Billom: Heritage, Hiking Trails and Festivals
Accommodation in Billom
Billom offers several different reasons to stay: historic buildings and streets, walking and hiking routes, and cultural events and festivals. If you’re looking for a hotel in Billom, these themes can help you plan your trip based on your interests and travel dates. Practical considerations also include a regional bus route and events with dates that vary. Check the program and timetable in advance if they are important to your trip.
Historic Buildings and Streets
Billom’s belfry dates back to the 16th century. Its hexagonal floor plan and the wooden bell tower above it are two characteristic features of the structure. The former Jesuit college also combines historical significance with a cultural function: it 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 program of activities and gatherings there; for specific dates, it’s worth checking the latest program.
Rue des Boucheries is paved and lined with former shops that bear witness to a prosperous period of trade. The medieval quarter stretches around the Collégiale Saint-Cerneuf. The Romanesque church has one of the oldest crypts in the Puy-de-Dôme department. The Chapelle du Rosaire inside the church features 14th-century frescoes, including angels playing music on the vaults. The belfry, former shops and church buildings thus offer different glimpses into Billom’s architectural and historical heritage.
Walks, Hikes and Bus Connections
The “Billom, des monts au val d’Allier” guidebook features 24 walks and hikes on marked trails. The routes vary in difficulty and pass through diverse landscapes typical of the western part of the Parc naturel régional de Livradois-Forez. You can use the stated difficulty levels and landscapes to help choose a route. As individual routes may change, it’s best to check the latest information before planning a specific hike.
Regional bus route P23 connects Billom with Espirat, Vassel, Vertaizon and Clermont-Ferrand. If you’re including this connection in your travel plans, check the timetable for your travel dates: route details and journey times may change.
Events and the Garlic Tradition
Charivari is held every year on a weekend before the start of the school year as a medieval fantasy festival. The exact dates and program may vary. Sam’di l’art is a recurring summer program featuring a free art market and free studio visits. It also offers an opportunity to meet local artists and creatives with a range of working methods. Event dates may vary here, too.
The Foire à l’ail de Billom is a tradition that has been going on for more than 40 years. The garlic from Billom has notable flavor qualities thanks to the clay- and limestone-rich soils of the Limagne and the favorable climate. Products associated with Les Champs d’Ail de Billom include braided garlic, garlic bunches and products made from garlic. They are available from producers or at events; which producers and events take part may change.
Discover more destinations: CĂ©bazat, Chambon-Sur-Lac, Naves, Grandrif, La Tour-D'auvergne, Charbonnier-les-Mines, La Roche-Noire, Murol.
For the broader travel overview: Puy-De-DĂ´me.
