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Aurillac

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City
—°598
Aurillac (France)
ℹ️

Practical info — Aurillac

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Bring layers even in summer; the city is famous for its cool morning temperatures.
  • The historic center with its half-timbered houses is best explored on foot, leaving your car outside the pedestrian zones.
  • If visiting in August, expect crowds for the famous International Street Theatre Festival.
  • It rains frequently here, which is why it is the historical capital of umbrella manufacturing in France.

🍽 Food

🍽
Cantal cheese

Try this hard local cheese at a traditional fromagerie in the city center.

🍽
Truffade

A hearty potato and Cantal cheese dish, best enjoyed in a local brasserie.

🍽
Bourriol

Look for these traditional buckwheat pancakes in traditional bakeries.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Umbrellas

Purchase a high-quality, locally made umbrella from a boutique on Rue des Carmes.

🛍
Local markets

Buy fresh Auvergne produce and cheeses at the Marché Couvert.

🧘
Square de l'Hôtel de Ville

A lovely shaded square to relax under the trees.

🧘
Château de Saint-Étienne

Walk up to this hilltop castle for panoramic views and a calm atmosphere.

🧘
Banks of the Jordanne river

Take a peaceful stroll along the riverside path just outside the busy center.

Highlights of 2026

5

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.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C114811161818141052
Rain mm765574849374627469818880

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).
  • Primary river: The Jordanne.
  • Population: Approx. 31,000 inhabitants.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Aurillac (9)

Saint-Étienne Castle🛡️ fortress

A medieval fortress overlooking the city, now home to a fascinating museum about volcanology.

Saint-Géraud Abbey Church

The remnants of a powerful medieval abbey, representing the spiritual origins of Aurillac.

Carmes Garden🌿 nature

A peaceful and well-maintained public park offering a green retreat for residents and tourists alike.

Miny toons👨‍👩‍👧 family

Miny toons children's play center in Aurillac.

Fanum d'Aron🏺 historical

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.

🕒 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.
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