Arrived in Clermont late yesterday afternoon amid pouring rain. As we got off the freeway to go through the toll exit there was a huge back up of cars at the gates. As we got through the reason became apparent - there were police and army personnel aplenty, and they were pulling cars off to the Side to search them. Part of the ongoing security measures. We weren't pulled over though so we were soon on our way into the city. Seems like an interesting place, a lot bigger than we thought it was going to be.
Didn't do much sightseeing yesterday, too late in the day, too cold and wet. So we just found a place to eat (of which there is an abundance) and settled in for the evening.
Today wasn't turning out much better weather wise. Forecasts say it is going to be cold and wet, with a chance of rain later in the day. Being the intrepid travelers we are though (intrepid or silly? Could be either) we decided rug up and go for a wander around the town anyway.
It's a place with a mixture of old and new. The central city area is built around a large square with a light rail system running through it. Around the square is a myriad of shops, hotels and restaurants.
The weather man got it wrong - it's not going to snow later in the day, it's snowing now. As we were wending our way through he streets snow flakes were swirling around us blown by the gusting wind, getting heavier until we were covered in a light layer of snow. Simply magical.
The older part of town was a warren of narrow alleyways. Lots of galleries, small bars, grotto's and food shops. Stairs would appear out of nowhere, leading up or down to hidden premises. We came across one shop which was being renovated by a group of workers. They had just had their lunch delivered by the restaurant next door - along with numerous bottles of wine with which to wash the food down, which smelt amazing.
Despite the cold and the snow, we really enjoyed wandering the streets of this charming town. There may not be major attractions to see, but as I have mentioned during our previous travels, sometimes it's not about the attractions, but it's more about the place, which becomes an attraction in its own right.
Speaking of attractions though, tomorrow we are going out to a place called Puys de Dome. It's the sight of a now dormant volcano.