1. Arriving in Clermont-Ferrand
The train pulled into the Gare de Clermont-Ferrand just as the sun began its slow descent behind the Chaîne des Puys. A breeze stirred in the late afternoon, warm yet crisp, infused with the scent of summer stone and distant pine. The city welcomed me with a gentle hum: a place steeped in volcanic history, Romanesque architecture, and a pulse both old and new.
Clermont-Ferrand is not the sort of place that rushes at you with neon lights or towering glass. Its rhythm is subtler, its appeal layered. Nestled in the heart of the Auvergne region, the city is flanked by dormant volcanoes and medieval charm. I arrived here with a suitcase and a purpose: to experience this place as fully as possible, with comfort, practicality, and a family-oriented focus at the core of the journey.
2. Why Location Matters
Choosing where to stay in Clermont-Ferrand isn’t just a matter of selecting a pin on a map. The city radiates from a few central hubs: Place de Jaude, the Cathedral Quarter, and the Montferrand district. I was drawn to the idea of staying near Place de Jaude, not only because it serves as the modern beating heart of the city but also due to its accessibility. The public transport options here are excellent, with the tram line A slicing conveniently through town, and nearly every major attraction—cultural or culinary—within walking distance.
It was this centrality that led me to book a room at Apparthôtel Privilodges Carré de Jaude, situated precisely at 7 Avenue Julien, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand. The location could hardly be more strategic. Directly facing the expansive Place de Jaude and just a five-minute walk from the dramatic spires of Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, it offered both proximity and practicality. There are bus stops, a tram line, bakeries, pharmacies, and even a small Monoprix all within a radius of 300 meters.
3. Booking the Right Space
When traveling with family—or even solo but with comfort as a priority—accommodations must be more than a place to sleep. They must become a temporary home. After browsing through Booking.com, Airbnb, and Expedia, I settled on Booking.com for both its extensive reviews and flexible cancellation policies. After filtering for “family-friendly,” “kitchen facilities,” and “central location,” Apparthôtel Privilodges Carré de Jaude kept popping up.
The booking process was smooth and transparent. A studio suite for four nights cost €524.96 in total—approximately €131.24 per night. That included taxes and fees, with no deposit required upfront. The room chosen was the Superior Studio, which features a queen bed, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a small dining and lounge area.
4. First Impressions on Arrival
Stepping into the lobby of the Privilodges Carré de Jaude is like entering a well-kept urban residence rather than a standard hotel. The décor is modern but understated: warm earth tones, brushed metal accents, and a discreet reception desk tucked into one side of the entrance. A friendly receptionist greeted me in French, but effortlessly switched to English when my vocabulary faltered.
Check-in was efficient. I provided my ID and booking confirmation from my phone, signed a digital form, and received an electronic keycard along with a printed Wi-Fi code and a city map. Within minutes, I was on my way to the third floor.
5. Inside the Superior Studio
Opening the door to the room felt like revealing a private alcove, insulated from the noise and bustle of the city outside. The layout is intuitively designed for both short and long stays. To the immediate right was a narrow hallway with built-in storage: hangers, a safe, a full-length mirror. To the left, the bathroom—a clean, brightly lit space with a powerful shower, thick white towels, and L’Occitane toiletries.
The main living area opened up with a full view of the Place de Jaude through wide, double-glazed windows. I spent several moments just standing there, watching trams glide past and locals gather at the fountain near the statue of General Desaix.
The kitchenette was neatly tucked into one corner of the room: a microwave, a two-burner induction hob, a mini-fridge, a dishwasher, and ample cookware. There was even a French press and an assortment of tea bags and coffee pods. For anyone traveling with children or staying more than a night or two, this was an essential amenity.
The bed was firm but inviting, dressed in crisp white linen with two pillows per guest and a charcoal-grey throw. A small couch folded out into an additional sleeping surface, perfectly comfortable for a child or teenager.
6. Breakfast and Morning Routines
Although the rooms are self-catering, the hotel offers a breakfast service at €14 per person, served daily in a ground-floor dining area. For the sake of convenience and indulgence, I tried it on the first morning. The spread was generous: croissants, pain au chocolat, several types of cheese and charcuterie, fresh fruit, yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, and local jams. Coffee was strong and served in tall white mugs, with the option of decaf or hot milk.
However, most mornings I opted for preparing breakfast in the studio. The nearby Monoprix offered everything I needed: baguettes, butter, milk, fruit, and a rotating selection of cheeses. Eating in meant we could move at our own pace—no queues, no pressure.
7. Daytime Life Around the Hotel
One of the greatest advantages of staying at Privilodges Carré de Jaude is how much can be accessed on foot. With young children, minimizing transportation time is invaluable. A ten-minute walk took us to the Jardin Lecoq, a lush park filled with flower beds, duck ponds, and shaded benches. It’s ideal for letting children run around before tackling a museum or cathedral.
Across the square sits the Galeries Lafayette, perfect for a mid-morning detour, while the Opera House and Jaude cinema offer evening entertainment without the need for taxis or trams.
8. Evening Comforts
Returning to the studio after a day of exploring—whether it was the panoramic views from the top of Puy de Dôme or the winding alleys of Montferrand—was always a relief. The air conditioning worked efficiently during the warm afternoons, and blackout curtains ensured a peaceful night’s sleep.
Some nights we cooked simple meals using the kitchenette: pasta with tomato sauce, roasted vegetables, or omelets with local cheese. Other times, we brought takeout from nearby restaurants. The studio’s dining table fit four comfortably, and the TV offered a decent selection of French and international channels—helpful when trying to lull a child to sleep.
9. Laundry and Practical Needs
The hotel has a self-service laundry room on the ground floor with coin-operated washers and dryers. Detergent is sold in vending machines, and the machines are clean and efficient. For families traveling with limited luggage, this is a game-changer.
Wi-Fi was reliable and fast throughout the stay, whether streaming music in the morning or checking train timetables at night. The hotel also offers weekly housekeeping, but for stays under a week, fresh towels and toiletries are available upon request at reception.
10. Hospitality and Staff
Every interaction with the staff at Privilodges was marked by quiet professionalism. From printing out museum tickets at the front desk to helping call a taxi for an early-morning departure, their assistance was always prompt and courteous. The atmosphere is not one of luxury excess, but of quiet competence. This, in many ways, is the true luxury for travelers looking for peace of mind.
11. Safety and Surroundings
The neighborhood around Place de Jaude is well-lit and lively, even after dark. We often returned from evening walks without the slightest concern. Police presence is regular but unobtrusive, and the streets are clean and well-maintained. Several pharmacies and convenience stores stay open until late, and there’s a tram stop just steps from the hotel entrance, allowing easy access to other parts of the city.
12. What Makes It Family-Friendly
The blend of self-sufficiency and support is what defines the family-friendliness of Privilodges. The kitchenette gives autonomy. The spacious layout avoids the feeling of confinement. The central location eliminates transport headaches. And the quiet, respectful atmosphere ensures everyone—parents, children, even babies—can wind down after full days without disruption.
Having the flexibility to choose between eating out or preparing a quiet meal in the room makes a profound difference when traveling with children. Not every child is ready to dine in a formal setting after a full day of sightseeing, and not every parent has the energy for restaurant logistics each evening. The choice here is real and appreciated.
13. Departing With Ease
On the final morning, checkout was just as efficient as arrival. The receptionist asked if I needed a taxi, offered to store bags for a few hours, and inquired—genuinely—about the stay. I handed over the keycard and left with nothing more to settle.
As the tram rumbled past toward the train station, the hotel disappeared behind me, discreet and tidy against the skyline. What lingered wasn’t the memory of opulence or spectacle, but of a quiet, thoughtful space that had supported the rhythm of my days without demanding anything in return.
