Erasmus Experience in Clermont-Ferrand, France by Krazz

Why did you choose to go to Clermont-Ferrand, France?

My purpose of staying in Clermont Ferrand was eduaction, I had an opportunity to study at ECS Clermont.

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How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

1 year and 7 months, average cost of living for me was between 600 to 750 EUR. If you are accompanied by fiends, I think you could save few expenses.

What is the student lifestyle like in Clermont-Ferrand?

I feel lucky to be part of the university and team. Class of education, interaction with the faculty was very comfortable and friendly.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Clermont-Ferrand to other students?

Definitely yes, I would wish to recommend ECS.

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What is the food like?

Well France is known for its food & culture, there are many restaurants you can browse by.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Yes, advice of learning French will help you basically if you wish to travel Clermont-Ferrand. However, people there also speak English.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Clermont-Ferrand from your city?

Well I am from India, only option for me was travelling via a flight. For cheaper ticket fare, please try booking 4-6 week earlier.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Clermont-Ferrand?

• Café Pascal: near the Cathedral, with its charming terrace, This place is especially popular with students.
• The Still: it is an established Irish Pub that has a special party evening once a week.
• At Café del Sol you can find a bar, restaurant and eat delicious tapas.

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And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Clermont-Ferrand?

My favorites are Lard Et la Maniere, Australian Coffee House, Jean-Claude Leclerc, Avenue, Apicius, Riviere des Parfums, L'Etoile de Fes, Auberge de la Baraque.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Among the most impressive buildings dating from the end of the 19th century in Clermont-Ferrand are the Municipal Opera and the Galaries Lafayette building on Place de Jaude. The Place de Jaude is the main square in Clermont-Ferrand and is huge. Magnolia and tulip trees decorate the square.

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The Hotel de Chazerat, with its curved-shape, is built in 18th century neo-classic style. It is now the Regional Office for Cultural Affairs and you can arrange a visit through the tourist office. Its lobby is painted in trompe-l'oeil and its main salon has lovely white and gold plasterwork.

The theatre, by the Place de Jaude is another impressive building with a rich interior decor.

The historical centre of Ferrand was built in the style of the bastides of the SW of France and has been beautifully preserved. It is particularly rich in mansions of the 15th and 16th centuries including the Hôtel de Fontenilhes, the Hôtel de Fontfreyde and the Hôtel d'Albiat.

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Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Clermont-Ferrand in the future?

A good choice of place for quality education.