Cantal, Mountainous department in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
Cantal is a department in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes covering volcanic peaks, valleys, and grasslands, with Plomb du Cantal rising to 1,858 meters (6,096 feet). The landscape shows extinct craters, green plateaus, and narrow river valleys running between forested slopes.
The area was created in 1790 during the French Revolution from the division of the Haute-Auvergne region. Aurillac became the capital in 1795 and has remained the administrative center ever since.
The name comes from Plomb du Cantal, an extinct volcano that shaped the landscape and was once considered a sacred mountain. Locals still live closely with the seasons, moving cattle to high pastures in spring and bringing them back to the valleys in autumn.
Hiking trails cross the volcanic landscape and connect towns such as Saint-Flour, Mauriac, and the capital Aurillac. The trails pass through open terrain and forests, where mountain weather can change quickly.
The Festival International de Théâtre de Rue in Aurillac turns the streets into stages every August for performers from around the world. Shows take place in squares, alleys, and parks without admission fees and often improvised.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
