Aurillac
In the middle of Cantal, Aurillac is a city in a low mountain region. Situated at the entrance of the Mounts of Cantal, Aurillac is a great place for nature lovers who book a cottage in the Cantal and would like to walk on Auvergne volcanoes by foot, by bike, by ski or somethingelse,…
Historic center
In Aurillac you will contemplate the authenticity and explore the architectural and cultural heritage. A tour of the historic center begins in the tourist office,next to the Notre Dame aux Neiges' church, crosses the square, designed by the engineer of Buttes Chaumont and Parc Monceau, and roames the city to discover the historical and natural riches of the old town. Aurillac's century-old trades are the ambassadors of the department's local products and propagate this authentic and traditional image. Piganiol's house, for example, is the trade which gave to Aurillac the name of the "umbrella city". This shop produced umbrellas since 1884, today 50,000 umbrellas come out every year. In Aurillac, raise your head during your tour, the city of Cantal respects its symbol with an umbrella ceilings in streets during summer.
The Volcano Museum
Near Saint-Etienne Castle, the Volcano Museum teaches all about Cantal, largest volcano in Europe, the area's animals and plants as well as the story of the volcanoes in the Massif Central. The Museum is opened during school holidays.
Street-Art
Aurillac is full of street art. More than 50 works of art are designed in all the city. Guided tour are organised during summer to discover all painted picture. This open-air museum is named the 10th Art Festival. Many new or experienced, local or international artists offer an artistic trip across Aurillac.
The international street theatre festival
Aurillac is well-known for its international street theatre festival which is every year during the 3rd week of August. Aurillac streets are opened for theatre companies and turn Aurillac into a cultural, artistic and festive city. Created in 1986, 6 theatre companies started, today there are more than 20 companies, and also more than 500 visiting companies that take part in the Off Festival.
In summer, travelers can ask a tour guided in the tourist office as Aurillac secret, street art,... Every secrets is revealed by enthusiastic guide.
Aurillac natural heritage
From the middle of the city, you can reach the River Jordanne and have a walk, you discover another part of Aurillac. A path leads you to the Puy Courny where you have a beautiful view of Aurillac. On the other side, from the St-Etienne Castle you enjoy a nice view too. If you are a little bit sportive, try the "Route des Crêtes", it is the local secret climb to recharging.
