Car hire in Clermont
1 office in Clermont · airport pick-up · France
Clermont-Ferrand sits at the foot of the Chaîne des Puys, the dark silhouette of its volcanic-stone cathedral looming over the old town. It is the capital of Auvergne, a region of craters, lakes and medieval villages where public transport barely ventures beyond the urban area.
Here a car is no luxury: it is the only realistic way to explore the Volcanoes Natural Park, climb the Puy de Dôme or reach the spa towns of the Massif Central. Collect your vehicle at Clermont-Ferrand-Auvergne airport and you can start your route without setting foot in the city if you prefer.
Search cars in ClermontWhy hire a car in Clermont
- The Auvergne Volcanoes Park has almost no bus coverage: without a car, you are stuck in the city.
- Direct pick-up at Clermont-Ferrand airport, around 15 minutes from the centre — ideal for hitting the road on the day you arrive.
- The roads of the Massif Central are quiet and scenic, perfect for driving without the stress of France's big motorways.
Day trips near Clermont
- Puy de Dôme — France's most famous volcano, with a rack railway to the summit and views over 80 craters. The railway base is about 25 minutes away.
- Vulcania — A theme park devoted to volcanoes, very family-friendly, right in the heart of the Chaîne des Puys. About 30 minutes away.
- Saint-Nectaire and Lake Chambon — A spa village famous for its cheese, a Romanesque church and a volcanic lake perfect for summer swimming. About 40 minutes away.
- Le Puy-en-Velay — A sanctuary town perched on volcanic rock spires, the historic starting point of the French Camino de Santiago. About 1 hr 45 min away.
Where to pick up your car
- Aeropuerto de Clermont-Ferrand
Final prices in euros · book without paying · free cancellation up to 72 h before.
Frequently asked questions
Is hiring a car worth it if I'm only visiting Clermont-Ferrand?
For the city itself it isn't essential, but hardly anyone travels to Auvergne for Clermont alone. The volcanoes, lakes and villages that make the trip worthwhile lie beyond public transport, so the car pays for itself from day one.
Is driving around the volcano country difficult?
No. The roads are well surfaced and signposted, with moderate gradients. In winter it's wise to check the forecast, as some passes climb above 1,000 metres and snow is possible; the rest of the year the driving is straightforward.
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