Cantal is a department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of south-central France. It takes its name from the Cantal Mountains, a range of ancient volcanic peaks that dominate the landscape and shape the whole area. Aurillac is its prefecture, the town that serves as the administrative centre.
What to expect
The appeal of Cantal is its rural character. Much of the department is made up of green pastures, farmland and upland country, with villages set among the hills and the mountains rising behind them. It suits visitors who want walking, slow drives and quiet scenery rather than a busy city itinerary.
The area is closely associated with cheese. Cantal cheese, one of France's oldest and best-known cheeses, comes from this landscape, and the farming traditions that produce it remain part of everyday life here. A visit lets you see how closely the land, the pastures and the local food are linked.
Getting a sense of the area
- The Cantal Mountains: the volcanic massif that gives the department its name and its dramatic outline.
- Aurillac: the prefecture, a practical base for exploring the department.
- Rural farmland: green pastures and traditional farming, which define the everyday scenery.
- Local cheese: Cantal cheese, tied to the region's farming heritage.
Cantal is best approached as a region to wander rather than a single sight to tick off. Plan your days around the countryside, stop in the villages, and allow time to appreciate the landscape and the food that comes from it.
