Les Plus Beaux Villages du Cantal
Maurs, Murat, Laroquebrou, Montsalvy, Marcolès, small towns with character! These villages are unmissable in Cantal. With such a typical name, you get a taste of all their authenticity.
The concept of "petites Cités de Caractère" means small towns which had in the past an important administrative, religious, military or commercial centers. From the border of Lot and Dordogne, through the Monts du Cantal to the Châtaigneraie cantalienne, the "Cités de Caractères" have a medieval heritage with beautilful buildings and churches.
In Châtaigneraie cantalienne, you will be charmed by the villages Laroquebrou, Maurs-la-Jolie, Marcolès and Montsalvy, their picturesque houses and restored streets. Every one is seduced by the feeling to go to History.
At the edge of Aveyron, Montsalvy is a city state founded in the 11th century, the view on the Monts du Cantal, Vallée du Lot and Aubrac is wonderful. We propose marked route to across the village and discover the heritage and history wealth.
Petites cités de caractère in the châtaigneraie cantalienne
Marcolès is a medieval state city created in the 12th century. The surrounding wall is reachable by 2 doors which open to the "Long street". In summer many events highlights the village, for example, in July, nights of Marcolès invite all ages to hear stories in the streets, and, in August, Léz'Arts de la Rue is a preliminary to the international street theatre festival of Aurillac.
Maurs-la-Jolie is our "small Nice of Cantal" close to Aveyron and Lot. This medieval city state has a rich natural, historic and cultural heritage. We recommend to go to the local market every thursday in the heart of the village, smellings, colours and sweeties reveal an authentic atmosphere in the Châtaigneraie cantalienne.
In Laroquebrou, the medieval castle offer a lovely view on the gothic church and the city state along the Cère. This village situated in the north of the Châtaigneraie still have a center overlooked by the castle and picturesque streets.
Murat
Murat is another medieval city state near Le Lioran ski station. This small city is faith to the traditional celebration with the local market every friday,. Every third sunday of September, Murat celebrates its famous dessert "Cornet de Murat" with a festive meal.
Salers
During your holidays in Cantal, take time to visit the "Most beautiful village of France": Salers and you will be amazed by the architecture, the History, landscapes and food. In Salers, every one enjoy discovering the famous cheese, the gentian alcohol, pre dinner biscuits. For a summer rental property, the tourism office suggest guided tours, night tours of the city state and have a trip in the past.
For futher information on cultural events and guided tours:
Marcolès, Maurs, Montsalvy, Laroquebrou : Office de Tourisme de la Châtaigneraie
Murat : Hautes Terres Tourisme
Salers : Office de Tourisme du pays de Salers
