If you only have time to see either the cathedral of the Basilique, visit the latter, which is more memorable.
Although there is plenty to see and it is obviously a great building, it does need a lot of TLC. The Notre Dame Du Port is a far more uplifting experience. There is plenty of beautiful stained glass and some wonderful paintings but it is too dark inside.
Whilst visiting the Town of Clemont-Ferrand vibrant but in places olde worlde,. we took the opportunity to visit the Cathedrale Notre Dame - de - i'Assumption. Whilst the dark volcanic stone work of the exterior gives the bulding a gloomy appearance the feeling of peace and tranquillty inside are an experience to be valued. Inside one must be amazed at the hight of the structure. Leaflets are available in many lanagages.
A splendid Gothic structure of dark stone apparently from the lava used in its construction it occupies the high point of the city and visible from a long way away. Restoration works means not all is accessible but there are fine stained glass windows. And its free!
I was in Clermont-Ferrand on a class hiking trip. Cathedral Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption was beautiful and the view from the top was awesome!
We spent a few days in the Clermont-Ferrand area in June 2013 and spent part of one day in Clermont-Ferrand itself. My wife and I both love the cathedrals of Europe so we made it a point to visit Cathedrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption. Its exterior is unusual--it is built of dark volcanic rock that come from the region--and it is eye-catching. The interior is dark, but it has some of the best stained glass we've seen. My wife thought it rivaled Chartres; I'd say it comes close. Definitely worth the trip.
take the stairs to the top of the spire for wonderful views..be fit enough to take them! 2 euro charge seems too cheap for such a wonderful view
Distinctive with its volcanic stone and twin spires, I found the cathedral to be fascinating with all it's history. The highlight was climbing the stairs to the roof for a fantastic panoramic view of Clermont Ferrand. Would definitely recommend visiting this church.
Sitting in the centre of the old town it was an imposing sight, well worth a visit: but having just come from the Cathederal in Chartres, which I feel is the most impressive I have ever seen in France, it was somewhat of a let down. Very dark internally and not having the wow factor that Chartres has , which is being cleaned extensively inside.Perhaps, if or when it is cleaned inside I could give it 5 stars!
I know it's been around a lot longer than me, but I've visited lots of churches and cathedrals in France, and his was one of the least memorable. It's not the fault of the building - it's been there for centuries, but if it was a book it would be dog-eared. Clearly there's a shortage of cash to renovate the place, or even add light to its oppressive gloom. No sense of illumination, at any level, for me, I regret.