Riom Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Riom showing signage, a city and outdoor eating
Riom which includes a city and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people
Riom featuring a fountain and wild flowers
Riom
Église St-Amable showing interior views and a church or cathedral

The one-time capital of the Duchy of Auvergne, Riom's centre features historic architecture, centuries-old churches, and a Renaissance clock tower.

Although the walls that enclosed it are long gone, Riom’s elegant historic core is still beautifully intact. Admire historic buildings that are rich in fine detail, browse the collections at regional museums and escape to nearby nature sites.

The town of Riom developed in the Middle Ages around the Église St-Amable, which held the relics of the Riom-born saint and still serves as a pilgrimage site. Riom later became the capital of Auvergne, and during its time as the administrative centre, lots of townhouses and notable structures were built here.

Explore the old town on foot and seek out some of the architectural highlights. Look for the 16th-century Hôtel de Ville and Hôtel Guymoneau, the latter of which is known for the spiral staircase of its inner courtyard, which features intricate reliefs.

The old town has several churches of note. Peek inside the Notre-Dame-du-Marthuret Church to view the 14th-century Black Madonna icon. The church is also home to a copy of the Vierge à l’Oiseau statue, which shows the Virgin Mary and Jesus together with a bird.

Climb up the steps to the top of the Tour de l’Horloge, a Renaissance-era clock tower made of stone. From the viewing platform, gaze out over the town. Also of interest is the Gothic Sainte Chapelle. Once part of the duke’s palace, it now sits on the edge of the Jardin de l’Hôtel de Ville and is still fitted with 15th-century stained-glass windows. Culture enthusiasts, meanwhile, will want to browse the exhibits at the art-centric Musée Mandet and the Musée Régional d’Auvergne.

If you want to escape to nature while in Riom, you don’t have to go far. Trek to waterfalls in the Gorges d'Enval or make the 30-minute drive to Gour de Tazenat, an almost perfectly circular volcanic lake.

Riom is about 10 miles (16 kilometres) north of Clermont-Ferrand in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of central France. To get here, ride the train to Gare de Riom-Chatel-Guyon. The old town area is walkable.

Kyriad Clermont Ferrand Nord - Riom

Kyriad Clermont Ferrand Nord - Riom

3 out of 5
6, rue Louis Armstrong, Sortie 13 sur A.71, Riom, Puy-de-Dome
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$146 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$146
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Riom. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (934 reviews)
"Very convenient, clean and helpful staff."

Reviewed on 22 May 2025

Kyriad Clermont Ferrand Nord - Riom
Ace Hôtel Riom

Ace Hôtel Riom

3 out of 5
Rue Georges Gershwin, Riom, Puy-de-Dome
The price is AU$116 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
AU$116
20 Sept - 21 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Riom. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (600 reviews)
"Nothing o say against, very satisfied"

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

Ace Hôtel Riom
Campanile Clermont Ferrand Nord- Riom

Campanile Clermont Ferrand Nord- Riom

3 out of 5
4 rue Louis Armstrong, Riom, Puy-de-Dome
The price is AU$129 per night from 19 Sept to 20 Sept
AU$129
19 Sept - 20 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star golf hotel in Riom. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Musée Mandet and Musée Regional d'Auvergne ...
8/10 Very Good! (581 reviews)
Handy location
"Travel stay over, staff friendly- convenient location"

Reviewed on 28 Nov. 2024

Campanile Clermont Ferrand Nord- Riom
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Apparthotel Privilodges Carré de Jaude

Apparthotel Privilodges Carré de Jaude

3 out of 5
7 Avenue Julien, Clermont-Ferrand, Puy-de-Dome
Stay at this 3-star residence in Clermont-Ferrand. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (469 reviews)
"Nice place to stay, comfortable and clean."

Reviewed on 20 Jul. 2025

Apparthotel Privilodges Carré de Jaude
Garden & City Clermont Ferrand Gerzat

Garden & City Clermont Ferrand Gerzat

3 out of 5
Route de Vichy, Gerzat
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly residence in Gerzat. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Gabriel Montpied Stadium and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (694 reviews)
Ok for one night.
"An ok stay for one night. Rooms quite basic but clean. No pans to cook things in the oven but otherwise kitchen well equipped."

Reviewed on 19 Jul. 2025

Garden & City Clermont Ferrand Gerzat
Séjours & Affaires Clermont-Ferrand Park Republique

Séjours & Affaires Clermont-Ferrand Park Republique

2 out of 5
117 Avenue De La Republique, Clermont-Ferrand, Puy-de-Dome
Stay at this aparthotel in Clermont-Ferrand. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions Stade Marcel Michelin and Parc des Sports ...
8/10 Very Good! (299 reviews)
Pleased, more than expected.
"Didn’t know what to expect as it appeared to be an apartment. It was and had all that you needed from a kitchen etc. would stay again."

Reviewed on 23 Jun. 2024

Séjours & Affaires Clermont-Ferrand Park Republique
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Riom