Things To Do
in Aurillac
Aurillac is a charming town located in the Cantal department of France. Known for its picturesque old town with narrow cobbled streets, Aurillac is a delightful place to explore on foot. The town is surrounded by the beautiful Auvergne volcanic region, offering stunning natural scenery and outdoor activities.
Aurillac is also famous for its annual street arts festival, attracting performers and visitors from around the world.
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaĂźt" - Please
- "Comment ça va?" - How are you?
- "Au revoir" - Goodbye
Prices
- đ Accommodation (per night): $60 - $150
- đœïž Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- â Coffee: $2 - $4
- đ Public transport ticket (single journey): $1.50 - $3
- đ Grocery shopping (per week): $40 - $80
- đïžââïž Gym Membership: $30 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic ChĂąteau d'Aurillac. Stroll through the market and enjoy some fresh local produce.
Explore the beautiful Parc Saint-Ătienne, perfect for a leisurely walk. Grab lunch at a nearby cafĂ© featuring Auvergne specialties.
Dine at a cozy restaurant, savoring regional dishes like truffade. Finish the day with a relaxing walk along the banks of the Jordanne River.
Head out to the nearby Cantal Mountains for stunning views and hiking trails. Donât forget to pack a picnic for later!
Enjoy your picnic surrounded by nature and take in the serene environment. Spend the afternoon discovering local fauna and flora.
Return to Aurillac for a casual dinner, perhaps trying Aligot with sausage. Wind down with a drink in one of the local bars.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural surroundings with mountains and rivers.
- Rich cultural heritage with historic sites and architecture.
- A relaxed and peaceful lifestyle away from large city chaos.
- Access to outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing.
- Friendly community with local markets and events.
- Limited job opportunities compared to larger cities.
- Milder nightlife and entertainment options.
- Inaccessibility to some modern amenities.
- Public transportation options may be less frequent.
- Potential for harsh winter weather.
Best Activities in Aurillac
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Aurillac is surrounded by the beautiful volcanic landscape of the Mounts of Cantal, offering numerous hiking trails with stunning views of the Auvergne region.
Explore the picturesque countryside by cycling along the scenic Jordanne River, with well-marked paths and peaceful surroundings.
Enjoy fishing in the serene lakes and rivers of Aurillac, known for their abundance of trout and other fish species.
Tours
Uncover the best of Aurillac with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Aurillac
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of Aurillac and its surroundings, great for photography
Hill located in the heart of the city, provides stunning views of Aurillac
Food in Aurillac
Aurillac Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty dish made from thinly sliced potatoes, cheese, and bacon, seasoned with garlic and spices. Sample this dish at La Table d'Antoine, a charming restaurant known for its traditional Auvergnat cuisine.
Must-Try!
Pounti is a savory cake made with prunes, Swiss chard, and pork, resulting in a unique mix of sweet and salty flavors. Maison Constant offers an excellent rendition of this traditional dish.
A rich and flavorful dish consisting of sheep tripe stuffed with breadcrumbs, onions, and various herbs, simmered in a savory sauce. Try this dish at Le Broussailles, a popular eatery known for its authentic Auvergne specialties.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Aurillac better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located in the heart of the city, Aurillac Market is a vibrant hub for fresh produce, local cheeses, and artisanal food products. Wander through the stalls to discover regional specialties and get a taste of the local food culture.
This traditional street food offering consists of grilled pork trotters served with a side of lentils. Look for food stalls in the city center, especially during local festivals and events, to savor this flavorful dish.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Aurillac, France, it is important to greet people with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek, especially when meeting for the first time or entering a social gathering.
When dining in Aurillac, it is customary to wait for the host to start the meal and to keep your hands visible on the table. It is also polite to try a bit of everything on your plate and to avoid discussing sensitive topics during the meal.
Maintaining personal space and being mindful of physical boundaries is important in Aurillac. It is courteous to avoid standing too close to others and to respect their personal space in public settings.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Aurillac with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Aurillac
Ensure a smooth experience
In Aurillac, France, tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. A customary tip for exceptional service at a restaurant is around 5-10% of the bill. Tipping is also appreciated for other services like taxi rides and hotel staff.
Payment in Aurillac, France is commonly done in cash or by credit/debit card. Most establishments accept major credit cards, but it's always good to carry some cash for smaller vendors and businesses. Contactless payment methods are becoming increasingly popular as well.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Aurillac.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for mild and pleasant weather, with blooming flowers and outdoor activities.
Ideal for outdoor festivals, markets, and enjoying the picturesque green landscapes.
Aurillac's autumn foliage is stunning, and it's a great time for hiking and exploring the countryside.
Perfect for those who enjoy winter sports, as Aurillac is close to ski resorts and offers a charming winter wonderland atmosphere.
Aurillac at Night
Hiking in Aurillac
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic mountain pass offering various hiking trails with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
One of the most famous peaks in the Cantal region, offering challenging hikes and stunning panoramas.
A vast plateau providing easy to moderate hiking options, with rich flora and fauna.
A range of mountains offering diverse trails that range from beginner to advanced levels, showcasing the natural beauty of the region.
A picturesque gorge with hiking trails that meander alongside the river, perfect for nature lovers.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Aurillac through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Aurillac by plane.
The nearest major international airport, located approximately 104 km from Aurillac, providing flights to various destinations in Europe.
Located around 135 km from Aurillac, this airport offers domestic flights and some international routes.
Situated about 116 km from Aurillac, this airport serves domestic flights and limited international connections.
Approximately 130 km from Aurillac, this airport focuses on domestic flights with some seasonal international services.
Located about 183 km from Aurillac, this major international airport offers extensive domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The population of Aurillac is composed of various age groups, with a significant portion being aged 15-64 years, followed by children and elderly individuals.
The gender ratio in Aurillac is relatively balanced, with a slight female majority.
Aurillac has a predominantly homogenous population, mainly consisting of French nationals, with a small percentage of immigrants from other European and African countries.
The socioeconomic status varies, with a mix of lower, middle, and upper-class residents, influenced by local employment opportunities primarily in services and public sectors.
Aurillac has a range of educational backgrounds, with many residents holding secondary and higher education degrees.
The Soul of Aurillac
Discover the essence of Aurillac through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby is one of the most popular sports in Aurillac, with a strong local team, Aurillac Rugby, competing in French leagues.
Football (soccer) has a significant following in Aurillac, with local clubs participating in regional competitions.
Athletics is widely practiced in Aurillac, with numerous events and competitions held throughout the year.
Cycling is popular due to the scenic routes available in and around Aurillac, attracting both recreational and competitive cyclists.
Basketball has a growing community in Aurillac, with local clubs fostering young talent and engaging fans.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Aurillac.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Auvergne cuisine leans heavily on meat and dairy, many establishments in Aurillac offer vegetarian and vegan adaptations of classic dishes. Look for menus with plant-based alternatives or ask the staff for recommendations.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can find suitable options in Aurillac, with several restaurants and cafes accommodating gluten-free diets. Be sure to communicate your dietary requirements to the staff, who are often willing to accommodate specific needs.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Aurillac with these cultural adventures.