Discovering Puy-de-Dôme (Department 63)
Updated: Oct 8
Introduction
Puy-de-Dôme is one of the most distinctive departments in central France, located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Named after its famous dormant volcano, the department combines dramatic volcanic landscapes, lively towns, traditional villages and a strong sense of regional identity.
For English-speaking people considering moving to Puy-de-Dôme, retiring in Puy-de-Dôme, buying a holiday home or establishing a business, the department offers an appealing balance between affordability, excellent outdoor living and good everyday services. Unlike many better-known parts of southern France, it remains relatively undiscovered by international buyers, making it particularly attractive for those looking for authentic French life rather than a heavily expatriate environment.
At a Glance
Feature | Information |
Region | Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes |
Historic name | Auvergne |
Department number | 63 |
Department capital | Clermont-Ferrand |
Largest towns | Clermont-Ferrand, Riom, Issoire, Thiers, Cournon-d'Auvergne |
Population | Approximately 670,000 |
Area | 7,970 km² |
Climate | Continental with mountain influences; warm summers and cold winters |
Best suited for | Families, retirees, outdoor enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, remote workers |
Is a car recommended? | Yes, especially outside Clermont-Ferrand |
English-speaking community | Small but steadily growing |
Lifestyle summary | Active, affordable, scenic and community-focused |
Why Choose Puy-de-Dôme?
Lifestyle
Life in Puy-de-Dôme moves at a comfortable pace. Clermont-Ferrand provides the facilities of a regional city, while much of the department remains peaceful and rural. Residents enjoy a strong work-life balance with easy access to countryside and mountains.
Community
The local population is known for its welcoming nature, although French remains essential for integrating fully. There are international residents throughout the department, particularly around Clermont-Ferrand and attractive rural villages, but English is less widely spoken than in some parts of south-west France.
Scenery
One of the department's greatest attractions is the Chaîne des Puys, a chain of dormant volcanoes recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rolling hills, forests, lakes and mountain scenery provide spectacular surroundings throughout the year.
Accessibility
Clermont-Ferrand is centrally located within France and offers good motorway connections to Lyon, Paris, Bordeaux and Montpellier. Rail services connect well with major cities, although rural transport is limited.
Food
Traditional Auvergne cuisine is hearty and seasonal. The department is famous for cheeses, cured meats, lentils, potatoes and beef. Weekly markets showcase excellent local produce throughout the year.
Culture
The region has retained a strong identity with numerous festivals, historic churches, Romanesque architecture and traditional village celebrations. Clermont-Ferrand also hosts internationally recognised cultural events.
Property
Compared with many coastal or alpine departments, property prices remain attractive. Buyers can choose between city apartments, renovated village homes, farmhouses and country properties with land.
Pace of Life
The pace of life suits those wanting fewer crowds, cleaner air and more time outdoors. Even Clermont-Ferrand feels considerably more relaxed than larger French cities.
Puy-de-Dôme Is It Right For You?
Lifestyle | Rating | Why |
Retirees | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Affordable housing, excellent healthcare and beautiful countryside make it highly attractive. |
Families | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Good schools, outdoor activities and safe communities provide an excellent family environment. |
Second-home owners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Affordable properties and year-round appeal, although regular car use is helpful. |
Entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Clermont-Ferrand has a strong business community, innovation centres and growing tourism. |
Remote workers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Fibre internet is expanding rapidly and quality of life is excellent. |
Outdoor lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Outstanding opportunities for hiking, cycling, skiing and water sports. |
City lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Clermont-Ferrand offers city amenities but remains relatively small. |
Popular Places to Live
Clermont-Ferrand
Description: The department's capital and economic centre, famous for its volcanic stone architecture and home to Michelin.
Ideal for: Professionals, entrepreneurs, families and students.
Advantages
Excellent healthcare
Strong employment market
Universities
Shopping and restaurants
Good transport
Things to consider
More urban environment
Higher property prices than rural areas
Riom
Description: A beautiful historic town with elegant architecture and excellent local services.
Ideal for: Retirees, couples and professionals.
Advantages
Attractive town centre
Good transport links
Strong community
Things to consider
Smaller employment market
Issoire
Description: A lively market town south of Clermont-Ferrand with excellent access to the countryside.
Ideal for: Families and retirees.
Advantages
Affordable housing
Good amenities
Easy motorway access
Things to consider
Car useful for surrounding villages
Thiers
Description: Internationally known for knife-making, Thiers combines industry with medieval charm.
Ideal for: Craftspeople, entrepreneurs and history lovers.
Advantages
Unique heritage
Lower property prices
Beautiful old centre
Things to consider
Hilly streets
Smaller healthcare provision
Orcines
Description: Located close to the volcanoes while remaining within easy reach of Clermont-Ferrand.
Ideal for: Outdoor enthusiasts and remote workers.
Advantages
Exceptional scenery
Hiking on the doorstep
Peaceful environment
Things to consider
Limited local shopping
Chamalières
Description: An affluent residential suburb bordering Clermont-Ferrand.
Ideal for: Professionals and retirees.
Advantages
High-quality housing
Excellent services
Close to city amenities
Things to consider
More expensive property market
Saint-Nectaire
Description: A picturesque village renowned for its famous cheese and traditional Auvergne character.
Ideal for: Second-home owners and retirees.
Advantages
Beautiful rural surroundings
Strong tourism appeal
Excellent local food
Things to consider
Seasonal visitor numbers
Limited employment opportunities
Cost of Living
Compared with many parts of France, Puy-de-Dôme offers very good value for money.
Property affordability
Property prices remain below the national average in many rural areas. Village homes, farmhouses and renovation projects can represent excellent value, while Clermont-Ferrand commands higher prices but remains affordable compared with Lyon or many western French cities.
Shopping
Daily shopping costs are broadly in line with national averages. Weekly markets offer fresh local produce, often providing excellent quality and value.
Utilities
Heating costs can be higher during the colder winter months, particularly in older rural properties. Modern insulation and efficient heating systems are increasingly common in renovated homes.
Eating out
From traditional village cafés to Michelin-starred restaurants, dining options cater for every budget. Local restaurants generally offer generous portions and regional specialities at reasonable prices.
General value for money
For many newcomers, the combination of affordable housing, quality local food and excellent public services makes Puy-de-Dôme one of central France's better-value departments.
Healthcare
Healthcare provision is one of the department's strengths.
Main hospitals
Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital (CHU)
Hospital Centre of Riom
Hospital Centre of Issoire
Hospital Centre of Thiers
Healthcare availability
Most residents have good access to GPs, dentists and pharmacies, although some smaller rural communities experience shortages of family doctors.
Access to specialists
Clermont-Ferrand provides an extensive range of specialist medical services, making it a regional healthcare hub.
Pharmacies
Even smaller towns usually have well-stocked pharmacies offering advice alongside prescriptions.
General healthcare considerations
Registering with the French healthcare system and obtaining a regular GP is advisable as early as possible after moving.
Education
Families relocating to Puy-de-Dôme have access to a broad range of educational opportunities.
Schools
Primary and secondary schools are available across the department, with excellent public education standards.
Colleges and universities
Clermont-Ferrand is home to Université Clermont Auvergne and several higher education institutions.
International options
There are limited bilingual and international education options compared with larger metropolitan areas, although several schools provide enhanced language programmes.
Language schools
French language courses are widely available through adult education centres, associations and private tutors.
Getting Around
Airports
Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport offers domestic services and selected international connections.
Larger international airports in Lyon and Paris are accessible by rail or motorway.
Rail
Clermont-Ferrand has direct train services to Paris, Lyon and other regional destinations.
Roads
The A71, A75 and A89 motorways provide excellent road access throughout central France.
Public transport
Clermont-Ferrand has buses and a tram network. Rural public transport exists but is less frequent.
Is a car recommended?
Yes. Outside Clermont-Ferrand, a car makes everyday life significantly easier.
Weekly Markets
Town | Main Market Day |
Clermont-Ferrand | Sunday |
Riom | Saturday |
Issoire | Saturday |
Thiers | Thursday |
Ambert | Thursday |
Saint-Nectaire | Friday |
Billom | Monday |
Le Mont-Dore | Wednesday |
Local Food & Drink
Puy-de-Dôme is one of France's outstanding food regions.
Local specialities include:
Saint-Nectaire cheese
Bleu d'Auvergne
Fourme d'Ambert
Cantal cheese
Auvergne cured ham
Lentils
Truffade
Aligot
Potée Auvergnate
Charolais and Salers beef
Artisan charcuterie
Local honey
Fruit liqueurs
Craft beers
Volcanic mineral water
Things to Do
Historic sites
Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral
Romanesque churches
Medieval villages
Historic castles
Outdoor activities
Hiking the Chaîne des Puys
Mountain biking
Road cycling
Horse riding
Fishing
Canoeing
Winter sports in nearby mountains
Museums
Michelin Adventure Museum
Regional history museums
Knife Museum in Thiers
Festivals
Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival
Music festivals
Village fêtes
Agricultural shows
Nature
Puy de Dôme volcano
Vulcania educational park
Regional Natural Parks
Lakes and forests
Family attractions
Vulcania
Animal parks
Adventure parks
Swimming lakes
Science museums
Good to Know Before You Move
Learning French will significantly improve everyday life and help you integrate into local communities.
Winters can be considerably colder than in south-west France, particularly in higher-altitude villages.
Fibre broadband continues to expand, although speeds vary in remote areas.
Rural life offers peace and space but usually requires owning a car.
Tourism is busiest during school holidays, although the department rarely feels overcrowded.
Village life often revolves around markets, local associations, sports clubs and community events.
Many traditional homes require modernisation, so renovation budgets should be considered carefully before purchasing.
The department experiences four distinct seasons, making it ideal for those who enjoy varied weather and outdoor activities year-round.
Find Trusted English-Speaking Businesses
Whether you're living here, moving here, retiring here or simply spending part of the year here, finding reliable local services can make settling in much easier.
Biz Où? helps you discover trusted English-speaking businesses across France, including property professionals, tradespeople, accountants, healthcare providers, legal services, gardeners, cleaners, holiday services, financial advisers, pet care, marketing specialists and many more.
Every listing is designed to help you connect with businesses that understand the needs of English-speaking residents, making it easier to build your new life in one of France's most popular departments.
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Your next chapter in France could be closer than you think. Explore our Property Hub for homes, holiday properties and opportunities from local property partners across France. Whether you’re dreaming of a permanent move, a place in the sun, an investment or simply somewhere to escape to, go on — have a look. Your French property might be waiting.
Plan Your French Dream
Dreaming of a life in France? Start turning the dream into a plan. Plan Your French Dream brings together practical guides, local insights and useful information to help you explore your options, understand what’s involved and make confident decisions about moving, retiring, buying a home or simply creating a life you’ll love. Start exploring — your French story begins with a plan.
Where Will Your French Story Begin
What if the place you’ve been dreaming about is waiting for you in France? A little village where everyone knows your name, a lively market town, a home surrounded by rolling countryside or somewhere completely unexpected. Explore our guides to France’s regions and departments, discover the character, lifestyle and possibilities of each area, and start finding the place that feels like it could be yours. Where will your French story begin?
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