Cantal

In the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in the heart of the Massif Central, Cantal is a mountainous department of great beauty.

In Auvergne, the Cantal department is a territory with preserved natural heritage and the thousand opportunities for discovery. From the Monts du Cantal to the Pays de Salers, from Aurillac to the Jordanne valley, nature, towns and villages are the scene of successful holidays.

The essentials of the Cantal department

During your visit to Cantal, after having traveled Aurillac, it is the volcanoes that are in the spotlight. To better understand their secrets, the Volcanoes Museum is an essential step, before enjoying the hot springs. The thermal baths of Chaudes Aigues are for example rich of 32 sources. The Source of Par comes out of the earth at 82 ° C! But Cantal is also a land of castles. Let yourself be charmed by a visit to sumptuous castle of Val. Finally, in the Gorges de la Truyère, a majestic viaduct rises in the air. 122 meters from the river, the Garabit viaduct is none other than the work of the famous engineer, Gustave Eiffel.

Remarkable natural sites

The dormant volcanoes of Cantal and especially the puy mary are sumptuous places, rich in exceptional biodiversity. About twenty minutes from Aurillac, discover the Jordanne valley. Its gorges form a 4-kilometer course suitable for walks and the observation of flora and fauna. On the Chalinargues plateau, the Lac du Pêcher is also a gem to discover.

Outdoor sports 

In this green setting that is Cantal, hiking is the favored outdoor sport. Departing from Marcolès, do not miss to admire the Rochers de Faulat nestled in the heart of the forest, or the magnificent waterfalls and the chestnut grove. At Lake Saint-Étienne-Cantalès, nautical activities are king. Catamaran, paddle, sailing, swimming are on the program. In winter, Lioran station welcomes winter sports enthusiasts at the top of Plomb du Cantal. It is none other than the largest ski area in the Massif Central.

The historic sites of Cantal

In Cantal, magnificent castles dot the landscape. In Polminhac, the castle of Pesteils is located on a rocky promontory. In Tournemire, Anjony castle, its monumental stones and its keep are in an exceptional state of conservation. Not far from Massiac, the Sainte-Madeleine chapel overlooks the Alagnon valley.