Want to avoid the Paris crowds but still feast your eyes on Notre Dame's magnificent architecture? Try Clermont-Ferrand's same-named version instead.

The university town's original church structure dates back to the 13th century but has been extended over the years.

It currently occupies an imposing position towering above Clermont-Ferrand's houses and shops in the old medieval town area.

Unlike its pale Parisian counterpart, this cathedral is built from black local volcanic rock, giving the structure a dark mysterious charm.

Just as gloomily fascinating is the church's interior. The darkness serves to accentuate the beautiful collection of stained glass windows on display, while it is also possible to see well-preserved 15th-century frescoes on the south transept wall.

Clermont-Ferrand sits atop an extinct volcano in the Massif Central region and is the area's largest urban centre. Other religious sights beside the cathedral include the Romanesque church Notre-Dame du Port, nominated as a World Heritage Site in 1998.