Start your tour at Place du Square
Place du Square is a convenient starting point. Situated in the heart of the town, it is home to a concentration of shops, outdoor cafés, tree-lined areas and entertainment. On market days or during cultural events, it becomes one of the liveliest areas in Aurillac.
Take a few minutes to admire the surrounding building façades and the architecture of the Town Hall. You can then easily make your way to the shopping streets or continue on to the historic district of Saint-Géraud.
Stroll through the streets of old Aurillac
As you head towards the old town centre, the scenery gradually changes. The streets become narrower, revealing facades of volcanic stone, half-timbered houses, discreet passageways and a few mullioned windows.
The old town developed around the abbey founded around the year 900 by Count Géraud. The circular shape of the original town centre is still evident in the layout of today’s streets.
Don’t just look for the major monuments. Part of Aurillac’s charm lies in its details: an old door, a small courtyard, a handcrafted sign or an unexpected view between two buildings.
Discover the square and the Abbey Church of Saint-Géraud
Place Saint-Géraud is an unmissable heritage stop on your visit. It brings together several reminders of the town’s medieval past.
The Abbey Church of Saint-Géraud serves as a reminder of the importance of the former Benedictine monastery. This was notably attended by Gerbert of Aurillac, who later became Sylvester II and is regarded as the first French pope. The current building combines different architectural styles due to its successive reconstructions.
Opposite the church, you can also see the former abbey hospital, recognisable by its Romanesque arcades, as well as the green serpentine basin. A little further on, the Consular House bears witness to the political and commercial organisation of the ancient city.
Stroll along the banks of the Jordanne
After exploring the old streets, treat yourself to a break by the water’s edge. The Jordanne flows through Aurillac and offers a pleasant walk right next to the town centre.
From its banks, certain vantage points offer glimpses of the old ramparts and the Abbey Church of Saint-Géraud. It’s also a good spot to take a break, go for a walk with the children or simply get away from the hustle and bustle of the high street for a few moments.
Visit the Museum of Art and Archaeology
Housed at 37 Rue des Carmes, within the Pierre-Mendès-France Cultural Centre, the Museum of Art and Archaeology offers a deeper understanding of the history of the Cantal. Its collections include, in particular, archaeological artefacts, works of art, sculptures and artefacts from various periods.
The entrance is via the Jardin des Carmes, a pleasant space that forms a natural extension of your stroll through the town centre.
In summer, the advertised opening hours are 11.00–18.00, Sunday to Friday; the museum is closed on Saturdays. As opening hours may change, it is best to check them before you visit.
Head up to Château Saint-Étienne
To round off the day with a panoramic view, head towards Château Saint-Étienne. The climb requires a bit of effort, but it offers stunning views of the rooftops of Aurillac and the surrounding countryside.
The castle itself is not currently open to the public. However, its garden remains open and is a pleasant place for a stroll. The keep is the site’s main medieval remnant, whilst the rest of the building was rebuilt in the 19th century following a fire.
Take a gourmet break and discover local specialities
Before leaving the town centre, pop into the shops to discover Cantal specialities. Cheeses, cured meats, jams and Auvergne dishes allow you to extend your visit onto your plate. Truffade is, of course, an option that’s hard to resist – unless you’ve planned a strenuous hike straight afterwards.
Aurillac is also renowned for its expertise in umbrella-making. In summer, colourful installations suspended above certain streets pay homage to this tradition and lend the town centre a particularly photogenic atmosphere.
What route should you take to explore Aurillac on foot?
For a smooth exploration, follow this route:
Place du Square → the old town → Place Saint-Géraud → the banks of the Jordanne → Rue des Carmes and the Jardin des Carmes → the Museum of Art and Archaeology → Château Saint-Étienne.
Allow half a day for a leisurely stroll, or a full day if you include the museum, lunch and a few breaks.
To plan your trip, you can book a flight now on our regular service between Aurillac Marie Marvingt and Paris-Orly.
See also:
Planning a trip to Aurillac? Here are the top 5 must-do activities
Aurillac: 3 hikes not to be missed
7 unmissable experiences to discover near Aurillac
Aurillac: 5 festivals to experience the Cantal in a different light
Aurillac in winter: Accessible ski resorts for snowy getaways