Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral

 During my overseas business trip, this was the first time I spent a weekend exploring the local area. After preparing my presentation materials, I decided to visit the Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral, which is located near Jaude Square.

 

 Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, is a remarkable example of Gothic architecture located in the heart of the city of Clermont-Ferrand, in central France. This cathedral is built primarily from volcanic stone sourced from the nearby Puy-de-Dôme mountain, giving it a striking dark color, which is a unique characteristic that differentiates it from other cathedrals in France.

 The cathedral's construction began in the 13th century, and it took over 200 years to complete. The architectural style is predominantly Gothic, with impressive flying buttresses, pointed arches, and tall spires. The cathedral stands as a testament to the engineering and artistic capabilities of the time. One of the most notable features of the cathedral is its beautiful stained-glass windows, which depict various scenes from Christian history, including biblical stories and saints. Inside, the cathedral has a peaceful and reflective atmosphere, allowing visitors to appreciate its spiritual and historical significance.

 After arriving around 1:00 PM, I found the entrance to the cathedral closed. Upon checking with ChatGPT, I discovered that the cathedral is closed during lunchtime on Saturdays from 12:00 to 2:00 PM. With an hour of free time, I decided to grab a burger at a nearby hamburger shop located on the street in front of the cathedral. 

 Throughout my business trip, I had been ordering hamburger sets whenever I dined out. One reason was that ordering food in French restaurants can be challenging, and I was curious about the taste of French-style homemade hamburgers.

 Typically, a hamburger set costs around 15 euros. The burger set I ordered was a success. The freshly baked bun and the juicy patty were delicious, and it was a satisfying meal before returning to the cathedral.

 After lunch, I returned to the cathedral at around 2:00 PM. Though I had visited the cathedral a few times during my university years, it had been a long while, and I could really feel God's deep love there. I couldn’t help but wonder how such an extraordinary cathedral was built in a time without modern construction technology, requiring such immense resources and labor.

 As I slowly explored the interior of the cathedral, I asked ChatGPT about the significance of the figures depicted in the decorations and stained-glass windows. I spent some time reflecting and, before leaving, I sat in one of the chairs and offered a prayer to God.

 I look forward to visiting again with my family next time. I also need to make sure to take care of my health and finish the remaining schedule of my trip in good health.