Set down your suitcases in this wonderful department of the Auvergne, in the heart of the volcanoes, and discover all the region has to offer. We’ve put together a little guide for the occasion. So let’s get to work on our 13 must-do activities in the Cantal!
Cantal is a department in the Auvergne region of France, best known for its Volcanoes National Park. And it’s also a place where it’s impossible to get bored! Here, you’ll find activities for young and old, for nature lovers and historical heritage enthusiasts alike. In short: there’s something for everyone when you visit the Cantal!
So set off to discover volcanoes, lakes, castles and cheeses for an invigorating holiday. It’ll do you a world of good! Do you like outdoor activities? No problem: cycling and deval’luge are on the agenda. And if you prefer water to land, boating or pedal-boating are just what you’re looking for.
To help you find what you’re looking for, we’ve put together a list of 13 things you can’t miss in the Cantal!
1. Aurillac
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Irina Kuzmina
If you’re setting out to explore the Cantal region, a stay in Aurillac is a must. The town is first and foremost known for its rich cultural heritage and museums. But that’s not all! Aurillac’s location at the gateway to nature makes it an ideal place for summer strolls.
Take a stroll through Aurillac’s gardens, and enjoy the street theater. Finally, a trip to Aurillac goes hand in hand with tasting the local produce. Taste a piece of Cantal, the cheese from the Auvergne region, in one of the town’s cheese dairies. You won’t be disappointed!
2. Castles
Photo credit: Shutterstock – HUANG Zheng
Lovers of history and medieval adventures, pay attention: this is your moment. First, we recommend you explore the lovely Château de Val, located in Lanobre, at the Bort les Orgues dam. The panorama is incredible! Next, explore Château d’Anjony, this time in Tournemire.
This chateau has a reputation for being well-preserved, with beautiful period furniture. Don’t hesitate to opt for a guided tour to learn all about the former owners and the history of such a building. Finally, in a different style, you can admire the Château de Pesteils in Aurillac. The Château de Pesteils sits high above sea level, at an altitude of 750 meters.
The little extras of Pesteils: its keep, and the craftsmanship that makes its interior decoration unique.
3. Gorges de la Jordanne
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Traaf
If you’re dreaming of a nature getaway, then you’ve come to the right paragraph! The Gorges de la Jordanne are located in Saint-Cirgues-de-Jordanne, some twenty minutes from Aurillac. Carved by water into volcanic breccias up to 60 metres deep, the Gorges de la Jordanne form a 4 km-long course.
Here, you can take a stroll through this wild environment. Cross streams, climb wooden bridges, observe the flora and fauna, and have fun at the learning stations. Test your knowledge of the Cantal’s natural riches.
4. Garabit Viaduct
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Richard Semik
Granted, visiting a viaduct doesn’t sound particularly sexy at first glance. Well, this monument in the Truyère Gorges is a must-see in the Cantal region. Firstly, because of its architectural dimension, since the viaduct is the work of one of the world’s greatest architects: Gustave Eiffel.
Eiffel and his engineering company built this viaduct in the 1880s. The viaduct is 556 meters long, and 122 meters above the river. This made it a very ambitious project for its time!
Indeed, the Viaduc de Garabit was considered the world’s highest viaduct for several decades. So get out your camera, immortalize this monument, and tell our anecdote.
5. Museum des Volcans
Photo credit: Facebook – Musées d’Aurillac
Want to find out more about volcanic activity in the Cantal? Then head for the Museum des Volcans, located in the town of Aurillac. You’ll be able to learn all about volcanism here. You can discover the different stages of activity of Auvergne’s volcanoes through the ages.
At the same time, by learning more about volcanoes, you’ll be able to better understand and visit the Cantal region, its nature, landscapes and geology. The Museum des Volcans is all the more appreciated for its interactive dimension, which captivates both young and old alike. A must-see in the Cantal!
6. Salers
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Velvet
This fortified village, set at an altitude of 950 metres, is a must-see in the Cantal region. One of France’s most beautiful villages, it is located in the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne. And… it shows! Salers is renowned for its atypical 16th-century houses built from volcanic stone.
And if you’re a fan of good local food, we recommend you try the Salers cheese for which the town is famous. It’s produced over a 7-month period only, using only the milk of Salers cows. Enjoy your meal!
7. Hiking in Marcolès
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Jb.ronssin
Put on your sneakers or hiking boots and set off on an adventure in the wild Cantal. First, admire the Rochers de Faulat – black boulders almost hidden in the recesses of the surrounding forest. Legend has it that it was the Devil himself who piled up these rocks. However, his ultimate purpose is still unknown.
But over there, deep in the undergrowth, you’ll discover some wonderful waterfalls! Also, keep in mind that there are some twenty hiking trails starting from Marcolès and in the Châtaigneraie region. Of course, there’s something for everyone!
8. Lake of Saint-Etienne-Cantalès
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Père Igor
Do you like water activities? Then head for the Lac de Saint-Etienne-Cantalès! This body of water, which originated in a dam, is a favorite spot for swimmers, anglers, sailors and sunbathers alike. On the Lac de Saint-Etienne-Cantalès, you can go catamaraning, pedal-boating, stand-up paddling or sailing on calm waters.
In between activities, you can explore the peninsula, which can be reached via a footbridge. And if water’s not your thing, you can always relax on the many deckchairs, or even play tennis on the nearby court.
9. Volcanoes
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Lucien Mollard
Head to Puy Mary to discover what makes Cantal so special: its incredible volcanoes, among the largest in Europe. Here, you can hike through this geological history, and walk around volcanoes that have been dormant for millions of years.
The summit of Puy Mary is a must-see in the Cantal region, as it is classified as one of France’s exceptional landscapes. It attracts almost 500,000 visitors a year, from May to October. And last but not least, don’t forget your binoculars – you might just spot a chamois, a deer or a marmot in the vicinity…
10. The Deval’luge at Le Lioran
Photo credit: Flickr – Sylvain Naudin
This resort, located in the heart of the Cantal volcanic massif, offers you the chance to try tobogganing « without snow » during the summer months. But not without a thrill! The Deval’luge involves sliding down an artificial toboggan run made up of rails.
Among Lorian’s many outdoor activities, this one has a good reputation and has made it into our top list of things not to miss in the Cantal. Fasten your seatbelt and let’s go! Please note, however, that the Deval’luge at Le Lioran is not suitable for children under 5.
11. Chaudes Aigues thermal baths
Photo credit: facebook – Office de Tourisme Chaudes-Aigues St-Urcize
After volcanoes, cheese, hiking and outdoor sports, let’s move on to… the thermal baths! Yes, thermal baths are a must in the Cantal. We invite you to visit Chaudes Aigues, the department’s one and only spa. There, you can recharge your batteries at the Caleden thermal center.
Also, these thermal baths contain 32 springs that rise to 82°C, and date back to 1332! If you’d prefer to wander around Chaudes Aigues, there are several routes available. You can learn more about geothermy and the history of the thermal baths on a fun itinerary.
12. The commune of Ally
Photo credit: wikipedia – Robin Chubret
Along with Aurillac and Salers, the commune of Ally is a must-see in the Cantal. This small village at an altitude of 717 metres, bordered by the Sionne and Auze rivers, is typical of the department. You’ll discover ancient buildings dating back to the 15th century, including the famous Château de la Vigne.
We recommend staying a few nights in Ally if you’re looking to relax and recharge your batteries. It’s a true haven of peace!
13. Le Pas de Cère
Photo credit: Wikipedia – NdFrayssinet
This almost 4km walk in the heart of nature is a must when visiting Cantal! Take the paths available to you, and explore the forest. You’ll be able to admire the Pas de Cère’s majestic flora, as well as its sometimes shy fauna. Look up to catch a glimpse of the birds nestling in the trees. And don’t forget to lower your eyes to admire the jewel in the crown: the magnificent gorges!
Finally, be sure to follow the markers so you don’t get lost. Don’t forget to take water and some food in case you get tired. Indeed, although accessible to all levels, this walk can be tedious, especially in the summer heat.
How do I get to the Cantal?
By car
From Paris, it takes around 6 hours to drive to the Cantal. You can take the A71, which is the fastest, but also the A10 or A77. If you’re coming from the south, from Marseille for example, you’ll need to take theA75, which takes around 5 hours 45 minutes.
Finally, from Lyon, the A89 takes you to the Cantal in just 4 hours!
We also recommend snow tires if you plan to visit in winter.
By train
Aurillac is Cantal’s main train station. From Paris, the train journey takes around 6h30, with a connection at Clermont-Ferrand. There are several other stations in the Cantal, including Murat and Saint-Flour.
On the other hand, it seems necessary to have a car on site, or a two-wheeled means of locomotion such as a motorcycle, bicycle, etc.
By plane
Aurillac airport offers a number of connections, particularly from Paris. Don’t hesitate to use a flight comparator like Skyscanner to evaluate the different ticket prices.
Where to stay in the Cantal?
Hotels, gites, B&Bs, Airbnb… There’s something for every taste, every size and every budget! In fact, accommodation prices are uniform throughout the Cantal. This means that it’s not the area that determines the price, but the level of service.
If you’d prefer to be close to all the amenities while still being a stone’s throw from nature, then we recommend staying in Aurillac or the surrounding area. There, you can stay at Le Grenier des Marmottes, or the Hotel La Thomasse. Nearby, you can spend a wonderful week at Château de Sédaiges for €850! Finally, near Murat, you can discover the Mas du Cresponnet or the Grange de la Bastide bed and breakfast.
And don’t hesitate to use a hotel comparator to find your oasis of plenitude in the heart of the Cantal.
So, are you ready to discover the Auvergne riches of the Cantal? Let’s go !
Map of hotels and accommodation – Occitanie