2km north-west of Brioude, on the Clermont-Ferrand road, a fountain still remains, witness of the beheading of St Julien in 304. According to the legend, the head was then washed in the waters of this source and in this very location many miracles happened.

The fountain soon became a pilgrimage place and in the 12 th century, an elegant vaulted roman style aedicule was added on to it, displaying two remarkable capitols. There is no trace of the oratory that was erected on this spot. The priests of St Ferréol, initially looked after the church and the fountain, and then in the 16 th century, the monks of the nearby convent of Minim, took over.

The fountain was the only edifice that wasn't destroyed during the Revolution. It remains a popular pilgrimage place, more so during the novena of St Julien.

Every year, on St Julien's day, the 28 th of August, a mass is celebrated nearby the fountain.

The association "Les Amis de la Fontaine de St Julien » sees to the preservation of the fountain and its surroundings.

Brioude