Our take
The Romanesque frescoes of Brioude are the most extensive in Auvergne. The building itself holds the length record among Auvergne's Romanesque churches.
The largest Romanesque basilica in Auvergne. Ask at the entrance for the floor plan with the route marked, so you don't miss the 12th-century frescoes in the Saint-Michel chapel.
The largest Romanesque church in Auvergne (74 m long), built between the 11th and 12th centuries in Brioude. Three-aisled nave, remarkable east end, exceptional medieval frescoes from the 12th-13th century (one of the most complete series of Romanesque paintings in France). Contemporary stained glass by Kim En Joong (2008). Listed as a Monument Historique in 1840. Free entry to the nave, paid guided tour for the frescoes. An important stop on the Via Arverna.
Why we love it
- The largest Romanesque church in Auvergne
- The most extensive Romanesque frescoes in the region
- The contemporary stained glass by Kim En Joong
Top tip
The guided tour of the frescoes depends on the day's programme, so check at the entrance. Easy to combine with the Maison du Saumon (5 minutes' walk) and the Hôtel de la Dentelle for a half-day in Brioude.
Before you go
- The guided tour of the frescoes depends on the day's programme, so check at the entrance.
- Open every day, from 9:00 to 17:00, and until 19:00 in summer. Free entry to the nave.
- Look up at the Kim En Joong stained glass, installed in 2008
Practical info
- Address
- Pl. Grégoire de Tours, 43100 Brioude, France
43100 Brioude - Monday8h–20h
- Tuesday8h–20h
- Wednesday8h–20h
- Thursday8h–20h
- Friday8h–20h
- Saturday8h–20h
- Today8h–20h
Opening hours
What visitors say
Google rating
Average of 125 reviews on Google Maps.
Community rating
No reader reviews yet: yours gets things started.
It's for you if
- You love Romanesque art and medieval frescoes
- You're after a free visit in Brioude that stays with you
- You're putting together a heritage half-day in Brioude
Give it a miss if
- You want something lively: here it's silence and Romanesque stone
- You're set on the guided tour: it depends on the day's programme
Your logbook
Around Basilique Saint-Julien de Brioude
5 spots in and around Brioude, enough to build your day.
Where to eat close by
A place to see, a night to spend?
Hotels, gîtes and B&Bs within 20 km of Brioude. Availability and online booking.
Hikes nearby
Waymarked routes within 15 km, GPX track included.
Cycling
CyclingHikes around Basilique Saint-Julien de Brioude
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