Tourist guide

• BRIOUDE
  The Basilica of Saint-Julien, a masterpiece of Romanesque art, is the biggest church in Auvergne.
• SAINT-FLOUR (km 46)
  Saint-Flour, at an altitude of 900 metres, is the historical capital of Upper Auvergne. Its imposing cathedral bears witness to its past importance in the region. The town has established itself as a tourist centre.
• MURAT (km 93)
  Ancient towers and gates still exist in Murat which was a fortified town. It also has a fauna museum which pays tribute to the deer of the Cantal forests.
• AURILLAC
  The prefecture city of Cantal was also the birthplace of Gerbert, the first French Pope. Apart from discovering the city’s religious heritage, a detour via the volcano museum allows visitors to better understand the influence that volcanic occurrences have had on the region’s history.

Download the tourist guide of the stage(5 pages, .pdf)

Download the complete tourist guide(113 pages, .pdf, 55 Mo)

Sylvia Crozemarie, is in charge of the “Biennale de l’Aquarelle” Festival. It has become very popular with specialists: forty renowned artists came here to exhibit their works, take part in workshops and give conferences when it was held for the third time in 2007.

“Although it is small, this town has the true charm of Southern France. Moreover it is nicknamed “Brioude la Douce”, for its quality of life. Human relations are easy and people greet each other even if they do not know each other well. There is a relaxed atmosphere that tourists feel in the streets and the small squares of old Brioude. I particularly like the “Place aux Herbes”, a small square which was restored near the Basilica of Saint Julien. I also like to stroll on the esplanade near the town hall, along the ancient ramparts, in the shade of the lime trees. I advise visitors to go to the “Parc de la Visitation”, which overlooks the town and provides an attractive view of the Basilica. It is currently undergoing major renovation work, with the making of 37 contemporary stained-glass windows designed by Kim En Joong, a Korean artist. They will bring more light to the building and highlight the polychrome stones on the ground.

In general, Brioude is a very active town on an artistic level. Throughout the year, places like Mandrin’s house welcome artists. It is a fine vaulted Romanesque building which is currently being renovated. Four permanent galleries exhibit the works of watercolourists and glass-blowers. We also have a music school and the “Hôtel de la Dentelle”, a museum-related place which provides instruction given by several of the best craftsmen of France. I also belong to the association which created the “Biennale de l’Aquarelle” Festival. This event is held in different places in the old town.”