The Cantal
Visit department from Cantal is a land of contrasts and natural riches, located in the heart of theAuvergne-Rhône-Alpes. This territory, shaped by an intense volcanic history, offers breathtaking landscapes, picturesque villages and a rich cultural heritage. Whether you're a hiking enthusiast, a history buff or simply looking for some peace and quiet, the Cantal will win you over.
Geography and landscapes of Cantal
The Cantal region is dominated by the Cantal volcanic massif, a remnant of an ancient volcano whose diameter reaches almost 60 km, making it the largest in Europe. Its highest point, the Plomb du Cantal, rises to 1,855 meters. The slopes of the massif converge towards the center, forming an almost perfect circle. This relief offers a diversity of landscapes, from verdant valleys to craggy peaks and high-altitude plateaus. Rivers such as the Jordanne and Truyère have carved impressive gorges, adding to the department's natural charm.
Emblematic towns and villages
Aurillac
Prefecture of the Cantal region, Aurillac is a dynamic town that combines historical heritage and modernity. Its historic center is dotted with picturesque alleyways, half-timbered houses and remarkable monuments. Highlights include the Abbatiale Saint-Géraud, the Château Saint-Étienne and the Musée des Volcans, which offers a fascinating insight into the region's geological history. Aurillac is also renowned for its international street theater festival, attracting artists from all over the world.
Salers
Ranked among the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", Salers is a medieval gem perched at an altitude of 950 metres. Its volcanic stone houses, lauze roofs and ramparts bear witness to a rich historical past. The village offers breathtaking views of the Cantal mountains and is an ideal starting point for hikes to Puy Mary or the surrounding valleys.
Tournemire
Another listed village, Tournemire, has an authentic charm and well-preserved heritage. The Château d'Anjony, a 15th-century fortress, dominates the village and offers guided tours to discover its history and remarkable frescoes. Narrow streets and traditional houses give Tournemire a peaceful, timeless atmosphere.
Must-see tourist sites
Le Puy Mary
A symbol of the Cantal region, Puy Mary is an emblematic summit rising to 1,787 metres. Classified as a Grand Site de France, it offers exceptional panoramic views over the glacial valleys and surrounding mountains. The summit can be reached in around 30 minutes via a footpath, offering hikers an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Cantalien volcano.
Garabit Viaduct
A masterpiece of 19th-century engineering, the Viaduc de Garabit was designed by Gustave Eiffel. Rising 122 meters above the Truyère River, this railway bridge impresses with its bold architecture and distinctive red color. Illuminated at nightfall, it offers visitors a magical spectacle.
Gorges de la Jordanne
Located near Aurillac, the Gorges de la Jordanne offer a 4 km circuit of footbridges and marked trails. This natural site features unique geological formations, lush flora and refreshing waterfalls, all in a peaceful, rejuvenating atmosphere.
Outdoor activities
Cantal is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 2,000 km of marked trails, hiking is king in the département. Itineraries range from family walks to more demanding treks, notably around the summits of Plomb du Cantal and Puy Mary. Cyclists will also find plenty to do, with scenic routes and passes to challenge even the most seasoned riders. In winter, Le Lioran offers downhill and cross-country skiing and Nordic activities for all levels.
Cantal - Local gastronomy
Cantal's gastronomic wealth reflects its generous terroir. Cantal cheese, one of France's oldest cheeses, is one of the region's most emblematic specialties, and comes in a range of maturing ages, from young to old, offering a varied palette of flavors. Salers meat, from the eponymous breed of cattle, is renowned for its tenderness and pronounced flavor. Traditional dishes such as truffade, made with potatoes and melted cheese, or pounti, a savory cake with herbs and prunes, will delight gourmets' taste buds.
Border regions and departments
The Cantal is surrounded by several départements, each offering its own particular attractions:
Puy-de-Dôme To the north, known for the Chaîne des Puys and the Vulcania theme park.
Haute-Loire The Puy-en-Velay region: to the east, offering rolling landscapes and the historic site of Le Puy-en-Velay.
Aveyron To the south
The Cantal Mountains: A Unique Volcanic Massif
Visit Cantal massif is one of Europe's oldest and largest volcanoes. Formed millions of years ago, this spectacular landscape is the beating heart of the département. Its landscapes are marked by steep ridges, glacial valleys and verdant plateaus where the famous Salers cows graze. Visit Cantal leadthe massif's highest point at 1,855 metres, offers a breathtaking panorama of the Auvergne mountains and the geological diversity that makes up this land shaped by time.
Visit Cantal mountains are a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking is king here, with legendary trails such as the ascent of the Puy MaryGrand Site de France, or crossings of the GR400, which reveal breathtakingly beautiful panoramas. In winter, the snow-covered reliefs of the Lioran attract skiers and snowshoers, while paragliding allows you to fly over the valleys in any season, offering a unique perspective on this unspoilt volcanic landscape.
But there's more to the Cantalien mountains than raw beauty. It is also a land of traditions and know-how. Cattle breeding, which thrives on these high-altitude pastures, gives rise to emblematic local products such as Cantal cheese and meat from Salers. The villages nestling on the slopes of the mountains, such as Murat or Le ClauxThese villages have preserved an authentic architectural heritage, bearing witness to the deep bond between man and this grandiose natural environment.
Dans Nos Cœurs, Cantal : Un Attachement Indéfectible
Visit Cantalis much more than a territory: it's a state of mind, an unshakeable attachment to a land of character. Its inhabitants, whether native-born or adopted, share a common pride in this rugged yet generous region. Far from the hustle and bustle of the big cities, life here follows a rhythm where nature sets the pace, between verdant summers and harsh winters. This authenticity makes the Cantal a place to come back to time and time again, buoyed by a nostalgia imbued with majestic landscapes and warm memories.
This love of Cantalien country is reflected in the local culture and traditions handed down from generation to generation. Festivals such as Saint-Urbain in Salers or the Aurillac Street Theatre FestivalThese are high points in the region's history, where conviviality and passion for the land are fully expressed. Folk music and dance, the patois still spoken in some valleys, and generous, rustic gastronomy are all evidence of this deeply-rooted identity.
" In our hearts, Cantal Cantal" is more than just an expression: it's an emotion shared by all those who have had the good fortune to discover this exceptional land. Whether you were born here or simply traveled here, the Cantal leaves an indelible mark. It's a region that invites you to escape, contemplate and reconnect with what's essential. A place where nature and history blend harmoniously, offering everyone a timeless interlude, engraved forever in our hearts.
