Venue

Coming to Clermont-Ferrand ?

By train, Clermont-Ferrand is 3h30 away from Paris center and 3h from Lyon airport. By plane, 1h between Paris (CDG) and Aulnat airport (CFE).

Hosting in Clermont-Ferrand

We have been in contact with two hotels:
>100 € per night
Comfort Hotel Clermont Saint-Jacques (You should mention that you are coming  for IPCHS 2024)
https://www.comforthotelclermont.com/notre-hotel/

<50€ per night
Hôtel et Résidence Les Lauréades
reception@laureades.fr
https://www.hotel-residence-clermont-ferrand.fr/offres-acces/

Many other possibilities lies in Clermont-Ferrand, an overview here

The Congress

It will be hosted in the CROUS of Clermont-Ferrand, located 25, rue Etienne Dolet at the Lumière brothers conference hall.

The lecture series

The lecture series for students will take place in INRAE research center at Crouel. Students will have a full program of theoretical and lab courses.

Recreation

The Auvergne is the ideal playground for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and leisure enthusiasts: hiking in the heart of the Parc naturel régional des Volcans d'Auvergne, trekking on the roof of the Massif Central, horse-riding or mountain biking in the Cantal mountains, cycling on the roads of the Sancy, swimming, water sports, fishing, paragliding, hot-air ballooning, horse-riding, canyoning... You can also take advantage of the region's spa towns and health resorts to enjoy a relaxing spa break or get back into shape.

Reflecting a past and a living culture, medieval towns and villages, castles, churches, museums... this built heritage opens its doors to you and reveals all its splendor. Volcano country is also the place to discover volcanism: at Vulcania, at the Lemptégy volcano. When it comes to history and culture, don't miss emblematic museums such as l'Aventure Michelin and the Gergovie battle museum.

More information here

Social event

Lemptégy volcano

30,000 years ago, a new volcanic edifice was born in the Chaîne des Puys: Volcan de Lemptégy. While its neighbours have retained their original appearance, the Volcan de Lemptégy promises a unique journey into its heart...

This strombolian cone was chosen at the end of the Second World War for the extraction of its volcanic slag. Thanks to this industrial activity and collaboration with the scientific world, the internal structure of the volcano, patiently stripped of its rock, is now revealed in a striking way.

A gigantic 10-hectare cavity funnels into the heart of the volcano, with 11 levels of mining cutting into the cliffs and revealing the colours and layers.

Along the way, you'll enjoy plunging views of the chimneys, geological treasures and breathtaking panoramas of the neighbouring volcanoes of the Chaîne des Puys. It is the only volcano whose anatomy is so clearly visible and highlighted. With over 2 million visitors from all over the world since it opened, it is a leading centre for the dissemination of volcanological knowledge.

More information at https://www.auvergne-volcan.com/

Gala dinner

After your train ride or hike to the summit of Puy-de-Dôme, an unforgettable experience awaits you at the Resto d'Épicure. The only restaurant in the Puy-de-Dôme, you can enjoy a bistronomic meal with regional products and traditional recipes revisited, while enjoying an incredible and magical view over the whole chain of puys and the Sancy mountains.

Optional

There are many other ways to discover Clermont-Ferrand and the surrounding area. To organise yourself.

The battle of Gergovia

Following the Gergovia Plateau footpaths means immersing yourself in the 52 BC battle between Vercingetorix and Julius Caesar, which was a decisive event in the Gallic War. It is also an opportunity to explore the history of the Arverni, the influential Gallic tribe that made Gergovia their capital.

Here, facing the capital of the Arverni, the relentless forward drive of the Roman war machine finally ground to a halt. Since 58 BC, Caesar’s legions had been celebrating one victory after another. Now, in the spring of 52, its fortunes changed; despite its methodically conducted siege work, the Roman army found itself marking time. The exceptional quality of Gallic defence works, the advantageous position of the oppidum and the vigorous resistance by the defenders all combined to push back the assault led by Caesar.

At the end of the siege of Gergovia, Caesar admitted to having lost 700 men and 46 centurions and, unable to relaunch an attack, abandoned the battlefield and broke camp two days later.

Following his victory, Vercingetorix rallied the support of new allies, in particular the Aedui, up till then a long-standing partner of Rome. Shortly after the battle of Gergovia and despite a certain reluctance, the Aedui, who lived in the area now known as Burgundy, agreed to Vercingetorix being appointed supreme commander of the fight against the Romans at Bibracte, the stronghold of the Aedui.

More information at https://musee-gergovie.fr/en/

Visit of the city center

If you are interested in taking one English walking tour in Clermont-Ferrand, please see (visitauvergne.org/tours). The tours are fun and educational, and provide an introduction to the fascinating, oft-overlooked history of Clermont and its environs.