The one-time capital of the Duchy of Auvergne, Riom's center features historic architecture, centuries-old churches, and a Renaissance clock tower.
Although the walls that enclosed it are long gone, Riom’s elegant historic core is still beautifully intact. Admire historic buildings that are rich in fine detail, browse the collections at regional museums and escape to nearby nature sites.
The town of Riom developed in the Middle Ages around the Église St-Amable, which held the relics of the Riom-born saint and still serves as a pilgrimage site. Riom later became the capital of Auvergne, and during its time as the administrative center, lots of townhouses and notable structures were built here.
Explore the old town on foot and seek out some of the architectural highlights. Look for the 16th-century Hôtel de Ville and Hôtel Guymoneau, the latter of which is known for the spiral staircase of its inner courtyard, which features intricate reliefs.
The old town has several churches of note. Peek inside the Notre-Dame-du-Marthuret Church to view the 14th-century Black Madonna icon. The church is also home to a copy of the Vierge à l’Oiseau statue, which shows the Virgin Mary and Jesus together with a bird.
Climb up the steps to the top of the Tour de l’Horloge, a Renaissance-era clock tower made of stone. From the viewing platform, gaze out over the town. Also of interest is the Gothic Sainte Chapelle. Once part of the duke ’s palace, it now sits on the edge of the Jardin de l’Hôtel de Ville and is still fitted with 15th-century stained-glass windows. Culture enthusiasts, meanwhile, will want to browse the exhibits at the art-centric Musée Mandet and the Musée Régional d’Auvergne.
If you want to escape to nature while in Riom, you don’t have to go far. Trek to waterfalls in the Gorges d'Enval or make the 30-minute drive to Gour de Tazenat, an almost perfectly circular volcanic lake.
Riom is about 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Clermont-Ferrand in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of central France. To get here, ride the train to Gare de Riom-Chatel-Guyon. The old town area is walkable.
