guide
A guide to the Cantal, the Auvergne department at the heart of the volcanoes: the town of Aurillac, the Château d’Anjony in Tournemire, the Museum of Volcanoes. The article also covers local activities, from the Lac de Saint-Étienne-Cantalès to the ski slopes of the Lioran resort, via the Pinatelle forest, for choosing a campsite in the region.
Have you chosen the Cantal, this wonderful département of the Auvergne, for your holiday? Known for its riches and its strategic location at the heart of the volcanoes, this destination is well worth the detour! To help you make the most of your stay in this region, we’ve put together a little guide for you. We’ll tell you everything about the must-do activities in the Cantal and the sites worth visiting.
During your stay at one of the cheap campsites in this Auvergne département, you can set off to discover the riches of this region: from lakes to volcanoes, all the way to castles and culinary delights.
During your visit to the Cantal, be sure to take a look around the town of Aurillac. First of all, it’s a region located right at nature’s doorstep. As such, it makes a great starting point for a stroll. What’s more, it proudly displays its museum heritage and cultural wealth. To round off your visit to this town in style, it would be wise to sample Cantal, that famous Auvergne cheese.
If you’re a fan of medieval adventures, exploring Château d’Anjony comes highly recommended. This monument is located near Tournemire. Very well preserved, it features period furniture. During a guided tour, you’ll learn about the owners of this building as well as its history.
The Cantal is well known for its volcanic activity. To learn more about this side of the region, it’s worth visiting the Volcano Museum. There you can learn the history of volcanic activity over time. You’ll appreciate the interactive nature of this museum, which appeals to young and old alike.
Simply set down your bags at one of the low-price campsites in the Cantal to access a wide range of activities. There’s something for adults, children, and lovers of nature and historic sites alike.
Are you a big fan of water activities and want to mix things up? Lac de Saint-Etienne-Cantalès is a great spot for swimming, fishing and also sailing. What’s more, it’s ideal for a spot of sunbathing. On this stretch of water, you can also try stand-up paddleboarding, catamaran sailing or pedal boating. Sailing enthusiasts can also indulge their passion there.
The Pinatelle forest is a genuine island of pines that treats its visitors to breathtaking scenery amid alpine pastures. During your walk, you can discover the surroundings of Lac du Pêcher by following the trail laid out for this purpose. During this getaway, you can discover the rich wildlife of this region.
In winter, a 60 km ski slope awaits you at the Lioran resort in the Cantal. In summer, you can enjoy plenty of other activities such as trail running, hiking, mountain biking, and more. Don’t forget to hop aboard the cable car to reach the Plomb du Cantal at 1,858 m altitude.
Located near Tournemire, this beautifully preserved monument features period furnishings and is open for guided tours retracing its history and that of its owners.
The Lac de Saint-Étienne-Cantalès allows swimming, fishing, boating, stand-up paddleboarding, catamaran sailing, pedal boating and sailing.
The Lioran resort offers 60 kilometres of pistes in winter. In summer, the same area is used for trail running, hiking and mountain biking, with a cable car up to the Plomb du Cantal at 1,858 metres altitude.
Cantal, this famous Auvergne cheese, is a must-try stop after visiting this town with its rich museum offering.
