Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Monts du Cantal, Aurillac is the historic capital of the department, situated at an altitude of about 600 meters along the banks of the Jordanne river. This pleasant town has over a thousand years of history, which comes beautifully to life when strolling through the narrow, winding streets of its well-preserved medieval center. Overlooking the town is the impressive Château Saint-Étienne, a commanding hilltop fortress that now houses an engaging museum dedicated to the region's fascinating volcanic history. Aurillac is famous throughout the country as the undisputed French capital of umbrellas; nearly half of all umbrellas produced in France are crafted in local workshops, and their artisanal quality can be admired in traditional downtown boutiques. Every August, the entire town magically transforms into a massive open-air stage for the renowned International Street Theater Festival, drawing artists and performers from around the globe to fill the squares with acrobatics, music, and plays. Food lovers will be delighted by Aurillac's bustling markets, offering a chance to taste exceptional regional products, especially the savory Cantal cheese and rustic mountain charcuterie. Furthermore, the town serves as a good gateway for exploring the sweeping Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park.
Location: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
Top sights: Saint-Étienne Castle · Saint-Géraud Abbey Church · Carmes Garden
Nearby: Conques (37 km)
Population: ~30.963
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Avg °C
1
1
4
8
11
16
18
18
14
10
5
2
Rain mm
76
55
74
84
93
74
62
74
69
81
88
80
Live webcam – Aurillac
See what it looks like near Aurillac right now.
Aurillac: Mounts of Cantal · 0.1 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Population
34,724
Coordinates
44.92530, 2.43970
Facts
Average elevation: 622 meters above sea level.
Total land area: 28.76 square kilometers.
Production: Over 250,000 umbrellas per year.
Festival: International Street Theatre Festival (since 1986).
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→14:241.1 km walk5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 14–20 €Entries 17€ · Transport 0€
Start your morning at the historic Hôtel de Ville, taking in the serene civic center before meandering towards the monumental Saint-Géraud Abbey Church. By midday, allow the spiritual tranquility of Chapelle Notre-Dame-d'Aurinques and Église Notre-Dame-aux-Neiges to guide your steps through Aurillac’s charming core. As the afternoon unfolds, retreat to the lush pathways of the Carmes Garden, an ideal green oasis for relaxation. End your day soaking in the gentle evening light under the canopy of ancient trees in the garden.
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09:10 · 45'
Hôtel de Ville
Admire the neoclassical architecture of the town hall that serves as the heart of Aurillac's civic life, and be sure to check the notice boards for upcoming local events before strolling down the adjacent pedestrian streets.
Step inside this monumental abbey church to uncover centuries of monastic history, but remember to bring a light jacket as the ancient stone walls keep the interior quite cool even in summer.
Take a moment of quiet reflection in this intimately scaled chapel dedicated to the town's protector, and try to visit when the afternoon light illuminates its beautiful stained glass windows.
Explore the elegant lines and sacred atmosphere of this notable church, keeping an eye out for the intricately carved wooden details that adorn its peaceful sanctuary.
Relax along the shaded pathways of this beautifully maintained urban park, and pack some local cheese and fresh bread for a delightful picnic on its manicured lawns.
Morning begins with a soft drizzle by the Town Hall; keep your umbrella ready for the old town. At noon, the thick walls of the Abbey provide a perfect dry sanctuary from the rain. Afternoon is best spent exploring the quiet church interiors to avoid the damp wind. Evening lights reflect beautifully on wet cobblestones; use the historic arcades to stay dry while walking.
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09:10 · 45'
Hôtel de Ville
Admire the facade from the arcades opposite to stay dry, and use the covered entrance area for taking photos during the rainy weather.
A frosty morning awaits at the Town Hall; wear warm layers against the biting wind. At noon, the church interiors offer short, wind-sheltered breaks during your walk. In the afternoon, the low sun casts a golden glow on the stone houses before darkness falls at 5 PM. The evening is cold; enjoy the atmospheric winter lights of the center while staying warm.
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09:10 · 45'
Hôtel de Ville
The stone facade looks particularly striking in the winter light; watch out for icy patches on the square's pavement during frost.
Kick off your cycling tour at the commanding Église du Sacré-Cœur, warming up before pedaling to the refreshing greenery of the Carmes Garden. By lunchtime, ride through the central streets to the Hôtel de Ville and the charming Chapelle Notre-Dame-d'Aurinques. The afternoon challenges you with a short ascent to the mighty Saint-Étienne Castle for panoramic rewards. Wind down your dynamic day of riding at the magnificent Église Abbatiale Saint-Géraud as the town quiets down.
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09:10 · 50'
Église du Sacré-Cœur
Stand before the imposing facade of this striking church to appreciate its distinct architectural style, and visit during early morning hours to enjoy the undisturbed tranquility of the surrounding square.
Relax along the shaded pathways of this beautifully maintained urban park, and pack some local cheese and fresh bread for a delightful picnic on its manicured lawns.
Admire the neoclassical architecture of the town hall that serves as the heart of Aurillac's civic life, and be sure to check the notice boards for upcoming local events before strolling down the adjacent pedestrian streets.
Take a moment of quiet reflection in this intimately scaled chapel dedicated to the town's protector, and try to visit when the afternoon light illuminates its beautiful stained glass windows.
Discover the towering battlements and rich regional museum housed within this imposing medieval fortress, and don't forget to climb the main keep for sweeping panoramic views over the Aurillac rooftops.
Marvel at the grand dimensions and historical depth of this abbey church that anchors the city's spiritual heritage, taking time to walk slowly around the exterior to appreciate the masonry work.
The day starts on wet roads at Sacré-Cœur; check your brakes on the damp asphalt. At noon, the trees in Carmes Garden offer brief shelter before heading to the Town Hall. In the afternoon, be careful in tight corners near the chapel due to slippery surfaces. The evening ends at the Abbey; wear bright, waterproof gear for better visibility in the rain.
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09:10 · 50'
Église du Sacré-Cœur
Park your bike under the sheltered area by the entrance and use the church as a dry starting point while checking the rain radar.
Start in the cold at Sacré-Cœur; gloves are essential against the wind chill while riding. At noon, Carmes Garden offers crisp air but chilly shaded paths. In the afternoon, the climb to the castle helps keep you warm as the sun sets early. The evening ends at the Abbey with a risk of frost; finish your tour before the 5 PM darkness for safety.
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09:10 · 50'
Église du Sacré-Cœur
Warm up briefly inside before starting your ride; the contrast with the cold outside air requires careful breathing while cycling.
Begin your driving itinerary on the outskirts with a playful start at Miny Toons, quickly followed by exploring the ancient ruins of Fanum d'Aron. Arrive back in the city center by midday to park and enjoy the tranquility of the Carmes Garden and Église Notre-Dame-aux-Neiges. For the afternoon, drive up to the commanding heights of Saint-Étienne Castle to absorb centuries of history. Conclude your comprehensive road trip at the awe-inspiring Église Abbatiale Saint-Géraud before dusk.
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09:10 · 45'
Miny toons
Treat the younger travelers to an energetic session at this popular family entertainment center, where bringing non-slip socks from home will save you time and money at the entrance.
Walk among the ancient foundations of this Gallo-Roman temple dedicated to local deities, and wear sturdy walking shoes as the terrain around the archaeological site can be somewhat uneven.
Relax along the shaded pathways of this beautifully maintained urban park, and pack some local cheese and fresh bread for a delightful picnic on its manicured lawns.
Explore the elegant lines and sacred atmosphere of this notable church, keeping an eye out for the intricately carved wooden details that adorn its peaceful sanctuary.
Discover the towering battlements and rich regional museum housed within this imposing medieval fortress, and don't forget to climb the main keep for sweeping panoramic views over the Aurillac rooftops.
Marvel at the grand dimensions and historical depth of this abbey church that anchors the city's spiritual heritage, taking time to walk slowly around the exterior to appreciate the masonry work.
Start your day dry at Miny Toons, ideal for families during rain. At noon, the parking near Carmes Garden allows quick access to sheltered paths. In the afternoon, the drive to the castle is safe, but mist might obscure the view. The evening ends at the Abbey; park as close as possible to minimize your time spent walking in the rain.
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09:10 · 45'
Miny toons
First-rate indoor location for children during rainy weather; park directly in front to enter the building without getting wet.
Start in the warmth of your car at Miny Toons, ideal for a cold morning. At noon, Carmes Garden offers crisp air; make sure to heat the car well before moving on. In the afternoon, the road to the castle is usually cleared, but watch for ice in shaded turns. The evening ends at the Abbey; finish your tour by 5 PM to avoid driving during the onset of night frost.
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09:10 · 45'
Miny toons
Use this heated indoor location to let the children play in the warmth on a freezing winter day.
The Fanum d'Aron is an archaeological site featuring the remains of an ancient Gallo-Roman temple in Aurillac.
Église Notre-Dame-aux-Neiges⛪ religious
Église Notre-Dame-aux-Neiges is a notable historic church located in Aurillac.
Chapelle Notre-Dame-d'Aurinques⛪ religious
Chapelle Notre-Dame-d'Aurinques is a local church in Aurillac.
Église du Sacré-Cœur⛪ religious
Église du Sacré-Cœur is a religious building functioning as a church in Aurillac.
Hôtel de Ville📍 landmark
Hôtel de Ville serves as the local town hall and administrative centre of Aurillac.
🌐 aurillac.fr🕒 Mo 09:00-17:00; Tu-Fr 09:00-12:00,13:30-17:00; Sa 09:00-12:0♿
Frequently asked questions
What is Aurillac most famous for in France?
Aurillac is the capital of the umbrella; over half of all French umbrellas are manufactured here.
When does the street theater festival take place?
The International Street Theater Festival takes place every year in August, transforming the entire city into a stage.
What local specialty should you try?
Be sure to try Cantal cheese and 'Pounti', a traditional meat and vegetable terrine with prunes.
What can you see in the historic center?
The old town gives narrow streets, the Jordanne riverfront promenade, and the 10th-century Saint-Géraud Abbey.
Are there any museums in Aurillac?
Yes, the Museum of Art and Archaeology and the Volcanoes Museum (Muséum des Volcans) are well worth a visit.
Aurillac: where is it located?
Aurillac is located in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France.
Aurillac: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint-Étienne Castle, Saint-Géraud Abbey Church, Carmes Garden.
Aurillac: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Aurillac: why is it worth visiting?
Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Monts du Cantal, Aurillac is the historic capital of the department, situated at an altitude of about 600 meters along the banks of the Jordanne river.