Vieille-Brioude: History and Activities on the Allier

Vieille-Brioude sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Allier valley and the confluence with the Céroux. The town’s history brings together traces of a castle and winegrowing with buildings from different centuries; there are also walking and cycling routes and activities on the Allier nearby. This combination of cultural and river-related attractions can help you choose a hotel destination to suit your travel interests.

History and Architecture

Vieille-Brioude has been inhabited for more than a thousand years. The town grew up on the site of a castle that has since disappeared; a motte stood in the town centre. One notable monument is the Croix de Védrines, a monumental cross dating from the 16th century in the hamlet of Védrines. It has been listed as a historic monument since 27 February 1926.

The Pont de la Bajasse can also be viewed from several perspectives. The bridge has a single, very slender arch, and the stonework at its corners and piers is carefully laid. It was built in the 15th century according to the principles of so-called Roman bridges and forms part of a structure that also extends into Vieille-Brioude. The Church of Saint-Vincent is Romanesque and dates from the 12th century. The cross, church and bridge thus represent different periods of construction, from the 12th to the 16th century.

Winegrowing and Regional History

Since the early Middle Ages, Vieille-Brioude was the Brivadois area’s main winegrowing centre. Historically, vineyards covered 450 hectares of the municipality’s 2,770-hectare area. The Musée-Jardin de la Vigne presents the history of winegrowing in the Haut-Allier. This means that both the history of winegrowing in the Brivadois and winegrowing in the Haut-Allier are in focus. The Pont aqueduc de Vayron illustrates another former infrastructure function: it once supplied Brioude with drinking water. Winegrowing and water supply thus offer two different perspectives on the region’s past.

Walking and Cycling Routes

Around Vieille-Brioude, walking and cycling routes follow waterways and pass through wooded areas. On the Via Allier, a dedicated cycle lane along the D912 connects Brioude with Vieille-Brioude. After crossing a bridge, the Via Allier follows the D16 along the Allier and passes through several hamlets. The routes therefore have different features: a connection between the two towns on the D912, and a route along the river and through hamlets on the D16. If you are planning to explore by bike, these details provide specific guidance on the sections described.

Activities on the Allier

Bageasse Pleine Nature offers rafting in the Allier gorges. The rafting activities also include swimming, jumping into the water and exploring the gorges. The Parcours de Tyroliennes offers spectacular zip lines over the Allier and adds another river activity to the options.

At La Bageasse beach, supervised swimming in the Allier was scheduled for the 2026 season from 1 July to 31 August. If you are planning a trip at another time, please check the swimming times in effect then. This will help you distinguish between the designated seasonal swimming dates, activities in the gorges and routes along the waterways when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Pradelles, Araules, Solignac-Sous-Roche, Saint-Martin-De-Fugères, Sanssac-L'église, Salzuit, Autrac, Pinols.

Back to the main travel overview: Haute-Loire.