioneer airplane pilot who flew on the volcano in 1911. It was quite a feat in those days. ${BestWay} Le Jardin le Coq is worth seeing, although it is quite small. They have interesting plants and trees, and also a ruin which wasn't identified.

From journal Black lava rocks