The 13 essential things to do in Cantal

Put your suitcases in this wonderful department of Auvergne, in the heart of volcanoes, and discover on this occasion all the riches of the region. Of course you were prepared a small guide for the occasion. So it’s gone for the 13 things to do in Cantal!

The Cantal is an auvergnat department, mainly known thanks to its National volcano park . And it is also a place where it is impossible to get bored! There you will find activities for the great as for the smallest, for nature lovers as well as for historical heritage lovers. In short: there are for everyone when you visit the Cantal!

Then go to the discovery of volcanoes, lakes, castles and cheeses for an invigorating stay. This will make you the greatest good! Do you like outdoor activities? No problem: bike and deval’luge are at the rendezvous. And if you prefer water to the earth, navigation or pedal will satisfy your expectations.

So, to give you more attention in your research, we tell you everything about the 13 things to do in the Cantal!

1. Aurillac

If you go to the assault of the department, a stay in Aurillac is a must to visit the Cantal. Thus, the city is first known for its cultural wealth and for its museum heritage. But not only! Since Aurillac is at the gates of nature, the city is particularly conducive to summer strolls.

Let yourself be wandered in the Aurillac gardens, and enjoy the street theatre. Finally, making a tour in Aurillac is inseparable with the tasting of local products. Taste a piece of Cantal, this Auvergnat cheese, in one of the city’s cheeseries. You won't be disappointed!

2. The castles

Lovely history and medieval adventures, be attentive: this is your moment. At first we recommend you explore the pretty Château de Val, located in Lanobre, at the Bort les Orgues dam. The panorama is amazing! Then go to discover the Château d’Anjony, this time on the side of Tournemire.

This castle has a reputation to be well preserved, with very beautiful furniture of time. Do not hesitate to opt for a guided tour in order to learn everything from the former owners of the place, and the history of such a building. Finally, in another style, you can admire the Château de Pesteils in Aurillac. The latter is in height, 750 metres above sea level.

Les petits plus de Pesteils : its dungeon, and its craftsmanship that makes interior decoration unique.

3. Gorges de la Jordanne

If you dream of an escapade in nature, then you have come to the right paragraph! The Gorges de la Jordanne is located in Saint-Cirgues-de-Jordanne, about 20 minutes from Aurillac. Driven by the water in the volcanic breaches up to 60 meters deep, the Gorges de la Jordanne form a 4 km course.

There you can take a walk in this wild environment. Cross streams, borrow wooden bridges, observe fauna and flora and have fun with the learning terminals. Indeed, these offer you to test your knowledge of the natural richness of Cantal.

4. Viaduc de Garabit

We give it to you, visiting a viaduct doesn’t seem particularly sexy first. Well know that this monument located in the Gorges de la Truyère is a must to visit in the Cantal. Already, by its architectural dimension, since the latter is the work of a celebrity: Mr. Gustave Eiffel.

With its engineering company, Eiffel built this viaduct in the 1880s. The latter is characteristic of being 556 metres long and is located 122 metres above the river. This made it a very ambitious project for the time!

Indeed, the Viaduc de Garabit was considered the highest in the world for several decades. So get out your camera, immortalize this monument, and tell our anecdote.

5. Volcano Museum

Want to learn more about volcanic activity in Cantal? Then go to the Volcano Museum, located in the city of Aurillac. Already, this establishment will allow you to learn about questions of volcanism. You can discover the different stages of the Auvergne volcano activity over the years.

By the same, by deepening your learning of volcanoes, you can better understand and visit Cantal, its nature, its landscapes, its geology. The Volcano Museum is all the more appreciated by its interactive dimension, which captivates both the youngest, but also the great curious we are. So it’s a must to do in the Cantal!

6. Salers

This fortified and hilly village is a must-see visit to the Cantal. Taking part in villages the most beautiful in France, it is more precisely in the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park. And... Indeed, Salers is renowned for its atypical houses that date back to the 16th century, built with volcanic stone.

In addition, if you are a good local gastronomy ferus, we advise you to taste Salers cheese that makes the city's good reputation. The latter is produced for only 7 months, and designed only with the milk of the Salers cows. Enjoy your appetite, of course!

7. Hiking in Marcolès

Heat your sneakers or hiking shoes, and go for adventure in the wild Cantal. At first, admire the Rochers de Faulat – these black rocks almost hidden in the corners of the surrounding forest. The legend says that it was the Devil in person who would have stacked these rocks. However, its final objective remains unknown.

But there, at the bottom of the undergrowth, you will discover wonderful waterfalls! Also, keep in mind that there are about twenty hiking trails from Marcolès and the Châtaigneraie region. There are of course for all levels!

8. Lac de Saint-Etienne-Cantalès

Do you like aquatic activities? Go to Lake Saint-Etienne-Cantalès! This point of water that originates in a dam is a place of choice for swim, fishing, navigation and bronze lovers. Indeed, on Lake Saint-Etienne-Cantalès, you can practice catamaran, pedalo, stand-up paddle or sailboat on a calm water.

Between two activities, you can explore the peninsula that reaches through a bridge. Finally, if the water “is not your thing”, you can always rest on the many sun loungers, or even play tennis on the side-by-side course.

9. Volcanoes

Visit the puy Mary to discover what makes the specificity of the Cantal: its incredible volcanoes, among the largest in Europe. Over there you can start walking through this geological history, and walk around dormant volcanoes for several million years.

Thus, the summit of the puy Mary is part of a must-see visit to the Cantal as it is ranked among the exceptional landscapes in France. It has nearly 500,000 visitors per year, from May to October. And finally, don’t forget your binoculars, you might be able to see a chamois, a deer, or a marmotte around...

10. Le Deval’luge au Lioran

This resort, located in the heart of the volcanic massif of Cantal, allows you to test the sled “without snow” during the summer period. But not without sensations! Indeed, the Deval’luge consists of sliding on an artificial sledge track composed of rails.

Among the many outdoor activities of the Lorian, this one knows a good reputation and gets involved in our top of the unmissable things to visit in the Cantal. Attach your belt, and it's gone! However, the Deval’luge in Lioran is prohibited for children under 5 years of age.

11. Les thermes Chaudes Aigues

After volcanoes, cheese, hikes and outdoor sports, we pass... To the baths! Yes, the thermal baths are a must in Cantal. So we give you an appointment to Chaudes Aigues, the only and only spa in the department. Over there, you can relax in the Caleden thermal centre.

Also, these thermal baths contain 32 sources up to 82°C, and date from 1332! If you prefer to stroll around Chaudes Aigues, several routes are offered. Thus, you can learn more about geochemistry, and about the History of the Baths through a fun itinerary.

12. The commune of Ally

With Aurillac and Salers, the town of Ally is a must-see step in Cantal. This small village at 717 meters above sea level, bordered by Sionne and Auze, is typical of the department. You can discover ancient buildings dating from the XVe, including the famous Château de la Vigne.

We advise you to stay a few nights in Ally if you are looking to rest and relax. It is a true haven of peace!

13. The Pas de Cère

This walk of almost 4km in the heart of nature is a must to visit in the Cantal! Take the paths that are available to you, and explore the forest. Thus, you can admire the master flora of the Pas de Cère, but also its sometimes shy fauna. Raise your eyes to surprise beautiful bird species nestled in the trees. And don’t forget to drop them to admire the jewel of the places: beautiful gorges!

Finally, follow the tags so you don't lose yourself. Also think about taking water and some food in case of fatigue. Indeed, although accessible at all levels, this walk can be tedious, especially with the warmth of summer.

How do I go to the Cantal?

By car

From Paris , it takes about 6 hours to reach the Cantal. You can take the A71 , which is the fastest but also the A10 or A77 . If you leave from the south, as from Marseille for example, it will be A75 it will have to be borrowed, for about 5h45 on the road.

I mean, since. Lyon , the road A89 Take you to the Cantal in just 4 hours!

In addition, we recommend snow tires if you have planned to go there in winter.

By train

Aurillac train station is the main train station in Cantal. From Paris, the journey by train takes about 6h30, usually with a connection to Clermont-Ferrand . In the Cantal you will have several other service stations, such as Murat, or Saint-Flour.

On the other hand, it seems necessary to have a car on site , or a two-wheeled locomotion like a motorcycle, a bike etc.

By plane

Aurillac Airport provides some connections, including Paris. Do not hesitate to use a comparison of flights as Skyscanner to evaluate the different ticket rates.

Where to stay in the Cantal?

Hotels, holiday homes, bed and breakfast, Airbnb ... You will have it for all tastes, all surfaces, and for all budgets! Indeed, the price of accommodation is uniform in Cantal. Thus, this means that it is not the area that will determine the price, but the level of benefits.

If you prefer to be close to the amenities while being close to nature, then we advise you to stay in Aurillac or its surroundings. Over there you can stay in Le Grenier des Marmottes , or at the hotel La Thomasse . Also, in the nearby area, you can spend a wonderful week at Château de Sédaiges for 850 € ! Finally, on the side of Murat, you can discover the Mas du Cresponnet or the guest rooms Bastide Barn .

Also, do not hesitate to use a Compare hotels to find your oasis of fullness in the heart of Cantal.

So, leaving to discover the Auvergne riches of Cantal? Let's go!