Sub-prefecture of the Haute-Loire, Brioude is at 430 meters above sea level. Fourth most populous city in the department behind Le Puy-en-Velay, Monistrol-sur-Loire, and Yssingeaux, it is located about fifty kilometers from Saint-Flour and about seventy kilometers from Clermont-Ferrand.
Ancient capital of Brivadois, the one that is nicknamed Brioude la Douce since the 5th century has been populated since the Gallo-Roman period. Today, the municipality benefits from an important attractiveness, whether from a tourist point of view or from an economic point of view.
The largest Romanesque church in Auvergne, Saint Julien's Basilica was built between the 12th and 14th centuries. The building is notably famous for its polychrome frescoes, as well as for its paving of pebbles revealing geometric or ornamental motifs. In the 2000s, the basilica was decorated with 36 new contemporary stained-glass windows that joined stained glass windows from the 19th century. Classified as a Historic Monument, it has a mixture of colors in its interior due to the use of red sandstone, limestone, basalt and marble. One cannot fail to admire the Virgin of Chariol, a sculpture of volcanic stone from the 14th century, a parturient Virgin in polychrome wood from the 15th century, or even a leprous Christ out of polychrome wood dating from the beginning of the 15th century and of an old leprosarium.
The lace museum is an opportunity to discover models of old and contemporary lace, and to attend courses given by Best Workers of France. Housed in an old building of the 15th century classified to the Historic Monuments, it has as ambition to preserve the technique known as "de Cluny". Inside, one can also admire an impressive mural painting dating from the sixteenth century.
Situated not far from the spawning grounds of the Haut Allier, the Salmon and River House is an educational aquarium museum featuring Atlantic salmon. You can admire more than 800 fish representing 35 different species. In the museum, collections retrace the history of inland shipping and salmon fishing.
Gothic house built in the 15th or 16th century, the house of Mandrin now serves as an art gallery and exhibition place.
The town has several green areas such as the Verdun and Pierre-Mamet esplanades which take place on the old ramparts, or the trail of the 2 bridges and the beach of the Bageasse, ideal for small family excursions.
