L'Aventure Michelin — Attraction in Clermont-Ferrand

Popped down about an hour and a half before their closing time - ticket was 12eur, and one of the persons at the desk (who spoke English) advised me that I might be a bit short for time (2h is recommended) Plenty of exhibits taking you through Michelins history, from the very first bicycle tyre to their place now as a market leader - a fair few tyres that you can touch and feel as well Some chairs are available for visitors to carry with them to use wherever they want/need to sit down for a bit, I thought that's a very thoughtful gesture All the exhibits are in both French and English, and if I'm not mistaken tours and audio guides are available (although I didn't use either of those on my visit) Once you get to the end there is a small area with several gran turismo simulator rigs, in varying condition, but useable 😂 Very pleased with my visit, just wish they had an exhibit dedicated to todays Michelin and their current tyres/significance...

We spent a couple of hours here, two adults and two kids (aged 6 and 9).

It was interesting, but more so because of having family connections to Michelin (grandfather working for them in Nigeria and Clermont-Ferrand in the 1960s; both grandparents and my mum working for Michelin in the UK at times). There is quite a bit of corporate agrandising - one would believe Michelin is the best in the world at everything it does by reading the exhibits. But it is interesting, there are some interactive elements for the kids (though ours were a bit young to fully enjoy it). I am glad we visited, but I would not feel thr need for a...

Are you interested in tires and automotive history? This place weaves in wider social, labor, cycling, industrial and technological aspects, and explains how tires are made. Some of the stuff can be really hard for kids to follow and the entire museum can feel like a giant, ongoing Michelin ad.

Consider waiting until the museum reopens on the much larger Cataroux test track site as of 2027-28 and see if Michelin can be slightly more subtle about who paid for the place.

There's a small place inside with tables and small stools where you can grab a sandwich and ice cream before or after your visit. Pretty...