The old town came about with the joining together of two fortified hills, the strongholds of two rival lords, a bishop and a count. War had raged between Clarus Mons (Mt Clair) and Mt Ferrand for centuries until 1630, when a royal edict united them into a single city: Clermont-Ferrand. Explore historic Clermont, admiring its stately homes, picturesque inner courtyards, Baroque fountains, finely carved façades, railings and balconies and turreted staircases...