Brioude

Visit Brioude, Auvergne

Brioude is a town in the Haute-Loire department, in the southern part of the Auvergne region and south-east of Issoire.

Although it is the basilica in the town which attracts the majority visitors it is well worth also allowing time for a stroll around the rest of the old town to see some of the other traces left by Brioude's long history - dating back to the town's role as an important pilgrimage center from the 9th century onwards.

Exploring Brioude

Most visits will start with the Basilica Saint-Julien (constructed 11th - 14th century) - the largest roman style church in the Auvergne region and which dominates the centre of the town. With a decorative tower at one end, an ornate roman style chevet at the other, and an octagonal tower in the middle it is also one of the most attractive of the Auvergne cathedrals and churches.

Note the use of both red and white stone to create patterns in the stonework, for example around the doorways, then inside the basilica the colourful 13th century frescoes are exceptional. Note also the ancient patterned paved floor and some modern stained glass windows.

The town of Brioude itself is calm and pleasant, especially in the narrow unspoiled streets around the Place St Jean and the basilica. Several of these houses are quite grand and hint at how wealthy Brioude must have been in the past. Unusually for the region there is also a 16th century half-timbered house (the Maison de Mandrin on Rue de la Janivelle).

The tourist office in the town (corner of Place Lafayette) can provide you with a map for a guided tour of the town that incorporates the most important manor houses, which is an interesting way to explore and of course also pases the other major Brioude landmarks.

You will also find a couple of interesting art galleries and a selection of cafes in the village centre.

Close to Brioude

The region along the river Allier is attractive to visit, and also offers various watersporting activities.

Nearby attractions include the medieval village of Lamothe and Lavaudieu, a classified 'most beautiful village in France' a little to the south-east of Brioude.

Note: Photo is copyright

See Auvergne and Haute-Loire (the region and department for Brioude) for more travel ideas...

Tourist classifications for Brioude: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 2*;

Suggested places to visit near Brioude, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Usson 26km; Issoire 30km; Saint-Floret 36km; Saint-Flour 37km; Montpeyroux 39km; Ambert 40km; Saint-Nectaire 44km; Parc des Volcans 45km; Murol 47km; Saint-Saturnin 47km; Livradois-Forez Regional Park 47km;

Brioude tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Basilique de Saint Julien (Brioude) - religious monument (0km) : Abbaye Saint-Andre (Lavaudieu) - religious monument (3km) : Eglise de Notre Dame de Mailhat (Lamontgie) - religious monument (17km) : Abbaye Saint Pierre (Blesle) - religious monument (17km) : Villeneuve-Lembron Chateau - national monument (25km) : Eglise de Saint Austremoine d'Issoire (Issoire) - religious monument (30km) : Jardins du château d'Hauterive - remarkable garden (30km) : Eglise de Saint Georges (Saint-Paulien) - religious monument (37km) :

See more places and a map at places near Brioude