The 12 most beautiful villages in the Cantal and well worth a visit

The Cantal, located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, is a department rich in natural beauty and heritage. From majestic mountains to verdant valleys, the picturesque villages of the Cantal offer breathtaking panoramas and a journey back in time. Here is our selection of the 12 most beautiful villages in the Cantal that are well worth a visit.

1. Salers, the jewel of the Cantal

Salers, one of France’s most beautiful villages, is a treasure trove of medieval architecture. The cobbled streets and half-timbered houses dating back to the 15th century give this village an authentic atmosphere. Don’t miss a visit to the church of Saint-Mathieu and the Maison de la Ronade, a museum dedicated to the history and heritage of Salers.

The village is also renowned for its Salers cheese and its local breed of cattle, the Salers. Take advantage of your visit to sample the local specialities and admire the surrounding countryside, including Puy Mary, an iconic peak in the Cantal mountains.

2. Tournemire, a fortified village

Tournemire is another village listed as one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages. Surrounded by ramparts, this fortified village is dominated by Château d’Anjony, a medieval fortress standing proudly on a rocky outcrop. Stroll through the narrow streets and discover the old houses with their lauze roofs and stone walls.

Nearby, don’t miss a visit to the Carbonnières caves, an exceptional natural site. You can also take advantage of the many hiking trails that criss-cross the surrounding area to admire the lush green landscapes and breathtaking views of the Cantal mountains.

3. Chaudes-Aigues, a thermal oasis

Chaudes-Aigues is famous for its thermal springs and natural hot springs that gush out at a temperature of 82°C, the hottest in Europe. The village has a rich thermal heritage, with Roman baths, the Par fountain and the Geothermal Museum.

In addition to its thermal attractions, Chaudes-Aigues offers a picturesque setting with its houses with lauze roofs and flower-filled lanes. Take advantage of your stay to relax at the Caleden thermal spa or go hiking in the surrounding Cantal mountains.

4. Allanche, a village with character

Allanche is a charming village in the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park. Dominated by the Romanesque church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, the village is surrounded by meadows and forests whose colours change with the seasons. The stone houses and cobbled streets give Allanche a peaceful, authentic atmosphere.

Explore the surrounding area and discover the many hiking trails that offer exceptional views of the Cantal mountains. Don’t miss a visit to the Château de Mercoeur, a ruined medieval fortress close to the village.

5. Marcolès, a medieval town

Marcolès is a fortified medieval town in the Cère valley. Surrounded by ramparts, the town boasts half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and fortified gates. The 14th-century Gothic church of Saint-Martin is a must-see during your visit.

Take advantage of your stay in Marcolès to explore the surrounding area, in particular the Château de Pesteils, an imposing fortress perched on a rocky outcrop with an uninterrupted view over the valley. Hiking enthusiasts can also take advantage of the many footpaths that criss-cross the surrounding area.

6. Laroquebrou, a medieval village by the sea

Laroquebrou is a medieval village on the banks of the River Cère, an idyllic setting for strolling and enjoying the peace and quiet. The village is dominated by the Château de Laroque, a medieval building that is now partly in ruins. The half-timbered houses and cobbled streets give Laroquebrou its undeniable charm.

Don’t miss a visit to the 12th-century Romanesque church of Saint-Géraud, and take advantage of the many water sports available on the Cère, such as canoeing and fishing. Hiking enthusiasts can also explore the surrounding countryside on one of the many signposted footpaths.

7. Montsalvy, a historic village

Montsalvy is a historic village in the Truyère valley. The village has a rich heritage, including the 12th-century Romanesque church of Saint-Pierre and the Château de Montsalvy, a ruined medieval fortress. Stroll along the cobbled streets and discover the stone houses and flower gardens that make Montsalvy so charming.

The surrounding area offers a wealth of hiking opportunities, including the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela, which passes through the village. You can also take advantage of your stay to visit the Truyère gorges and enjoy water sports on Lac de Sarrans.

8. Murat, a town full of character

Murat is a town full of character located in the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park. The village boasts a rich architectural heritage, including the 14th-century Gothic church of Saint-Martin and the Maison de la Faune, a museum dedicated to the local wildlife and natural areas of the Cantal.

Stroll along the cobbled streets and discover the stone houses and lauze roofs that give Murat its picturesque atmosphere. The surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities for hiking to discover the Cantal’s exceptional landscapes.

9. Saint-Urcize, a village in the heart of nature

Saint-Urcize is an authentic village in the Aubrac Regional Nature Park. Dominated by the Romanesque church of Saint-Urcize, the village is characterised by its stone houses and narrow streets. Take advantage of your stay to go hiking in the surrounding area and discover the magnificent landscapes of the Aubrac, with its green plateaux and high-altitude lakes.

Don’t miss a visit to the buron de Camejane, a traditional Aubrac building dedicated to cheese-making, and sample local specialities such as aligot and truffade. Winter sports enthusiasts can also take advantage of the cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails close to the village.

10. Raulhac, a hilltop village

Raulhac is a hilltop village in the Cère valley. The village has a rich heritage, including the 12th-century Romanesque church of Saint-Géraud and the Château de Raulhac, a ruined medieval fortress. Take a stroll along the cobbled streets and discover the stone houses and flower-filled gardens that make Raulhac so charming.

The surrounding area offers a wealth of hiking opportunities, including the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela, which passes through the village. You can also take advantage of your stay to visit the Gorges de la Cère and enjoy water sports on the river.

11. Menet, a lakeside village

Menet is a charming village on the shores of Lac de Menet, a man-made lake ideal for swimming and water sports. The village has a rich heritage, including the 12th-century Romanesque church of Saint-Pierre and the remains of Château de Menet, a ruined medieval fortress.

Take advantage of your stay to relax by the lake or go hiking in the surrounding area and discover the lush green landscapes and breathtaking views of the Cantal mountains.

12. Pleaux, a historic village

Pleaux is a historic village in the Maronne valley. The village has a rich heritage, including the 12th-century Romanesque church of Saint-Pierre and the Château de Pleaux, a ruined medieval fortress. Stroll along the cobbled streets and discover the stone houses and flower gardens that make Pleaux so charming.

The surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, with lush green landscapes and breathtaking views of the Cantal mountains. You can also take advantage of your stay to visit the Maronne gorges and enjoy water sports on the river.

In conclusion, the Cantal is full of picturesque, authentic villages that are well worth a visit. Whether you’re a lover of history, hiking or gastronomy, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in these 12 most beautiful villages in the Cantal. Don’t hesitate to take the time to explore them and soak up their unique atmosphere.