Billom is well suited to a trip that combines historic architecture, arts events, garlic culture and hiking. Medieval buildings and streets in the town tell different chapters of its history. There are also events with changing dates and a guide featuring 24 walking and hiking routes. When planning your trip, it is therefore worth deciding first whether a cultural event, architectural history or an outdoor excursion will be your main focus.

Townscape and architectural history

The medieval quarter stretches around the Collégiale Saint-Cerneuf. The Romanesque church has one of the oldest crypts in the Puy-de-Dôme département. The interior of the Chapelle du Rosaire is particularly striking: 14th-century frescoes include depictions of angels playing music on the vaults. Those interested in religious architecture will find both a historic building and a specific detail to focus on.

The Beffroi of Billom is an example of a different architectural form. The tower dates from the 16th century, has a hexagonal ground plan and is topped by a wooden campanile. Its various structural elements make its design easy to understand, without requiring a lengthy art-historical introduction. Rue des Boucheries also bears traces of the town’s history: the cobbled street is lined with former shops that bear witness to a prosperous period of trade. Together, the quarter, church, tower and street offer different ways to explore Billom’s architectural history.

Cultural events and art

The former Jesuit college is listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments and has become a venue for cultural and social events in Billom and the surrounding area. La Perm offers a monthly programme of activities and gatherings there. If you would like to plan your trip around a particular event, check the dates in advance, as the schedule may change.

The recurring programmes also offer different experiences. Charivari is a medieval fantasy festival held each year on a weekend before the start of the school year; specific dates and the programme may vary. Sam’di l’art is part of a recurring summer programme. It includes a free art market, free studio visits and the chance to meet local artists and creatives with a range of working practices. For both events, it is a good idea to check the latest dates before planning your trip around them.

Garlic and regional tradition

The Foire à l’ail de Billom is a tradition that has been going for more than 40 years. It celebrates a regional product whose flavour is also explained by local growing conditions: the clay- and limestone-rich soils of the Limagne and the favourable climate give Billom garlic its distinctive flavour.

As part of Les Champs d’Ail de Billom, braided garlic, garlic bunches and products made from garlic are available from participating producers or at events. Which producers or events are involved may change. This offers a way to learn about the garlic tradition through its long history, its produce and its regional origins, without relying on a specific event date.

Walks, hikes and getting there

The topoguide “Billom, des monts au val d’Allier” features 24 walking and hiking routes on marked trails. They pass through varied landscapes typical of the western part of the Parc naturel régional de Livradois-Forez and range in difficulty. The number and variety of routes give you several ways to add time outdoors to your stay. As individual routes may change, check the relevant details before setting out on a particular hike.

For regional bus travel, line P23 is relevant: it connects Billom with Espirat, Vassel, Vertaizon and Clermont-Ferrand. Routes and timetables may change, so check the latest information before travelling. This leaves two distinct planning questions: which of the 24 routes suits your plans, and whether the bus connection works for your onward journey or arrival. The answers to both depend on the specific route or timetable information.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Saint-Bonnet-Lès-Allier, Brousse, Saint-Anthème, Champeix, Chambon-Sur-Lac, Saint-Maurice-Près-Pionsat, Picherande, Mareugheol.

For the main travel overview: Puy-De-Dôme.