An important stopping place on the old Roman road between Lyon and Bordeaux and a university town in the Middle Ages, the medieval town of Billom boasts a rich heritage bearing witness to its past: the Gothic Saint-Cerneuf church, elegant houses such as the 15th-century Chapter House (Maison du Chapitre) and 16th-century Magistrate's House (Maison de l'Échevin), Rue des Boucheries – a typical street with timber-framed houses – and Pont du Marché bridge with its public measuring stone.
Medieval city installed near the old Roman road from Lyon to Bordeaux, Billom commune is in the plain of Limagne in the Puy-de-Dome.
City Billom was one of the first Good city of Auvergne in the twelfth century because of its booming economy. For centuries, its fairs, schools and places of worship have attracted many visitors. Integrated in the Regional Natural Park Livradois, the town is now known for its tourism and its architectural heritage.
The discreet and surprising medieval quarter and the many cultural offerings available in the town of Billom, make it a popular spot for tourists and lovers of built heritage and living.
Poitevin Gothic style, the Saint-Cerneuf has seen many changes over the centuries. Listed building, dating from the early twelfth century. The Romanesque crypt, a vestige of the original building including unveils a wooden statue of St. Cerneuf listed building. One can also see the murals of the twelfth century, with a scene of martyrdom and the legend of St. Margaret. The four chapels on the sides were completely rebuilt in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, with today some original tombs like that of Gilles I Aycelin Montaigut, listed historical monument.
The town is also home to the Saint-Loup church of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries Gothic listed building (abandoned).
It is in the medieval quarter of Billom you discover remarkable buildings. Walking through the narrow streets, do not forget to admire the house called Bailly fifteenth century houses say Dean and Alderman of the sixteenth century, the homes of Butchers and the so-called Chapter of the fifteenth century, or the belfry of the sixteenth century.
Built in the nineteenth century, the gardens of Croze have meanwhile an English garden, a vegetable garden at the French, rose gardens, an orchard or a regular garden. They have several old trees, a protected oak tercentenary, kennels and a wild cyclamen mat.
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The weekly market takes place every Monday morning.
In July and August, Thursdays Pressoir offer aperitif concerts in the outdoor theater St-Loup.
A fair garlic takes place in mid-August with a farmers market and different animations.
fantasy festival Charivari is held annually in early September. The program includes performances, jugglers, acrobats, stilt walkers, live music, stands, and many other entertainment.
