ASM Clermont Auvergne - Parc de Sports Marcel Michelin

View of the Volvic (left) and Espace Edouard (right) Stands

Perhaps the longest name in club rugby, Association Sportive Montferrandaise Clermont Auvergne are one of the most famous names in French rugby, dating all the way back to 1911. The club hail from Clermont-Ferrand in the heart of France, home of the tyre manufacturer who financed the construction of the stadium where they hold a hugely impressive home record. This is a real rugby town, with the team the focal point of the city.

Ground Information                                     Back to Top ^ 

The Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin is located 3km to the North-East of the centre of Clermont-Ferrand, and has undoubtedly one of the best atmospheres in club rugby, with the local supporters usually making enough noise for a crowd three times their size. The ground was expanded to it's current size in 2011, with further development planned to take capacity to around 20,000.

The stadium is fully enclosed and compact, with the steep stands keeping supporters close to the action and encouraging a firey atmosphere. The oldest stand in the ground is the Volvic, a two-tiered stand made up of 22 small blocks of seating that runs the length of the pitch. Sitting opposite is the Auvergne stand, again with two tiers of seating. To the left of this stand behind the posts lies the Espace Edouard, with a small area of seating and hospitality boxes. To the other end is the rather odd looking Philiponeau stand, with two tiers of seating on the upper level. There is space for those who wish to stand at ground level in front of all four stands.

You can view a handy 360 view of the Stade Marcel Michelin (filmed from the Espace Edouard) here.

View of the Auvergne Stand (right) and Espace Edouard (left)

Getting There                                                                                   Back to Top ^ 

On Foot

It's about 3km from the City Centre to the ground. From the train station, follow the Avenue de l'Union Soviétique, then turn left on Rue Niel. After about 400 yards, turn right onto Avenue de la République and continue until you reach the ground.


By Tram

There is a tramline running through Clermont-Ferrand, with a stop at the Stade Marcel Michelin. From the City Centre, take the tram in the direction of Champratel. Travel tickets are cheap (E1.40 for a single at time of writing) and are valid on either the bus or the tram for an hour. You can buy tickets at the machines at each stop, but make sure to validate them before getting on board.

By Bus

The number 1, 17, 10M and 16 buses all stop at Estaing, a short walk from the stadium.

By Train

There are fast train services from Paris Bercy to Clermont Ferrand, taking around 3h30. Given the limited flight options to Clermont, some travellers (particularly those close to London) mlay find that haf a day spent on the rails is the most stress-free option. Clermont Ferrand's train station is located to the East of the City Centre. Fast services also operate from Lyon (2h30).

By Air

They say that good things come to those to wait. Well, for for most travellers getting to Clermont takes a bit of time and effort, but we're yet to hear a complaint from those who have made the journey! Below are the main options for flying into the region.

Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport

Just 7km from the City, this small airport offers a limited service with flights operating to Paris (CDG and Orly) and Lyon, where connections can be made to many airports further afield. The number 20 bus links the City Centre and the airport.

Lyon Airport

The closest major airport to Clermont-Ferrand is 220km away by road at Lyon. Scheduled flights operate to Bordeaux, Dublin, Edinburgh, London (Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted), Manchester, Marseille, Nice, Paris (CDG & Orly), Rome (Fiumicino), Toulouse and Venice (Marco Polo).

There is a TGV (high-speed rail) station at the airport, where you can catch a service to Lyon's Part Dieu station for onwards services to Clermont. Total transfer time will be around 3 hours.

Limoges Airport

Ryanair's base in the region means that you might get a cheap flight, but you'll need time on your hand for the transfer at the other end. Scheduled flights operate to Limoges' small airport from East Midlands, Liverpool, London Stansted and Southampton. From the airport, get a taxi the 6 miles to Limoges-Benedictins station, where a thrice-daily train operates to Montlucon, where you can then take the train to Clermont-Ferrand. It's either one for those with a sense of adventure we feel, or those planning to book a private shuttle.

Drinking                                                                                                            Back to Top ^

In The Ground

There is a bit of a unique system in place for drinks inside the stadium. You rent a plastic glass for a small fee and obtain vouchers for your drinks. Then you head to a bar to get served. A bit strange, but it does mean you get a glass as an excellent keepsake and the stadium doesn't end up covered in empty bottles or broken glasses. Thanks to Roger Ayers

Before/After the Game

Cafe Pascal on Place de la Victoire is a good bet, right in the city centre and will show televised rugby. Usually a meeting point for both home and away fans on a matchday.

Eating                                                                    Back to Top ^

This section is empty! Can you recommend somewhere to eat in Clermont, or know what's on offer in the stadium? Let us know here.

Sleeping                                                                Back to Top ^

It might take you a while to get to Clermont-Ferrand, but the reward is reasonably priced accommodation.

• The 4-star Hotel Oceania is well-located, just a short walk from the town centre. For a centrally-located budget alternative, try the Kyriad or Hotel de Bordeaux.
  
  
• The Stade Marcel Michelin is about fifteen minutes from town, but adjacent to a tramline. In this area you'll find the Suite Novotel, Hotel Republique and Aparthotel Park Republique - the latter for those who would prefer a self-catering option.
  
  
• The 3-star Inter Hotel des Puys and budget 2-star Hotel le Saint Joseph are situated between the stadium and the central area.

Can you add more information for this section? Let us know here!