Place de Jaude is the main square of Clermont-Ferrand and the easiest place to start a walk through the city centre. Fountains, flowerbeds and magnolias fill the open space, with a 17th-century church, a 19th-century theatre and the Galeries Lafayette store on its edges. Two bronze statues stand in the square: Vercingetorix on horseback and General Desaix. Cafés here are good for a glass of regional wine, and the square is lit up after dark.
A square with Roman roots
During Roman times, the plain where the square lies was a busy commercial area. Archaeological excavations have shown a dense public district filled with trading activity.
Today the square is the social centre of the city. Fountains, flowerbeds and trees give it a softer side, and benches and café terraces make it a place to linger.
The two statues
The square is dominated by a mounted statue of Vercingetorix, the Gaulish leader who defeated Caesar's armies in 52 BC at a battle fought not far from Clermont-Ferrand. The bronze was made by Bartholdi, the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty.
Facing it from the far side of the square is a statue of General Louis Desaix, a native of the Auvergne who died in battle in 1800. The two bronzes are the square's main monuments, so they are worth a close look when you pass.
Buildings around the square
The Saint-Pierre-des-Minimes church, built in the 17th century, stands on the edge of the square. The theatre here dates from the 19th century, and the municipal opera is among the historic buildings set around the open space.
On another side is the Galeries Lafayette department store, locally called the Jaude galleries, next to the Jaude shopping centre. Old buildings sit beside modern updates, so the square shows both the older and the newer city in one view.
Fountains, trees and light
After dark, the lighting picks out the buildings and statues, and light shows are staged here on some evenings. The square also hosts events through the year. Christmas evenings and musical festivals are the times most often recommended for a visit.
If you want a quieter look at the square, go in the late afternoon or early evening, when the light on the fountains and façades is still good.
Getting there and around
Trams serve the square, and the main bus terminal is located here. The square has a wheelchair accessible entrance. Paid parking lots and a parking garage are nearby, so public transport is the simpler option.
From the square, the all-pedestrian rue du 11-Novembre leads north to the all-pedestrian rue des Gras, one of the most historic streets in Clermont. Rue Blatin on the north side and Avenue Julien on the south both border the square and are worth a detour.
Häufige Fragen
Is there an entry fee for Place de Jaude?
The square is a public space, so there is no entry fee to walk through it. Parking in the area is paid.
Is Place de Jaude open all the time?
Yes. The square is open 24 hours a day, every day of the week.
Which statues are in Place de Jaude?
The square has a mounted statue of Vercingetorix by Bartholdi and a statue of General Louis Desaix, a native of the Auvergne who died in battle in 1800.
How do I get to Place de Jaude?
Trams serve the square, and the main bus terminal is located there.
