Explore Cantal and its land shaped by water and volcanic fire

The best of Aurillac

The former capital of Haute-Auvergne, Aurillac is a beautiful, lively city with half-timbered houses and a rich architectural heritage. Take in its most beautiful monuments on a history tour: the Abbey Church of Saint-Géraud, the Consuls Hotel, the Aurinques Chapel and the famous Place du Square. In the town’s upper reaches, you can also visit the medieval Château of Saint-Étienne and its volcano museum, which is particularly interesting if you’re planning to explore the Mounts of Cantal range.

Buildings by a river in Aurillac near The Originals Hotels

The Town of Aurillac

ut through by the River Jordanne, the lovely town of Aurillac is not just the gateway to the Mounts of Cantal! Authentic and welcoming, it has plenty to offer to travellers.

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A mountain range in Mounts of Cantal near The Originals Hotels

Mounts of Cantal (Puy Mary, etc.)

From Aurillac, you can easily visit the Mounts of Cantal and enjoy exceptional landscapes in a protected area covering 2,700 km².

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Cantal Cheese arranged with a city view at Originals Hotels

Cantal Cheese Trail

Lovers of good food and regional products know that Auvergne is a huge open-air cheese board! 

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Events-wise, the international street theatre and Rapatonadas storytelling festivals pepper the local calendar to the delight of culture vultures. 

At the foot of the Mounts of Cantal, Aurillac is also the ideal starting point for exploring this magnificent region in the Volcans d’Auvergne regional nature reserve. Hiking enthusiasts and fans of spectacular vistas will love the verdant landscapes in this natural protected area covering 2,700 km². In winter, skiers can head to the slopes of the Cantal mountain range in the Lioran ski resort. 

For lovers of good food and local produce, a visit to Aurillac and its surrounding area can also be a particularly rewarding stop on the Cantal Cheese Trail. Produced on volcanic land, Bleu d’Auvergne, Salers and Cantal are full of character and you can learn the history and manufacturing secrets of these cheeses in the region’s dairies and cheese shops.

It’s quite clear: we all have good reason to visit Aurillac and Cantal!

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