Chill Travel Diary: Clermont-Ferrand �💤

Overall: A low-key city with hidden charms, friendly locals, and budget-friendly prices (~€110/day in off-season). Perfect for relaxed exploring + naps (would've been ideal with hot springs!♨️). 📅 Itinerary (Half-Day Adventures, Half-Day Sleep 😴) Day 0 & 3: Loafed around the black volcanic cathedral area ⛪️. Tourist center nearby sells souvenirs (fridge magnets!) & has cozy cafés. Spotted Pascal’s and popes’ faces embedded in the ground (plus one mystery person 🤷). Day 1: Michelin Adventure Museum 🚘 Spent 2 hours diving into Michelin’s history—from tires to bike/plane races that made them famous. Pro tip: Tickets come with a "passport"—collect stamps at each exhibit for discounts ). Great for savers/collectors! Day 2: Puy de Dôme 🌋 Transport roulette: Confirm shuttle & train times (currently every 2h/40min). Missed ours → taxi + awkward-but-sweet French granny chat 👵💬. Summit vibes: Windy AF 🌀, but the volcanic views are surreal (photos don’t do justice!). Spot the toy-like cathedral below and a pilot statue (from Paris-Clermont air races). Hid in the Mercury Temple museum/shop to thaw ❄️. 🍽️ Food Notes Splurge: Avenue (€50/person)—skip starters, but mains/desserts = chef’s kiss 👌. (Pro tip: They only do one seating per night!) Budget eats: Ramen, chicken rice bowls, and "Wu’s Stir-Fry Noodles" by the train station 🍜🔥. 🚌 Transport Wins & Fails Weekends = FREE public transit! (But trams are always packed.) Google Maps trolled us twice (wrong stops → missed shuttle 😤). Fun detail: Tram A’s stops feature animal icons that grow from ant to elephant 🐜→🐘. Verdict: A quirky, slow-paced gem—worth it for volcano lovers, tire nerds, and nap enthusiasts! 😌 #ClermontFerrand #SlowTravel #FranceOffTheBeatenPath #MichelinAdventure #VolcanoViews 🇫🇷✨