Low-emission zone of Clermont-Ferrand
The central French city of Clermont-Ferrand has introduced low-emission zones as of 1 July 2023. An emissions sticker is needed for motorized vehicles within this zone. Locally, the zone is referred to as the low-emission zone of Clermont-Auvergne Métropole, the larger urban area surrounding Clermont-Ferrand. Are you visiting other places in France besides Clermont-Ferrand? Then check out our list of all French low-emission zones.
Map of the low-emission zone of Clermont-Ferrand
The zone is limited to the city center of Clermont-Ferrand and is marked in orange on the map above. The low-emission zone includes the old town of Clermont (A on the map), the old town of Montferrand (B on the map) and areas in between. Although the urban area extends much further, the Clermont-Ferrand low-emission zone cannot be called small.
The low-emission zone is roughly defined by the D69 to the north, the N89 to the east, the D771 to the east and again the N89 and then Boulevard Berthelot to the west. These roads sometimes take different names and there are also several connecting roads. However, the beginning of the low-emission zone is clearly marked with road signs. You need not be afraid of accidentally driving into the low-emission zone.
Are you on your way to southern France and passing through Clermont-Ferrand? Then an emissions sticker is not necessary. The A89 north and the A75 south of the city are outside the low-emission zone, as is the A71 that connects both highways. The A71 can be seen just to the right on the map above.
The low-emission zone of Clermont-Ferrand
Clermont-Ferrand’s low-emission zone is fairly new and for the first year the rules apply only to light commercial vehicles (N1) and heavy commercial vehicles (N2 and N3). You can find the vehicle category under J on your vehicle registration certificate
Although an emissions sticker is also mandatory for cars and motorcycles, no fines are issued in the first year. Vehicles without an emissions sticker will receive a reminder. This is aimed primarily at local residents who live within or regularly visit the low-emission zone. If you visit Clermont-Ferrand as a tourist and get a reminder on your windshield that the emissions sticker is mandatory, you won’t have to do anything about it until later in 2024.
Update 12 January 2025: The Clermont-Auvergne Métropole has indicated that as of 1 January 2025, the low-emission zone will be extended to all 21 municipalities of the metropolis, but only for freight traffic and outside major roads. Although this rule is already in effect, no specific roads not included have yet been announced.
For passenger traffic, the low-emission zone will remain unchanged.
Parking outside the low-emission zone
Do you want to park outside Clermont-Ferrand’s low-emission zone to avoid a fine? Then we recommend to use one of the park-and-ride sites (parc relais in French) located along the tramway line. Clermont-Ferrand has only one tramway line, called line A. It winds its way through the city in the shape of an S. Below are some recommendations:
- P+R Margeride: 28 Av. de la Margeride in Aubière
- P+R La Pardieu: Rue Jean Claret in Clermont-Ferrand
- P+R Croix de Neyrat: 16 Rue du Torpilleur in Clermont-Ferrand
Note that there are two large park-and-ride sites along the tramway line that are still inside the low-emission zones. These are P+R H. Dunant and P+R Les Pistes. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to park here without an emissions sticker.
Which emissions sticker in Clermont-Ferrand?
All colors of the French emissions sticker are allowed in the Clermont-Ferrand low-emission zone. Only older vehicles that do not qualify will be fined. As mentioned above, during the first year starting July 1, 2023, only light commercial vehicles and trucks are affected. Passenger cars and motorcycles without a sticker will not be fined yet.
Other low-emission zones nearby
If you are visiting the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, keep in mind that an emissions sticker is also mandatory in Lyon and in Saint-Étienne. These cities are 180 and 150 kilometers further east from Clermont-Ferrand. Much further away, that is 280 kilometers to the northeast, there is another low-emission zone in Dijon.
What is there to see and do in Clermont-Ferrand?
Place de Jaude in Clermont-Ferrand, photo by Eazyzzz (CC BY-SA 3.0).
Clermont-Ferrand is the capital of the Puy-de-Dôme department and a popular destination for tourists vacationing in the historic region of Auvergne. The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de l’Assomption is one of the eye-catchers. The Basilique Notre-Dame-du-Port is a smaller and older but arguably a more beautiful church. Equally interesting is L’Aventure Michelin, a large museum about the tire manufacturer Michelin that has its origins in Clermont-Ferrand. West of the city you can find the Chaîne des Puys. This is a part of the Massif Central with over 60 volcanoes. The area has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2018.