Pont de la Révolution

Issoire is a small town in the Puy-de-Dôme department of Auvergne, on the Couze Pavin river, near its meeting with the Allier, about thirty-five kilometres south of Clermont-Ferrand. The Pont de la Révolution is a river crossing in a town of Romanesque heritage, and the old centre lies near it.

The Couze Pavin and the Allier valley formed a natural route through the Auvergne, and the bridges of the town have always been part of its life. A bridge in a town like Issoire is a useful place for a pause, with a view along the river, over the banks and the trees, toward the roofs and towers of the old centre, and it offers a different perspective on the town than the streets do. The river is fed by the volcanic massifs to the west, and its level changes through the year, so in spring it can be quick and full, while in summer it is calmer.

The town's great monument is the abbey church of Saint-Austremoine, one of the largest and finest Romanesque churches in the Auvergne, built in the twelfth century of local volcanic stone, with a series of apses and a tall bell tower. Its interior is decorated with painted decoration and with carved capitals, and the wall paintings, which were added in the nineteenth century, cover much of the walls and vaults. Issoire is considered a showpiece of the Romanesque of the Auvergne, a style recognised by its solid forms and its use of dark and light stone. The old town surrounds the abbey with narrow streets, half-timbered houses and a clock tower, and the town hosts markets. Issoire is also a gateway to the countryside of the Livradois and the Sancy massif, with walking and cycling routes.

The bridge is public and can be crossed at any time. It suits walkers who like to see the river, and anyone passing through the town. Allow a few minutes for the bridge and an hour or two for the old town. Check the local tourist office for information on the bridge and on the museum of mining and other sights.

Visitors can ask locally for directions to the bridge, and enjoy the town's other attractions in the meantime.