In the heart of the Auvergne, in the Haute-Loire, Brioude doesn't choose between history and modernity. As a town rich in art, heritage and nature, it is dominated by the Basilica of Saint-Julien, the largest Romanesque church in Auvergne and a landmark since the 11th century. It is surrounded by a rugged landscape of wild gorges, volcanic plateaus, forests and steep valleys. Here, cycling is a culture. Every climb builds character, every bend tells a story. Brioude has hosted the Tour de France, the Critérium du Dauphiné and seen one of its own, Romain Bardet, reach the highest summits. Brioude is also a lively town, where visitors are charmed by its skills, traditions and beautiful heritage, and where art plays an essential role. Every year, almost 40,000 people pass through the doors of Le Doyenné, its contemporary art centre, which hosts some of the biggest names in twentieth-century art.