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   MASSIF CENTRAL > HAUTE-LOIRE > Zone 1
 


Located behind the gates of the Allier Valley in the heart of the Auvergne Region. Close to the Mediteranean Sea and situated on the banks of the Allier River. The birthplace of Lafayette, one of the region's most famous locals, come and admire a remarkable architectural heritage and enjoy some peace and quiet in a protected environment, which is adapted to every outdoor activity.



The dwelling of Saint-Julien - In the old centre of Brioude, head tilted to the sky, eager to understand the secrets on the old stones that can be found on the turrets and sculpted façades. One of the most famous monuments of all these wonders is the minor Basilica of Saint-Julien (La Basilique Mineure de Saint-Julien), built on the grave of the Holy Martyr. The Basilica is the largest roman Church of Auvergne. If you visit it, you will be surprised by the prestigious treasures it shelters, from its 300 ornate capitals to its polychrome of rose and yellow. Close to the Basilica, more precisely on the other bank, Saint- Vincent's Church of Vieille-Brioude (L'église Saint-vincent de Vieille-brioude), former capital of the region of Brioude called Brivadois and a bit further, the Romanesque Abbey of Lavaudieu (l'abbaye de lavaudieu), a religious architectural masterpiece of that period which will complete your voyage through the heart of times.

Rural walks - 18 short hiking and thematic hiking routes will allow you to discover all its treasures as well as Brioude region's various landscapes. On a land where nature and men always lived together in perfect harmony, you will be won over by the rural architecture which you will discover along the footpaths, such as the Entremont Chapel (Chapelle d'Entremont), which you will discover during a quiet walk in the small valley of Courgoux (vallon de Courgoux), or close to Brioude, the Saint-Julien fountain with its reddish water which according to legend was supposed to have been used to wash the saint's head after his martyr.
Water activities - The 24 different fish species which are found in the running water of the Allier river will please fishermen, from the scarce salmon, currently protected to the leaping trout as well as the swift bleak. Wild near Langeac, and yet quiet near Brioude, the river and its flow variations will be a delight to every canoeing, hydro speed and running water swimming champion. Less adventurous people have the possibility to relax on the beach of the Bageasse lake, 1.25 miles (2 kms) away from Brioude, which is appreciated by holiday-makers and campers.

Brioude, former European salmon capital - Did you know that at the beginning of the 20th century, people from all over Europe came to Brioude to fish salmon in the Allier river at Brioude Atlantic salmon, the so-called "King of Fish" can still be found in the Allier river, which is the last European river where the species breed.
But, in a conservation attempt, fishing has temporally been suspended However in the meantime you can appreciate another local speciality "escargots de Vielle-Brioude", the snails of Vielle-Brioude.