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
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.
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.)
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.
Photos of Aurillac
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Map of Aurillac and places nearby
Visit near Aurillac with France This Way reviews
Tournemire
The very picturesque village of Tournemire is overlooked by the Chateau de Anjony
Tournemire guide
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 is a small Auvergne village with a castle in the Monts du Cantal region
Saint-Chamant guide
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 is a 13th century fortified castle on a hill above the village of Laroquebrou in the Auvergne
Chateau de Laroque guide
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
- Tournemire: most beautiful village (15 km)
- Salers: most beautiful village (24 km)
- Cascade de Liadouze: site of natural beauty (25 km)
- Puy Griou: site of natural beauty (27 km)
- Puy Mary: grand site of france (28 km)
- Plomb du Cantal: site of natural beauty (29 km)
- Salins: town of art and history (30 km)
- Verger de Déduit: remarkable garden (31 km)
- Conques abbatiale Sainte-Foy (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (36 km)
- Conques: most beautiful village (37 km)
- Conques pont sur le Dourdou (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (37 km)
- Riom-es-Montagnes: recommended detour (43 km)
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)