Place de Jaude

Imagine this… Two thousand years ago, Place de Jaude was already a bustling hub of daily life. Back in Roman times, it served as a busy marketplace — a key crossroad, nearly as important as the main forum located over on Place de la Victoire. Yet things changed ; during the Middle Ages, the square was all but abandoned, gradually turning into a swampy wasteland. It wasn’t until the 17th century that it began to show signs of life again, with the construction of Saint-Pierre-des-Minimes Church, a pool, and a fountain. Real development, though, came in the 19th century. That’s when the square truly started drawing people back in — with the opening of the grand theatre, the arrival of symbolic statues, lively cafés, shops, and the famous Galeries de Jaude. Today, Place de Jaude is the beating heart of Clermont-Ferrand — home to two major shopping centres, restaurant terraces, cafés, and all kinds of boutiques. But what about the name “Jaude”? Where does it come from? To find out, we have to go all the way back to the Roman era. The word likely comes from galate, a reference to the Vasso Galate temple, a Gallo-Roman structure that once stood not far from the city. Over time, galate became Galde, then Jalde, and eventually… Jaude. Whatever the origin, one thing is certain: Place de Jaude is Clermont-Ferrand’s best-known square — and a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.