Are you on holiday or planning a holiday in Cantal? You may well have already heard of Salers, the Puy Mary, Le Lioran resort or the towns of Aurillac and Saint Flour. Read on and discover 10 MUST-SEE PLACES TO VISIT while you’re here on holiday.
The Puy Mary, Grand Site de France
The pyramid silhouette of the Puy Mary is at the heart of Cantal’s great volcano. Ranked as part of the “Grand Site de France” network, the access to the summit is especially adapted for visitors to reach the top easily, from where the view is absolutely breath-taking. This legendary peak has become the emblem of Cantal and a visit will be, without a doubt, one of the highlights of your holiday.
Don’t forget to stop off at the Puy Mary Visitors’ Centre at the foot of the summit. You’ll learn all about how the landscape here was formed, the history of Cantal’s great volcano and also find all sorts of ideas and information about what to see and do in the surrounding valleys.
For more information : www.puymary.fr
Salers, a mediaeval village steeped in history
Salers isn’t only the name of a local cheese! It’s also a village ranked among the most beautiful villages in France. Take a step back in time and enjoy a visit to Salers to admire the beautiful houses and their turrets, the belfry and the old ramparts. There’s lots to look at as you stroll around the village and a great choice of craft and gift shops! You’ll also really enjoy the breath-taking view over the Monts du Cantal.
For more information :
Garabit Viaduct, Cantal’s Eiffel Tower!
Garabit Viaduct is well worth a visit. It was built by the Gustave Eiffel civil engineering company and its size is truly impressive: over 500 metres long and 122 metres high. It has been in service for more than 120 years, provides a rail link over the Truyère reservoir and dam and is admired by visitors. If you’re in the area as night falls, you’ll be able to admire the viaduct lit up – a splendid sight for all to enjoy!
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Aurillac, the perfect blend of town and country!
Take the time to explore Aurillac. The charming town centre is steeped in history and has a lot of pedestrianized streets and parks making it a very pleasant town to visit. While in the town centre, you can also visit the St Géraud Abbey. There’s also St Etienne Castle to visit overlooking the town. Aurillac Tourist Information Centre organizes guided tours of the town on different themes. Book your place on a tour of Aurillac’s secrets, Aurillac for Food-lovers or Aurillac’s Treasures, specially designed for children.
For more information :
Tournemire and Anjony Castle, an eventful past
Wandering around the little streets of Tournemire and admiring the village’s beautiful stone houses wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Anjony Castle. This splendid castle has survived the test of time and is still standing proud. The castle’s keep is particularly impressive and contains different rooms displaying antique furniture and decorated with remarkable frescoes.
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St Etienne Cantalès reservoir and dam
If you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon by the water or want to enjoy water sports, St Etienne Cantalès reservoir is the place to go! Covering an area of more than 600 hectares, the reservoir is a paradise for holiday-makers. We recommend the visitors’ trail at Puech des Ouilles or the footbridge at Rénac for those of you looking for a bit of excitement. If you want to have fun in the water swimming or doing other water sports, lots of activities are on offer!
For more information :
Saint Flour, a town with a rich cultural and historic past
Set high up on a volcanic rock promontory, Saint Flour dominates a flat plain known as the “Planèze”. A visit to the town will be the opportunity to learn about 15 centuries of history. Don’t miss the natural ramparts made from volcanic rock that make Saint Flour so unique. Go along and admire Saint Pierre Cathedral with its unusual front that won’t fail to surprise you. Saint Flour Tourist Information Centre has audio-guides available to visit the town at your own pace with a choice of three different circuits.
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The Pinatelle Massif and the Lac du Pêcher, to discover the wildlife of the Massif Cantalien!
Set out to explore the Pinatelle Forest situated on the plain near Chalinargues. It is home to many animals and in particular stag deer that can be heard rutting in the Autumn. Around the lake, the Lac du Pêcher, you’ll find a marked out trail to find out more about the local wildlife thanks to information boards and signs. There’s also a great observation hide for birdwatching that’s situated on the edge of the lake.
For more information :
Le Lioran resort and the Plomb du Cantal
Le Lioran is Cantal’s holiday resort destination, offering 60 kilometres of ski slopes in the Winter and a wide array of outdoor activities for visitors throughout the Summer. Enjoy a cable car ride to Cantal’s highest summit, the Plomb du Cantal, accessible both during Winter and Summer.
For more information :
Chaudes Aigues, the hottest natural spring in Europe!
Chaudes Aigues is dominated by water. There’s the Par natural spring where the water comes out at 82°, the Geothermal Museum, the traditional washing area with access to hot water and also the Caleden Spa Centre. A great place to visit with something on offer for all the family!
For more information : www.chaudesaigues.com
All these sites are just a selection of the surprising discoveries awaiting you in the Cantal! Come and meet us, we’ll be happy to advise you and suggest lots of other ideas for things to do on your holiday!
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