Marcoles

Visit Marcoles , Auvergne

Marcoles is 24km south of Aurillac in the Cantal department of France. Marcolés is at the heart of  the south-western part of Cantal in an area known as the Chataigneraie after the chestnut trees that are characteristic of this area.

Marcoles has narrow cobbled streets, stone houses, lots of flowers, slate rooves  and a number of half-timber houses. Wandering around its tranquil streets is a pleasure.

Marcoles is a beautiful medieval village which has its origins in the 10th century. It was fortified in the 13th century.

The main square in Marcoles is the Place le la Fontain and from here you can walk through an arched stone gateway and into the medieval village. The Stone gateway dates back to the 15th century the time when the second fortified wall of Marcoles was built.

The first fortified wall was 430m long  and a small part of it can still be seen. This is situated near to the lower gateway. The lower gateway dates from the 15th century and the building above the gateway is emblazoned with the town's coat of arms. This building served as the lookout tower for the town.

The church of Saint Martin was built in the 15th century in a gothic style. Inside is an important collection of polychrome (multi-coloured) statues.

At the lower end of the village is another stone gateway called "La fausse porte" or the false door. This is because enemies entered the town through this gateway.

During the last but one weekend of July every year there is a festival with musiciens and story tellers. The festival takes place Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

See Auvergne and Cantal (the region and department for Marcoles ) for more travel ideas...

Photos of Marcoles

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Suggested places to visit near Marcoles , France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Conques 21km; Entraygues 23km; Cardaillac 30km; Capdenac 32km; Tournemire 32km; Figeac 32km; Lacapelle-Marival 34km; Estaing 36km; Saint-Cere 37km; Faycelles 38km; Laguiole 41km;

Marcoles tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Chateau Montal - national monument (40km) : Assier Chateau - national monument (40km) : Jardin d'Eden du château du Colombier - remarkable garden (41km) : Puy Griou - site of natural beauty (43km) : Plomb du Cantal - site of natural beauty (44km) : Castelnau-Bretenoux Chateau - national monument (44km) : Puy Mary - grand site of france (44km) : Salins - town of art and history (46km) :

See more places and a map at places near Marcoles