The open-air exhibition “Following Ulysses” can be seen year-round in Saint-Gérand-le-Puy. The Centre Culturel Irlandais in Paris donated it to the Association James Joyce.
Anyone choosing Saint-Gérand-le-Puy for their stay may wish to rent a holiday apartment.
Culture
The Église Saint-Julien is an 11th-century building. Its nave has a barrel vault, while the side aisles are supported by quarter-round vaults; the church therefore reflects the Auvergnat architectural style. Inside, painted decorations from the Middle Ages through the 19th century overlap one another. The Église Saint-Julien was also the former castle chapel.
The Musée James Joyce presents temporary exhibitions and works of art connected with James Joyce and his work. The museum also houses the Anna Livia Plurabelle literary library, whose books can be consulted on site. The museum also offers a fun guided tour for children, as well as a playful “Odyssey” for teenagers and adults that takes them through the village in Joyce’s footsteps.
Events
The “Jour d’Ulysse” takes place every year in June, featuring various events and exhibitions dedicated to James Joyce. Every year, on Fridays in July and August, the Théâtre de Verdure hosts conferences, singing performances and theatre productions from around 9:15 p.m.
History
In the James Joyce Park next to the town hall stands a bronze sculpture of the seated writer James Joyce on a stone bench. The James Joyce statue commemorates his stay in Saint-Gérand-le-Puy between Christmas 1939 and 13 December 1940. The Monument aux Morts was created by the sculptor Jean Magrou.
The Château de Saint-Gérand-le-Puy dates from the 16th to the 18th century. The present manor house was rebuilt by the Urfé family on the site of the ruins of the former fortress.
Landscape
Saint-Gérand-le-Puy is characterised by hilly landscapes and has fossil-rich sites. The “Randonnée à Saint Gérand le Puy” hiking route descends along a stony path to the “Puy Rambeau”. The Puy Digon can be seen on the right; the route also offers views of the surrounding area and the Puy de Dôme, while a quarry lies to the left.
The “Rallye historique” invites visitors to discover the cultural heritage of Saint-Gérand-le-Puy using a questionnaire, a booklet and a pen.
