Aurillac travel guide

Photo of Aurillac

Visit Aurillac (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France)

Photo Gallery Book a visit

Aurillac is located in the Cantal region, in south-west Auvergne and 40 kilometres south of Salers.

Explroe Aurillac

While Aurillac doesn't have any particular magnificent sites or historical monuments, but that should not put you off from visiting - it has several churches and buildings of interest, and a river runs through it...it is a pleasant place to pass some time and soak up the atmosphere

Ancient houses in Aurillac town centre

A significant part of the centre of the town is pedestrianised or restricted access to cars so park just outside the centre.

Aurillac is an important regional centre and a bustling town with numerous shops and boutiques to explore. The buildings are tall, imposing and in the local grey stone and can be rather sombre when the sun isn't shining: we suggest you wait for a sunny day to see the town at its best!

There is a nice old town to visit, with narrow streets and a couple of shady squares, and plenty of posh shops to wear you out and cafes to refresh you in the small open squares that are dotted across the town. Don't forget to keep looking up because there are many interesting features on the buildings, and also some medieval half-timbered houses to discover.

 
Advertisement
 

There are two churches of interest in Aurillac: the Church of Saint-Géraud, originally an abbey church which dates from the 15th century and contains some impressive frescoes of sea creatures, and the Church of Notre-Dame-aux-Neiges, also originally built in the 15th century and once part of the Convent of the Cordeliers.

The Maison Consulaire is another imposing building with lovely carved stone work above the door and a small tower.

(Aurillac curiously reminded me of the Old Town in Edinburgh (Scotland), because even when in the centre of the town you might glance up a side street and the hills of the surrounding countryside are visible along the road.)

Local produce in Aurillac shop

The Chateau Saint-Etienne overlooking the town, part of which was built in the 9th century, also contains the Museum of the Volcanoes.

To visit near Aurillac

Follow the 'Route des Cretes' from Aurillac, passing between the valleys of the Jordanne River and the Authre River, for some stunning views across the mountains of Cantal, then visit the pretty villages of Albinhac and Brommat.

The Gorges of the Jordanne can be followed on foot (open June to September, small charge payable), along a path that follows the river and crosses it on two bridges. This adventure activity is a great way to enjoy the natural environment here: see www.gorgesdelajordanne.fr for details.

The road to Saint-Flour also passes through very attractive scenery and is a recommended detour.

Explore elsewhere in the Massif Central. You can find more travel ideas in the Cantal guide and the Auvergne guide.

See also: 

Photos of Aurillac

Click any picture to start the gallery

  • aurillac-1
  • aurillac-2
  • aurillac-3
  • aurillac-4
  • aurillac-5
  • aurillac-6
  • aurillac-7

Arrange a visit to Aurillac

Reserve excursions

Book hotels, car hire and flights

Organise your visit using the options shown...

Hotels in Aurillac

Booking.com: best prices

Where

For great prices on car hire throughout France and Corsica please visit our recommended partner at RentalCars.com

Map of Aurillac and places nearby

 
Advertisement
 

Visit near Aurillac with France This Way reviews

Tournemire

Tournemire

The very picturesque village of Tournemire is overlooked by the Chateau de Anjony

Tournemire guide
Marcoles

Marcoles

The fortified village of Marcoles dates from the 10th century and is one of our favourite Cantal villages

Marcoles guide
Saint-Chamant

Saint-Chamant

Saint-Chamant is a small Auvergne village with a castle in the Monts du Cantal region

Saint-Chamant guide
Laroquebrou

Laroquebrou

In Laroquebrou you can see the Cere river below the village and a ruined castle above...

Laroquebrou guide
Chateau de Laroque

Chateau de Laroque

Chateau de Laroque is a 13th century fortified castle on a hill above the village of Laroquebrou in the Auvergne

Chateau de Laroque guide
Fontanges

Fontanges

Fontanges is a small village in the Monts du Cantal region at the foot of the largest volcano in Europe

Fontanges guide

... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Cantal

Address: Aurillac, Auvergne, 15000, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 44.926, longitude 2.4405

Plan your visit to Aurillac, Cantal

Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby

Market days in Aurillac, France

Regular market(s) are held in Aurillac each Wednesday & Saturday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)

The French version of this page is at Aurillac (Francais)

 
Advertisement