What to do in the Cantal?

The Cantal is a French department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. We invite you to discover the most beautiful spots and the best activities to enjoy during your stay there. It’s a place with lush, green nature, which explains the presence of several eco-friendly campsites.

Must-see sights in the Cantal

The Cantal is a tourist destination par excellence. It’s packed with natural and historic sites that attract a considerable number of visitors every year.

Puy Mary

Classified as a «Grand Site de France», Puy Mary is an iconic natural landmark that represents the Cantal through its beauty, which fascinates visitors. It also embodies an entire geological history, as evidenced by its famous volcanoes. According to statistics, the site welcomes more than 500,000 visitors a year, a figure that reflects its exceptional standing in France.

The Garabit Viaduct

It would be almost impossible to talk about the Cantal without mentioning its Garabit Viaduct. This architectural masterpiece, located in the Truyère gorges, was built by the Gustave Eiffel company in 1880. Visitors to the site are treated to a spectacular sight today, especially at night. This structure, which spans 556 metres in length and 122 metres in height, is among the must-visit places in the Cantal.

Aurillac

Aurillac is the ideal town for a close-up discovery of the remains of its museum heritage, such as its Saint-Étienne castle, the Saint-Géraud abbey church and its pedestrian streets. You’ll also have the chance to admire the splendour of the gardens of Aurillac, which continue to fascinate visitors. The town is renowned for its cheese, a local product recognised for its impeccable quality.

Anjony Castle

This building, located in the village of Tournemire, is a historic monument that bears witness to the region’s medieval era. This fortress, which has withstood the test of time, now welcomes a large flow of visitors and tourists.

Activities to do in the Cantal

The Cantal’s generous natural setting allows for plenty of activities. Here’s a selection of the practices most valued in the region.

Hiking

Hiking is one of the activities most enjoyed by holidaymakers in the Cantal. As a result, several trails are open to enthusiasts of this sport. The «Jordanne gorges» is one of the routes located near Aurillac. This developed trail, which stretches over 2 km, offers a unique experience amid an idyllic natural setting.

The Châtaigneraie maze

This playful trail is an adventure you can enjoy as a group. It’s a maze built out in nature using maize walls. This site is one of the most sought-after spots in the Cantal.

Sledging

Book your descent on the rails to enjoy intense moments in the open air. This activity is often favoured by thrill-seekers.

A horse-drawn carriage ride

This age-old practice is available to visitors of the town of Aurillac. Relive an activity that’s no longer common nowadays! This ride will undoubtedly take you to the Aurillac Stud Farm.

The natural beauty of the region has encouraged entrepreneurs to create several nature campsites in the Cantal. We recommend this address to holidaymakers, which continues to delight visitors.