Billom (63) : Visit Billom, medieval city of Auvergne | Vacances en Auvergne

Unmask the medieval town of Billom in the heart of the Tuscany of Auvergne.

Narrow cobbled streets lined with timber-framed houses and small shops, carved portals and mullioned windows that catch the eye here and there: today, the walls of the old town tell the story of Billom’s medieval past.

In the Middle Ages, many merchants and craftsmen, such as the guilds of butchers, weavers, clog-makers, blacksmiths, dyers and tanners, settled along the Angaud.

Even in the 19th century, Billom was known as ” the town of markets “, because everything could be bought and sold here: butter, eggs and cheese, livestock of all kinds, poultry of all feathers, as well as wood, clogs, bacholles, earthenware pots, hemp, woollen yarns, etc.

The wheat market was held under the covered market hall, built rather late for a commercial town, between 1793 and 1795, and then destroyed around 1970. The square that bears its name preserves the memory of this market hall.

Billom’s commercial exchanges were so developed because of the important communication routes serving the town.

The timber-framed houses of the medieval town

Most of the timber-framed houses in Billom’s old town centre date back to the 15th and early 16th centuries and are listed on the supplementary inventory of historic monuments. Their structure is based on a wooden framework in which a “hourdis”, made of earth, lime and small wooden elements, fills the gaps between the uprights to form the walls. The vertical posts of these constructions are solidly anchored to the runners, horizontal beams that rest on the foundations or base wall.

The eaves, sloping pieces of wood arranged in the shape of a Saint Andrew’s cross, are integrated into this vertical framework. Their role is to brace the building, i.e. to provide additional resistance against lateral forces such as the wind, by distributing loads and stabilising the structure.

The wooden elements are arranged to create a variety of geometric patterns on the facades. These houses, frequently used for commercial activities, often feature shops on the ground floor, with entrances to the street marked by arcades. Another characteristic feature of these buildings is the use of corbelling: the upper storeys protrude slightly above those below, creating a projecting effect. This technique made it possible to extend the living space upstairs while keeping the footprint small.

Accommodation and restaurants in Billom

To make the most of this exceptional weekend, find out more about the accommodation and restaurants around the town of Billom.

Accommodation
Restaurants

Les bonnes manières

Pink garlic the Billom treasure

The pink garlic of Billom is an emblematic agricultural product of the Auvergne, whose origins go back centuries. The development of pink garlic growing in Billom took off around 1850, transforming the region into a major centre for the production, processing and packaging of garlic. The replacement of hemp cultivation with pink garlic enabled Billom to become the capital of pink garlic, a title the town proudly retains today. This development was accompanied by considerable economic growth for the region, thanks in particular to the creation of jobs linked to this crop.

Today, although production of pink garlic in Billom has fallen since the 1960s, the four traders are still based in the area. There are around thirty producers in 113 communes, producing over 200 tonnes of garlic a year. Half of this production is sold directly, while the rest is sold by traders.

The Confrérie des Grands Goussiers

The medieval town of Billom and the surrounding area continue to celebrate this heritage through a variety of events and initiatives. The Confrérie des Grands Goussiers, for example, works to promote Billom pink garlic, notably by organising an annual fair in August.

Did you know?

Growing Billom pink garlic is an age-old, delicate process that involves several key stages, from planting to harvesting, before being transformed into delicious local products.

Espirat 17 garlic — ©Espirat garlic|© Denis Pourcher

1Planting and growth

In the heart of the Auvergne, from mid-January onwards, farmers meticulously prepare the soil for the garlic cloves. These germinate in around three weeks.

2.Harvesting

By mid-July, the garlic is ready to be harvested. After harvesting, the garlic is left on the ground for one or two days to allow the soil to detach naturally from the bulbs. It is then protected from the sun to prevent any deterioration in quality.

3.Drying and storage

Traditionally, garlic is dried in hanging bunches, a method that allows optimum natural ventilation. Once dried, Billom garlic can be stored for up to a year, retaining its freshness and unique flavours.

Recipe for garlic soup with garlic

by Jean-Marc POURCHER, Toques d’Auvergne & Grand Goussier de la Confrérie de l’Ail Rode de Billom

List of ingredients :

– 2 litres of soup for 2 heads of Billom pink garlic
– ½ of milk
– ½ of water
– 2 marrow bones
– 3/4 potatoes
– olive oil
– bay leaves
– salt and pepper

Preparing the garlic paste :

Dull the garlic heads. Bring the whole garlic cloves to the boil in ½ milk and ½ water. Cook gently for 10 minutes. Drain the water then remove the skin from the cloves by pinching it with your fingertips.
Brown the Billom pink garlic paste in olive oil, taking care not to burn it.
Make 2 litres of stock with two marrow bones and two bay leaves. Cook 3/4 of the potatoes to be mashed.
Moisten the resulting mixture with the stock. Add the mashed potatoes. Stir again.
Return to the heat and simmer for a few minutes. Serve with garlic croutons.

Enjoy with a bottle of Côtes d’Auvergne.

Nature breaks in Auvergne around the medieval town of Billom

©Ecopôle Val d'Allier, Pérignat-ès-Allier |David Frobert

The area around Billom is a veritable playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Situated to the west of the Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park, it offers the perfect starting point for hiking enthusiasts.

Why not spend a weekend on the“Les Forteresses de la Toscane auvergnate” loop. This adventure begins in Saint-Jean-des-Ollières, stretching 14.5 km to Egliseneuve-près-Billom. The second stage of the route, 20 km long, takes hikers back to their starting point in Saint-Jean-des-Ollières, offering a complete and immersive experience of the region.

For those looking for detailed information on the trails, the topoguide“Balades en pays de Billom, Saint-Dier”. This is one of 12 topoguides published by RELF (Randonnée en Livradois-Forez) available for sale in all Tourist Information Offices (BIT) of the Maison du Tourisme Livradois-Forez.

See the Topoguides

Join the river Allier just a few kilometres from Billom.

The River Allier is considered to be one of the last wild rivers in Europe. A wild river is one that flows freely, with little or no human intervention, thus preserving a natural and diverse ecosystem. It offers a variety of natural landscapes including alluvial forests, meadows and sandbanks. The diversity of its environments attracts many nature lovers.

If you’re keen on water-based adventures, why not take a canoe trip down the Allier? Head to Joze or Dallet for a trip with family or friends.

Activities not to be missed around Billom

The Via Allier

Discover the Livradois-Forez region by bike. The Via Allier, a section of the V70 cycle route, offers a unique cycling experience along the River Allier. It runs from Nevers, near the confluence with the Loire, to Langogne, not far from the river’s source. Eventually, the route will stretch all the way to the Mediterranean.

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Billom, the medieval town

If you’re passing through Billom, you won’t want to miss the guided tour of Billom la médièvale. Accompanied by a guide, let yourself be guided insidethemedieval walls to discover or rediscover the local history and heritage. A visit rich in history, architecture and surprises!