Place de Jaude at a glance
At the center of the historical capital of Auvergne, Place de Jaude serves as the epicenter of Clermont-Ferrand. It is a fundamental stop for visitors and a popular gathering spot for locals. This stage for major city events features striking architecture, 27 fountains, and dramatic lighting that illuminates the square after dark.
The site sits atop the Maar de Jaude, a volcanic crater over 155,000 years old shaped by magma activity and erosion. During the Roman era, the area functioned as a commercial hub where residents built the Vasso Galate temple. You can still see remnants of this structure at the Mur des Sarrasins (Saracen Wall) or within the Nestor-Perret school. The name Jaude is considered a phonetic evolution of Galate.
Because the square remained outside the city walls until the 20th century, its architecture is remarkably eclectic. Look for the statue of Vercingetorix by sculptor Bartoldi. The monument was originally planned to stand 25 meters tall, but the project was scaled back due to budget constraints. The nearby statue of General Desaix, which dates back further, was long disliked by locals for its unflattering pose. You should also see the elegant Opera-Theatre, designed by Jean Teillard, featuring a white stone facade that contrasts with the austere Saint-Pierre des Minimes church. It was in this church that Blaise Pascal conducted his famous experiments on atmospheric pressure.
Significant renovations in the 2000s successfully transformed the square into a pedestrian-friendly zone. The addition of a tramway line and three rows of trees improved the quality of life for the city center and its residents. The area is constantly active, housing three movie theaters, numerous restaurant and cafe terraces, and providing access to two shopping malls, Jaude and Carre Jaude.
A friendly spot without too many cars. It is pretty useful if you want to go shopping, since there are many stores. However, I did not fall in love with it. Mainly because of the very gray architecture in Clermont. There is not much greenery, either. Its advantages are more about its location and how close it is to the historic center.