Brioude "Most Beautiful Detours in France"

Custodian of a rich historical past, Brioude cultivates the charm of its streets with many architectural treasures. The city is home to several Historical Monuments including the Saint-Julien Basilica, the city's jewel.
Halfway between Clermont-Ferrand and Le Puy-en-Velay, Brioude enjoys a privileged geographical location and a sunny, dry climate. Its colorful facades give the town a southern feel. The Basilica of Saint Julien is remarkable for its polychromy and the contemporary stained-glass windows created by the artist Kim En Joong, which enhance both the color and the beauty of the largest Romanesque church in Auvergne; it was awarded its third star in the Michelin Green Guide in 2017. The Maison de Mandrin, the Hôtel de la Dentelle (Lace Museum), the Centre d'Architecture et du Patrimoine (Architecture and Heritage Center), and the Aquarium-Maison du Saumon (Salmon House Aquarium) are among the must-see attractions.
From the 9th century until the French Revolution of 1789, the town of Brioude lived under the control of a chapter of canons, composed primarily of descendants of prominent families from Auvergne, Velay, and other regions. Among them were the Polignacs, the Mercoeurs, the Counts of Auvergne, and many others. This chapter was very powerful due to the wealth of its members; in temporal matters, there was no intermediary between the King of France and the canons; similarly, in spiritual matters, the chapter answered only to the Pope. This allowed the chapter to extend its authority over the entire population of Brioude, preventing the town's bourgeoisie from forming a consulate that could have governed the town alongside the canons. The chapter was abolished at the beginning of the French Revolution.

Equipment

• Playground
• Toilet
• Public toilets
• Motorhome parking area
• Motorhome service terminal
• Show room
• Parking
• Defibrillator
• Media Library
• Restaurant

Services

• Pet Friendly
• Wifi Internet access
• Tourist Documentation
• Silver point
• Catering

Activities on site

• Temporary exhibitions
• Evening entertainment
• Show