Riom

Visit Riom, Auvergne

Riom is a quiet provincial town in the Puy-de-Dome department (Auvergne region of central France) just north of Clermont-Ferrand. A town with a long history, Riom was capital of the Auvergne through the middle Ages and as a result there is a significant architectural heritage, particularly of interesting Renaissance period buildings, to visit in the town.

The historical centre is clearly designated - although the original ramparts for the town have long since disappeared, they have been replaced by a ring of broad boulevards that now encircle the region of interest to visitors.

Exploring Riom

Start your tour of Riom old town along the streets called Rue de l'Horloge, Rue de l'Hotel de Ville and rue du Commerce.

The first monument you will notice is the clocktower - an imposing stone monument built in the renaissance period and the most easily recognisable monument in the town, with the tower topped by a dome supported on eight columns. Ascend the tower (bring your climbing legs) for great views across the city rooftops from the viewing platform at the top.

Next stop we suggest the two important religious monuments in the town: the Saint-Amable Basilica (a gothic style church built in the 12th-13th century) and the Church of Notre-Dame du Marthuret (originally built in the 14th century but much modified in the 19th century) - here the main highlights are the 16th century stained glass windows and the statue of the Virgin in the entrance.

You can also see Sainte Chapelle, the only remaining building of what was once a Grand Duke's palace on the edge of a well maintained park and also notable for its 15th century stained glass windows.

The Town Hall in Riom, once a fine townhouse for a member of the local nobility, holds a secret - be sure to enter the interior courtyard to see two busts of local dignitaries by Auguste Rodin. Other notable townhouses include the Hotel Arnoux de Maison Rouge and the Hotel Soubrany, each with ornate carvings around the door and windows.

The Consuls House is the only remaining half-timbered house in Riom, and dates from the 15th century.

Elsewhere in the town you will see various other items of interest, such as fountains, statues and ornamental doorways - the town map from the tourist office contains details of these and many other small highlights.

Note: in the cemetery at Riom there is an unusual war memorial, paying tribute to those who were shot as pacifists, or in order to set an example to the other troops. This kind of memorial is very rare in France (and elsewhere).

Riom Museums

There are two notable museums in Riom - the 'Regional Museum of the Auvergne', and the Francisque Mandet Museum of Fine Arts (which also has an attractive courtyard) 

Other information

The weekly market in Riom takes place on a Saturday, in the Place de la Federation - while here tear yourself away from the market stalls for a moment to admire the obelisk and the old wheat hall in the square.

Mozac and Volvic are other towns nearby that merit a visit

Tourist classifications for Riom: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 2*; Listed town of Art and History; 'Historical protected town centre' (secteur sauvegardé);

Suggested places to visit near Riom, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Saint-Saturnin 26km; Montpeyroux 31km; Orcival 31km; Charroux 33km; Aulteribe Chateau 33km; Chateldon 33km; Thiers 34km; Vichy 35km; Saint-Nectaire 36km; Murol 37km; Saint-Floret 38km; Issoire 40km; Chareil-Cintrat Chateau 42km; Mont-Dore 42km; Usson 44km; Livradois-Forez Regional Park 45km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Riom

Riom tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Abbatial church de Saint Pierre de Mozac (Mozac) - religious monument (2km) : Marsat - town of art and history (3km) : Parc du château de Blanzat - remarkable garden (8km) : Collégiale Saint-Victor et Sainte-Couronne d'Ennezat (Ennezat) - religious monument (10km) : Cathédrale Notre Dame de l'Assomption (Clermont-ferrand) - religious monument (11km) : Basilique Notre Dame du Port (Clermont-Ferrand) - religious monument (13km) : Eglise de Saint Léger (Royat) - religious monument (15km) : Jardins du château d'Opme - remarkable garden (18km) :

French version: see Riom (Francais)