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Puy-de-Dôme specialities to discover around Clermont-Ferrand

Published 13 September 2021

Several products known throughout France come from the immediate surroundings of Clermont-Ferrand: saint-nectaire cheese, Volvic water, côtes d'Auvergne wines and fruit jellies (pâtes de fruits). Most can be discovered on site, less than an hour from the city, at visitor centres that explain how they are made and offer tastings.

Saint-nectaire, in the monts Dore

Saint-nectaire is produced in a defined area of the monts Dore and the Cézallier, and is traditionally matured in cellars dug into volcanic rock. The village of Saint-Nectaire is about 45 minutes south-west of Clermont.

The Maison du Fromage, route de Murol in Saint-Nectaire, offers a film, a visit to a maturing cellar and a tasting. For 2026, admission is €9.50 for an adult and €6.50 for a child aged 6 to 12, free for under-6s. It is open every day, from 10 am to 12.30 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm, until 18 December 2026, then over the festive season (except 25 December and 1 January). It closes from 4 January to 5 February 2027. Details are on the Sancy tourist office page.

Several farms in the valley also sell their farmhouse saint-nectaire direct. You can combine the visit with the nearby lac Chambon, featured in our article on the lakes around Clermont.

Volvic water, at the foot of the Chaîne des Puys

Volvic is about twenty minutes north-west of Clermont. The water seeps into the lava flows of the Chaîne des Puys, which filter it for several years before it is collected. The Volvic O'rigines visitor centre, rue des Sources, tells this story with an exhibition, a film, virtual reality and a tasting.

There are two formats: a short visit of 30 to 45 minutes for €2, and a longer visit of about 1 hr 15 mins for €4, free for under-7s. Opening days vary depending on the period; call before you go. The geological background is explained in our article on the Chaîne des Puys and the Limagne Fault.

Côtes d'Auvergne wines

The vineyards surround Clermont, on the hills and slopes bordering the Limagne. The côtes-d'auvergne appellation has been a PDO (AOP) since 2011, with five terroir names that may appear on the label:

• Chanturgue, on the northern heights of Clermont;
• Châteaugay, a few kilometres to the north;
• Corent, to the south, on an ancient volcanic plateau, known for its rosés;
• Boudes, near Issoire;
• Madargue, towards Riom.

Gamay, pinot noir and chardonnay are the main grape varieties. Many estates welcome visitors by appointment: call before you go, especially on weekdays.

Fruit jellies and sweet treats

Clermont-Ferrand has a long tradition of confectionery, and Auvergne fruit jellies, long made with fruit from the Limagne orchards, are its best-known speciality. You will find them in the confectioners' and delicatessens of the city centre, in boxes that are easy to take home.

Planning your visits from your accommodation

These four visits can be organised over two half-days: Volvic and Châteaugay to the north, Saint-Nectaire and Corent to the south. For the southern part, our holiday houses in Saint-Sandoux are well placed; to stay in town, the Au Cœur des Volcans residence lets you head off in both directions. All our properties can be booked from one night, with cleaning and linen included. For dishes to try in restaurants and Clermont's markets, read our article on Auvergne cuisine.