Place de la Victoire – Victory Square

A landmark square in the city, Place de la Victoire is best known for the stunning view it offers of Clermont’s majestic cathedral. It’s also one of the most important squares in the city — and it’s earned that title. Over 2,000 years ago, this very spot was home to the Roman forum. That says a lot! After the French Revolution, it was redesigned into the form we see today. Over the centuries, the square has changed names several times.First renamed Royal Square, during the return of the monarchy, then Imperial Square under Napoleon, it wasn’t until 1918, just days after the end of World War I, that it received its current name — Victory Square. At the center stands a large statue of Pope Urban II, who in 1095 called on the people of Clermont to take up arms and join the First Crusade against the Turks, who at the time had control of the Holy Land. The statue was inaugurated here on the 800th anniversary of that moment, facing the cathedral as a symbolic gesture.  Last but not least, as one of the liveliest squares of the city it is of course surrounded by several bars and restaurants.