Riom combines architectural heritage dating from the Middle Ages to the 18th century with art and regional museums, as well as natural attractions such as the Colline de Mirabel.
Architecture from the Middle Ages to the 18th century
The Sainte-Chapelle was built in the late 14th century by Hugues Foucher for Jean de Berry. It preserves a fragment of the True Cross and features a freely adapted form of late medieval Flamboyant Gothic. Together with Riom’s broader architectural heritage, which reflects significant periods of the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the 18th century, it offers a tangible insight into the city’s architectural history.
Another historic site is the Tour de l’Horloge, classified as a Historic Monument since 1862. Previous visitor offerings at the Tour de l’Horloge included self-guided visits to the former town tower, as well as permanent exhibitions, tactile models and a 360-degree panorama. As visitor arrangements may change, check the latest access information before your visit.
Art and everyday life in the museums
The Musée Mandet houses around 10,000 paintings, sculptures and objets d’art dating from antiquity to the 21st century. The Musée régional d’Auvergne has a different focus: more than 4,000 objects explore rural Auvergne in the 19th century and the area’s residents today. The collection thus brings together artworks from different centuries and another collection centred on rural life and regional themes.
Rural life and traditional crafts also feature prominently at the Musée régional d’Auvergne. These include lacework and rosaries, spinning, weaving, stoneworking, pottery and basketry. Visitors especially interested in everyday culture and craft activities will find a different thematic perspective here than in the art collection at the Musée Mandet.
Natural attractions in Riom
The Colline de Mirabel is part of the European Natura 2000 network and is designated an Espace Naturel Sensible. The hill is home to 21 orchid species, including the fly orchid, spider orchid, red helleborine and small-leaved helleborine. Species information may be updated over time. The marked Sentier des orchidées leads visitors through the area; check trail conditions locally.
The Parc Dumoulin offers a different landscape: it is a landscaped garden with a pond crossed by a bridge and notable trees. Riom therefore offers a choice of different natural attractions—a marked trail on the Colline de Mirabel and a garden featuring a pond, bridge and trees.
Summer programme and practical planning
For more than ten years, Riom has hosted free performances for the whole family throughout July and in early August. Dates and format may change; check the specific performance dates before your trip. The summer programme adds another option for planning the timing of your stay alongside the cultural attractions.
The visitor guide to Riom helps you organise sightseeing and walks with guides, maps and interactive maps. It also includes information on local transport, parking and train stations. This information may change, so check it against the latest details before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Thuret, Saint-Gervais-DĘĽauvergne, Coudes, Combronde, Brassac-Les-Mines, La Sauvetat, Teilhet, Billom
For the regional travel overview: Puy-De-DĂ´me.
