Laid out on the vast plain of Limagne in the Auvergne region of France, the city of Clermont Ferrand is famous for hosting one of the world’s most popular international short film festivals, the Festival du Court Metrage de Clermont Ferrand. In addition, the Michelin tire company was created here over 100 years ago and the corporate headquarters is still located here.

The Place de Jaude is Clermont Ferrand’s most famous public square and is the home to a magnificent statue of Vercingetorix astride a horse that was sculpted by Frederic Bartholdi, who also created the Statue of Liberty in the United States. An inscription here reads, “J’ai pris les armes pour la liberte de tous,” which translates to mean, “I took up arms for the liberty of all.”

In addition to the film festival, Clermont Ferrand is host to more than 20 dance, film, music and theatre festivals each year, so be sure to check the calendar when you visit!