Top 5 best scooter rentals in Clermont-Ferrand

Clermont-Ferrand is a city built on old lava, and once you're on two wheels that stops being trivia and starts being the whole point of the trip. Weave through the black-stone lanes near the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, then point yourself west and within twenty minutes you're climbing toward the Puy de Dôme, the volcano that watches over the whole region. Ride a little further and the road drops you into the Chaîne des Puys, a string of dozing volcanic cones that no coach tour can properly show you. This is exactly why so many visitors choose to rent a scooter in Clermont-Ferrand rather than book a bus seat.

The old town here is tight, hilly and built for anything but a car — narrow one-way streets, scarce parking, short distances between the sights that matter. A scooter slips through where traffic queues, and tucks into a gap where a car never would. Once you're out past the ring road, the real reward kicks in: the volcanic countryside starts almost immediately, and a scooter turns the steep approach roads toward viewpoints like Puy de Pariou into an easy, open-air pleasure instead of a slog on foot.

Top 10 things to see in Clermont-Ferrand by scooter

1. Puy de Dôme — the volcanic summit above the city, reached via the scenic D941A toll road, and the single most popular ride out of Clermont-Ferrand.
2. Chaîne des Puys — dozens of dormant volcanic cones just west of town, with the D941/D5 forming the classic loop route through them.
3. Puy de Pariou — one of the best-preserved craters in the chain, a short hop past the Puy de Dôme with an easy walk to the rim.
4. Vulcania — the volcanology theme park near Saint-Ours-les-Roches, about 25–30 minutes away and a favourite family day trip.
5. Place de Jaude — the city's central square, lined with cafés and shops, and a natural place to start or end a ride.
6. Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption — the striking black-stone Gothic cathedral in the historic centre, easy to reach and park near.
7. Basilique Notre-Dame-du-Port — a UNESCO-listed Romanesque basilica just minutes from Place de Jaude.
8. Château de Cordès — a small château near Orcines, a pleasant stop for anyone extending the ride up to the Puy de Dôme.
9. Lac d'Aydat — a lake about 20 minutes south of the city, ideal for a coffee break or a swim after a morning on the road.
10. Fontaine d'Amboise — a Renaissance fountain near the cathedral, worth a quick photo stop in the old town.

What do you need to rent a scooter in Clermont-Ferrand?

For a 50cc scooter you need the AM licence, available from age 14, or you're covered automatically if you already hold a full car or motorcycle licence, or were born before 1 January 1988. For a 125cc scooter you need either an A1 motorcycle licence or a category B car licence held for at least two years plus a short 7-hour training course. Rental companies in the city commonly set their own minimum age, often 18, regardless of what the law technically allows. Expect a deposit taken by credit card pre-authorisation and refunded when the scooter comes back undamaged — the exact amount depends on the model, so confirm it when booking. If you're visiting from outside the EU, bring an International Driving Permit alongside your home licence.

How much does it cost to rent a scooter in Clermont-Ferrand?

Prices swing a lot with the season. Basic 50cc scooters go for as little as EUR 5–12 per day in winter, while standard scooters in summer run EUR 18–30 per day. If you want something bigger — a 125cc or newer premium model — expect EUR 30–45 per day at the height of summer.

• Cheapest: December to February, when demand is at its lowest.
• Priciest: July and August, when Puy de Dôme and Vulcania visits peak.

When to book a rental scooter in Clermont-Ferrand?

High season runs June through August, with July and August the busiest and priciest stretch — book ahead if you're travelling then, since the cheaper machines go first. Low season runs November to February, when prices drop but the volcanic roads are cold and less inviting. For the best balance of good weather, open roads and lower rates, aim for May, June or September.

Local traffic rules in Clermont-Ferrand

France drives on the right. A helmet is compulsory for every rider and passenger on a scooter, and it must be ECE-approved with reflective stickers front, back and on both sides. Gloves are also a legal requirement here — unusual compared to many countries, but strictly enforced. Keep your headlight on at all times, day or night. Speed limits are 50 km/h in town, rising to 80 km/h (sometimes 90, watch the signage) on rural roads outside built-up areas. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l, dropping to effectively zero if you're within your first three years of holding a licence. Once you've got the basics sorted, just use the search form at the top of the page to rent a scooter in Clermont-Ferrand. Have a nice trip!

Types of scooters available

On our website you can rent the following types of scooters: classic scooter, Vespa, moped, motoroller, motoscooter, with a sidecar, with automatic or manual gears, three-wheeled scooters, large, maxi-scooter, touring, scooters with a windscreen and a roof, underbones, electric scooters.

Models of scooters available

On our website you can hire scooters from the following manufacturers: Adly, Aeon, Aprilia, Piaggio, Bajaj, Benelli, Beta, BMW, Derbi, Gilera, Honda, Kawasaki, Kymco, LML, Malaguti, Peugeot, PGO, Suzuki, SYM, TVS, Vespa, Yamaha.

Which insurance is provided with my rental scooter?

Usually basic third-party insurance is included in the rental price. If you wish to have more protection you can purchase additional CDW insurance, which limits your risk to the amount of your deposit. If you wish to rent a scooter without a deposit and with zero risk, you will need to add full insurance to your reservation.

Extra services available

When you make an online scooter reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, delivery to your hotel, delivery to your address, delivery to the arrival point of your choice.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Find the best deals for scooter hire;
• Compare prices of scooter rental companies;
• Read reviews of previous customers;
• Reserve a scooter online with the Best Price Guarantee!

Most of our local moped rental companies have many years of experience and will provide you with a well-kept scooter, helmet, lock, top case, GPS, insurance and friendly service. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a scooter, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!