Ancien couvent

Ancien couvent is a listed historic building on rue Fontgiève in Clermont-Ferrand. In France's official heritage register (Mérimée), it appears under its full recorded name — "former convent, also known as barracks or hunting lodge" (French: Ancien couvent, dit aussi caserne ou maison de la chasse). That string of names tells you something important on its own: this building started life as a convent, then went through at least two changes of use before settling into its current role.

Where exactly is it?

The building stands on rue Fontgiève, in the Fontgiève neighbourhood on the Plateau central — an older, elevated section of Clermont-Ferrand close to the city centre and within easy reach of the cathedral. It's a quiet, largely residential street rather than a spot on the main tourist circuit, which is part of why this convent is far less well known than Clermont-Ferrand's more famous religious buildings, such as the former Visitation convent in Montferrand or the former Ursuline convent.

What is actually known about its history?

The building dates to the 17th century, when it was built as a convent for a community of religious women. Available sources do not name the specific congregation or give an exact foundation date, so neither should be stated with confidence. Architecturally, the convent consists of two perpendicular wings (corps de bâtiment) — a layout typical of religious buildings from that period.

At some later point, the convent stopped functioning as one and the building was repurposed as a barracks (caserne). It then became locally known as the "Maison de la Chasse" (Hunting House). Sources confirm both later uses but do not give precise dates or explain the circumstances of the changes, so this part of the history should be read as confirmed in outline only, not in detail.

Is it a protected historic monument?

Yes. The building was listed as a monument historique (in the "inscrit" category, the lighter of France's two protection tiers) by a decree dated 30 March 1978. The protection specifically covers the street-facing entrance gate, which is registered under its own cadastral reference as the protected element of the property. The building itself belongs to the municipality of Clermont-Ferrand, meaning it remains public property.

What is it used for today?

Today, under the name "Maison de la Chasse," the building serves as an unusual event venue. The local tourism and convention bureau lists it as a space available for meetings and gatherings — a practical example of a former religious building being adapted to a new civic use rather than demolished or heavily altered.

Frequently asked questions

What is the official name of this former convent on rue Fontgiève? In France's heritage register it is listed as "Ancien couvent, dit aussi caserne ou maison de la chasse" — former convent, also known as barracks or hunting lodge.

Which religious order founded the convent? Available sources do not name the specific order or give an exact founding date. What is confirmed is that the building was built in the 17th century as a convent for a community of religious women.

Can visitors go inside? The building now functions as an event space (Maison de la Chasse), rented out for meetings and gatherings. It is not a standard tourist attraction with regular visiting hours.

Is this the only former convent in Clermont-Ferrand? No. The city has several historic convents, including the former Visitation convent in Montferrand and the former Ursuline convent. The one on rue Fontgiève is one of the lesser-known examples, notable for its unusual path from religious house to barracks to today's event venue.

Is the building legally protected? Yes, it has been listed as a monument historique since 1978, with legal protection specifically covering the street-facing entrance gate.