Discover Brioude

Brioude brings together pilgrimage history, art, crafts and varied landscapes along the Allier. The town lies by the river, is surrounded by medium-sized mountains and is set in a protected natural landscape suited to outdoor activities. Historic and cultural sites, exhibitions, creative activities and walking routes offer a range of options. When choosing your destination, consider whether you are most interested in pilgrimage traditions, culture or spending time outdoors.

Basilica and Pilgrimage Sites

The Basilique Saint-Julien was built between the 12th and 14th centuries and can be seen from afar even before arriving in Brioude. For many pilgrims, it was a stop on the Way of St James. Its distinctive features include contemporary stained-glass windows in 37 window openings. Access to the Chapelle Saint Michel is permitted only as part of a guided tour for safety reasons. Check this access requirement again before your trip.

The Fontaine Saint Julien also brings together architecture and pilgrimage tradition: it is topped by a vaulted Romanesque structure dating from the 12th century, with two remarkable capitals. The fountain remains a pilgrimage site, especially during the novena to Saint Julien. A mass is held there on 28 August, the town’s patronal feast day. Check the programme for the relevant year before your trip.

Art, Exhibitions and Culture

Le Doyenné has a ceiling decorated with heraldic motifs, classified as a Historic Monument. The building was restored as a venue for large-scale exhibitions. La Maison de Mandrin, the town gallery, hosts carefully selected visual arts exhibitions; opening hours may vary seasonally.

The La Maison du Saumon et de la Rivière Aquarium displays more than 800 fish from nearly 40 species. The digital museum Micro-Folie Brioude offers a different way to experience art: it projects more than 5,000 high-resolution works from 11 thematic collections. The Médiathèque Jacques Cabotte is open to everyone, and admission is free. It also hosts exhibitions and events about reading and writing. Check current opening hours before visiting.

For a point of reference in town, the tourist office is located at a spot with impressive views of the Basilique Saint-Julien. Alongside the buildings, public cultural venues and the tourist information centre help complete the picture of Brioude.

The Allier and Outdoor Routes

The Allier is used for fishing in Brioude. Together with the protected and varied natural landscape, the river offers another focus for travellers planning outdoor activities. Two routes differ considerably in length: the GR470 stage from Brioude to Villeneuve d’Allier covers 20.74 kilometres. The PR026 La Roche Dragon walking route is associated with Brioude and is 8.85 kilometres long. This makes the PR026 the shorter of the two routes mentioned. Check the current status of each route before setting out.

Discover Local Crafts

At the Hôtel de la Dentelle, visitors can tour the workshop. Tailor-made lace-making courses are also offered; confirm availability before booking. At the Mosaïque Atelier Céline Cadenel, visitors are welcomed by appointment, can learn about the craft and view the artist’s work. The studio also offers introductory courses for adults and children. The activities have different focuses: one centres on lace-making, with tailor-made courses, while the other focuses on glass mosaics, with introductory sessions for different age groups.

Discover more destinations: Vieille-Brioude, Chilhac, Bains, Coubon, Beaulieu, Sainte-Florine, Saint-Paulien, Vergezac

For the broader travel overview: Haute-Loire.