Aire de camping-car de Riom (Puy de Dôme)

Just 20 km north of Clermont-Ferrand, discover the town of Riom, at the gateway to the Auvergne Volcanoes National Park! With its rich history, Riom was the capital of the Duchy of Auvergne in the 13th century. It is now listed as a ‘Pays d'Art et d'histoire’, a symbol of its heritage. To discover it, take a stroll through its charming narrow streets, with views of the Auvergne volcanoes around every corner. Visit the Basilique Saint-Amable, built as a Basilique Mineure in the early 20th century, although its construction began in the 12th century. Influenced by various artistic movements throughout the ages, it has different parts from the Romanesque and Gothic movements. As you explore the town, you'll also come across the church of Notre-Dame-du-Marthuret, with its Gothic style typical of the Languedoc region. Further north, you'll find the town's Clock Tower. Created at the request of the Duke of Auvergne at the end of the 14th century to house the town clock, it now houses a museum on the town's rich history. Last but not least, at the end of the Hôtel de Ville park, you'll find Riom's Sainte-Chapelle. Built on the model of the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, it is one of 7 Saintes-Chapelles still standing in France. All these monuments are listed as Monuments classés, a symbol of their importance to France's historic heritage. In addition to its architectural heritage, Riom is also an excellent starting point for hiking enthusiasts. As the gateway to the Auvergne Volcanoes National Park, there are a number of walks that will give you a bird's eye view of the region, as well as allowing you to discover numerous waterfalls and famous springs. Discover, for example, the town of Volvic, less than 10 km from the area, from which one of the country's best-known waters is drawn.