Riom - Châtel-Guyon (Train Station): Departures and guide

Travel to the Riom-Châtel-Guyon train station from Riom city center

Riom is one of the major centers in France's beautiful Auvergne region. With its unspoiled old town, exceptional art galleries, Gothic churches, and famous clock tower, the city offers a lot for visitors to explore. And it's also the starting point to visit the otherworldly volcanic peaks of the Puy de Dome, whitewater rafting in the Gorges de l'Allier, or quick day trips to Clermont Ferrand or Vichy. Because of this, the city constantly attracts tourists from across the world. And when visitors arrive in town, the Riom-Châtel-Guyon train station is often their first port of call.

What is the best way to the Riom-Châtel-Guyon train station from Riom city center?

Whenever they visit Riom, travelers should become acquainted with the town's geography. Luckily, the Riom-Châtel-Guyon train station is conveniently situated for most transfers, so missing trains isn't likely. Making the Tour de l'Horloge (Clock Tower) as a reference point for the center of town, the best route to the station is on foot, or via taxi if visitors have mobility problems or heavy luggage. The same applies to notable attractions like the Museum of the Auvergne, Sainte-Chappelle, the Francisque Mandet Museum, and the Basilica of Saint Amable. The Abbey of Saint-Pierre Mozac is slightly further away (taxis will be the best option in this case) while SNCF buses run from nearby Chatel-Guyon to Riom-Châtel-Guyon. Finally, any families who have been visiting the Vulcania Theme Park are advised to arrange taxis for their transfers to the station in Riom.

How far is it to the Riom-Châtel-Guyon train station from Riom city center

The relatively short distances between most local attractions and the Riom-Châtel-Guyon train station are really handy for travelers and make it much less likely that rail connections will be missed. Major city center attractions like the Basilica of Saint Amable or the Museum of the Auvergne are less than one mile (1.5 kilometers) from the station and walking from them will take fewer than ten minutes. Taxis are even faster, usually reaching the station in under ten minutes. This applies to attractions on the outskirts of Riom as well, such as the Abbey of Saint-Pierre Mozac or the cycling-themed Musee Baster. Vulcania is around 13 miles (21 kilometers) to the southwest of Riom and taxis from there take between 25 and 40 minutes. Please leave plenty of time for transfers. Clermont-Ferrand is also eight miles (14 kilometers) south of the station in Riom, but trains between the two cities are very quick, usually reaching Riom-Châtel-Guyon in fewer than ten minutes. Finally, Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport is approximately ten miles (16 kilometers) away but trains from there will take 35 minutes. So, taxis may be preferable.

How accessible is the Riom-Châtel-Guyon train station for those with limited mobility?

Riom-Châtel-Guyon station is managed by the French national rail company SNCF, which has a strong record in assisting disabled travelers - so there should be little to worry about when using the station itself. Platforms and concourses are accessible via ramps, while the staff is available during the day to provide direct assistance. Restrooms for the mobility-impaired are present on-site. The situation is slightly less promising regarding local transport in Riom. Riom does not have an extensive bus network throughout the city; walking or taxis are the only real ways to get around. Those dependent on wheelchairs will want to book suitable taxi transport to ferry them around. Buses do run from Chatel-Guyon, however, and are adapted for wheelchairs. So, not all journeys will need to be made via taxis or rental cars.

Local tips: the Riom-Châtel-Guyon train station and points of interest

Riom is an excellent place to while away a few hours before trains depart. There's no need to ponder what to do near the train station. Simply walk towards the Clock Tower and start exploring. There are a couple of excellent museums travelers can pop into within the old town, including the Museum of the Auvergne, which explains the region's dramatic volcanic landscape. The Francisque Mandet Museum hosts a small but high-quality art collection (with a neat recreation of an 18th century "salon" as well). And the Basilica of Saint-Amable is a must-see. Long a destination for pilgrims due to its ancient relics, the church is a gorgeous work of medieval art. Wherever travelers head, they will be within a 15-minute walk of the station doors. Be sure to pick up a tourist map in the station to avoid getting lost on the way back.