Clermont-Ferrand’s City Hall

This impressive building is none other than Clermont-Ferrand’s City Hall. It was built in the 18th century from Volvic stone, and stands on the site of an earlier, historically significant structure — the Palais de Boulogne. That former palace, gifted to the city by Catherine de’ Medici herself, once housed the town hall, the courthouse, and even the prison. Over time, it became too run-down to fulfill its functions. So, in the 18th century, it was demolished and replaced by this new City Hall, designed by architect Louis-Charles-François Ledru. Today, it still serves as the seat of the Clermont-Ferrand city government.