Regions of the Cantal

The Cantal (ranging from 210 to 1,858 meters high), is a department in the Auvergne region. To the north it borders the Corrèze, Haute-Loire and Puy-de-Dôme departments, to the east the Haute-Loire and Lozère departments, to the south the Aveyron and the Lot, with the Lot and the Corrèze to the west.

Located in the centre of France, in the Garonne and Loire basins, the Cantal department takes its name from the Monts du Cantal (the mountain range that covers most of its surface). It is a medium altitude mountainous region, mainly comprising the volcanic Massif du Cantal and its foothills. The massif is all that remains of an old volcano (the largest in Europe with a diameter of nearly 70 km). Its highest point is now the Plomb du Cantal (alt. 1,858m). Its forms an almost perfect circle with slopes narrowing to meet at the centre, a massive cirque formed by the old crater. There are a number of striking peaks in the massif: next to the Plomb du Cantal is the Puy Mary (alt. 1,787m), the Puy Chavaroche (alt. 1,744m), the Puy Violent (alt. 1,594m), the Puy Griou (alt. 1,694m), the Puy du Peyroux (alt. 1,686m), the Puy Gros (alt. 1,599m) and finally the Lioran or Puy de Mussabiau (1,420m).

Deep valleys score the sides of the massif, radiating out from the centre. Among the best known are the valleys of the Impradine, the Santoire, the Cère, the Alagnon, the Jordanne, the Doire (river) and the Rhue – broad, volcanic valleys that grow narrow at their mouth. Between these valleys are plateaus. To the east the Planèze de Saint-Flour is rather dry whilst the land to the west around Salers receives more rainfall. Around the Cantal the Margeride mountains form a link with the Lozère massif and Le Cézallier range connects to the Mont-Dore

THE GRAND PAYS DE SALERS (Mauriac – Pleaux – Saint-Cernin – Salers)

Western gateway to the Volcans d’Auvergne National Park, Mauriac is a tourist centre in a superb location, on the edge of the basalt plateau and the Dordogne valley, with wonderful panoramic views of the Sancy and the Monts du Cantal (Puy Mary, Puy Violent…). Nearby is Salers, one of the treasures of the Auvergne, with a wealth of 15th & 16th century architecture. It is classified as one of the “loveliest villages in France", as is Tournemire with its superb castle towering over the valley of the Doire.

ARTENSE - CEZALLIER - MONTS DU CANTAL (Allanche - Champs-sur-Tarentaine - Condat - Murat - Riom-ès-Montagnes)

Between the Corrèze and the Cantal, the Artense has a varied landscape. There is a sharp contrast between the gently flowing river Dordogne and the harsh plateau with its traces of glaciers. The Cézallier is a land of high mountain pastures (1,100 to 1,200 meters) stretching as far as the eye can see. To the South the Monts du Cantal, the largest volcano in Europe, have a surprise in store for visitors, whether they get there on foot, by bike or vélorail (specially adapted devices for pedalling along old railway tracks). Nearby the ski resort of Super Lioran enjoys a truly outstanding setting. Cable car up to the Plomb du Cantal (1,858 meters).

THE PAYS DE SAINT-FLOUR (Chaudes-Aigues - Massiac - Pierrefort- Ruynes-en-Margeride - Saint-Flour)

Between the Monts du Cantal, the Planèze & the Margeride, close to the Truyère Gorges and the Aubrac plateau, a land of great landscapes and impressive structures (Garabit viaduct, Truyère valley, Grandval dam). From high in its Gothic cathedral admire the town of Saint Flour, with its maze of narrow streets, and the magnificent countryside around. The pretty spa town of Chaudes Aigues in its leafy setting is ideal for spa based treatments and health/fitness breaks. At Massiac the rocky spurs of Saint Victor & Sainte Madeleine stand like tall guardians of the Alagnon valley entrance to the Cantal.

THE PAYS D'AURILLAC (Arpajon-sur-Cère - Aurillac - Jussac - Vic-sur-Cère)

With its highest point at the Puy Mary (1,783 meters) and its lovely valleys of the Authre, the Jordanne & the Cère, the Pays d’Aurillac has something for everyone, be they nature lovers or culture vultures: tough hikes or gentle family walks, culture and gastronomy. The town of Aurillac retains many local traditions, including that of hospitality (International “Casse-Croûte et Goudots Gourmands” food festival, International Street Theatre festival, Santiago de Compostella pilgrim way).

THE PAYS OF THE CHATAIGNERAIE : (Laroquebrou - Maurs - Montsalvy - Saint-Mamet)

In the South-West of the Cantal stands the famous granite plateau, largely covered with chestnut trees, known as the Châtaigneraie. It is dotted with delightful villages where visitors can explore the cultural and rural heritage amongst houses and buildings with a truly southern feel. The valley of the river Lot is a haven for white water enthusiasts. The dams at Saint-Etienne-Cantalès and Enchanet offer fishing, bathing and other water sports.

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