Brioude

The largest Romanesque church in Auvergne, Saint Julien's Basilica was built between the 12th and 14th centuries. The building is notably famous for its polychrome frescoes, as well as for its paving of pebbles revealing geometric or ornamental motifs. In the 2000s, the basilica was decorated with 36 new contemporary stained-glass windows that joined stained glass windows from the 19th century. Romane, however, it presents forms of Gothic style that make the whole absolutely unique. Classified as a Historic Monument, it has a mixture of colors in its interior due to the use of red sandstone, limestone, basalt and marble. One can not fail to admire the Virgin of Chariol, a sculpture of volcanic stone from the 14th century, a parturient Virgin in polychrome wood from the 15th century, or even a leprous Christ out of polychrome wood dating from the beginning of the 15th century and Of an old leprosarium.

The lace museum is an opportunity to discover models of old and contemporary lace, and to attend courses given by Best Workers of France. Housed in an old building of the 15th century classified to the Historic Monuments, it has as ambition to preserve the technique known as "de Cluny". Inside, one can also admire an impressive mural painting dating from the sixteenth century.

Situated not far from the spawning grounds of the Haut Allier, the Salmon and River House is an educational aquarium museum featuring Atlantic salmon. You can admire more than 800 fish representing 35 different species. In the museum, collections retrace the history of inland shipping and salmon fishing.

Gothic house built in the 15th or 16th century, the house of Mandrin now serves as an art gallery and exhibition place.

The town has several green areas such as the Verdun and Pierre-Mamet esplanades which take place on the old ramparts, or the trail of the 2 bridges and the beach of the Bageasse, ideal for small family excursions.

The Brioude market is held every Saturday morning. In summer, it is embellished with small animations. A Christmas market is also offered at the end of the year.

The watercolor biennial of Brioude takes place in July every odd year and highlights the works of around forty international artists. Nighttime entertainment, workshops, screenings and performances are also offered.

In August, place at "Saint-Julien" and its famous carnival. A parade, fireworks, a local market or brass bands are also offered for the event.

Delphine, guide-lecturer provides guided tours for individuals all summer long. It presents the history of the largest Romanesque church in Auvergne (3* Michelin green guide). It reveals to you in all its aspects this "treasure of colors" through materials, frescoes and contemporary stained glass windows created by Kim em Joong and produced by the Loire de Chartres workshops. It shows you the wealth of Romanesque sculptures (over 300 capitals).

A visit for children takes place every Wednesday afternoon in July and August, at 3 p.m., on the theme of the basilica's fantastic animals.

In summer, 3 types of visits are offered: Basilica and Historic Center visit (duration 1h30), Discovery visit (1h), Brief visit (1/2h) from Monday to Friday. Saturday and Sunday: two guided tours are offered in the afternoon.

For several years, every Tuesday in the summer on the beach of Bageasse take place Picnic Concerts organized by the Tourist Office Brioude Sud Auvergne. Tourists, locals come with their picnics and the Tourist Office offers the musical atmosphere. Every Tuesday a different group performs. Everything is free and very popular with the public.

Each year at the Doyenné, Center for Modern and Contemporary Art, an international exhibition is presented from the end of June to mid-October. In 2022, the ultimate work of Picasso will be held: a tribute to Jacqueline, an exhibition organized by the Doyenné with the exceptional support of the Musée National Picasso-Paris.