1. The museums of Aurillac
The Volcano Museum
At the heart of the medieval Château Saint-Étienne in Aurillac, an entire wing is dedicated to the Volcano Museum. Awarded the ‘Musée de France’ label, the exhibition takes you on a journey of discovery through the Cantal region via permanent and temporary exhibitions, workshops and activities designed for all ages, to delight young and old alike.
The tour covers both global upheavals and continental drift. The museum takes you on a journey of discovery through the Earth sciences, introducing concepts from geology and volcanology. But the tour also touches on the life sciences, with a focus on ecology, botany and zoology.
An invitation to unravel the mysteries of our planet and learn more about these giants of Auvergne, including the Cantal stratovolcano – which is none other than the largest extinct volcano in Europe.
The Museum of Art and Archaeology
The town of Aurillac is home to another museum, also awarded the ‘Musée de France’ label. It is currently situated in the town centre, in a 17th-century building that was originally the convent of the Visitandines before serving as the national stud farm from the 19th century until the 1980s.
Through a collection of paintings and sculptures, as well as a section dedicated to the fine arts, the museum traces a chronological journey. The Museum of Art and Archaeology explores the history of the Cantal from prehistoric times to the present day. A journey into the heart of this region of France’s traditions.
Good to know: with a view to enhancing the museum experience and gradually merging the two museums in Aurillac, temporary closures are planned from September 2023 to June 2024. However, activities are scheduled to take place off-site to bridge this transitional period.
In addition, a two-hour guided walk allows you to explore the historic centre of Aurillac and its iconic figures, notably Gerbert, the first French Pope, and Géraud, the founder of the town’s abbey.
2. Maison Piganiol
Fancy a taste of artisanal tourism during your business trip to Aurillac? Maison Piganiol has just the thing for you. Awarded the ‘Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant’ (Living Heritage Company) label, this Aurillac-based manufacturer has been making umbrellas since 1884.
Run by the same family for five generations, the factory opens its doors for a guided tour, allowing you to discover the unique craftsmanship behind its high-end products. Aurillac is none other than the umbrella capital of Europe, and Maison Piganiol continues to produce iconic models such as the ‘L’Aurillac’ umbrella and the ‘Parapluie de Berger’.
During a one-hour tour of the factory, discover the secrets of the craft, as well as various traditional trades: frame-maker, stitcher, pattern-maker…
3. The Rocher des Pendus
Perched on the heights above Aurillac lies a site of great character, offering one of the most beautiful views over the Jordanne Valley. At an altitude of 700 metres in the Alouettes district, you’ll enjoy an exceptional panorama.
The Rocher des Pendus site features an orientation board and information panels to complement the view, which stretches from Aurillac to the Plomb du Cantal, with historical, geological and botanical information.
It’s an unmissable stop during your stay. Even if you don’t have time to set off on the Auvergne Castles Trail or the Route des Crêtes, you’ll still get a lovely glimpse of the landscapes of the Aurillac region.
4. The International Street Theatre Festival
This is the unmissable event of August in Aurillac. Set against the rural backdrop of the Auvergne, this festival, founded in 1986, has established itself over the years on a European and international scale.
Bringing together around twenty companies as part of the official programme, more than 600 artists pass through during the festival, showcasing a wide variety of artistic forms. Talks, public events and even professional meetings punctuate these festive days.
In August, the Cantal region comes alive day and night with entertainment, theatre performances, brass bands and more… The Aurillac International Street Theatre Festival attracts over 120,000 people every year.
5. Bonal Cheese Shop
Don’t leave Aurillac without treating yourself to a gastronomic experience! A cheese tasting is a must in the Cantal region. Head to Jean Bonal, a cheesemaker and ripener whose speciality is raw-milk Cantal, sourced directly from the high mountains of Salers.
The Bonal Cheese Shop is a family-run business that has been preserving traditional maturing methods for half a century, offering you all types of Cantal: young, medium-aged, mature or reserve. In the shop on Avenue de la République, on the way to the station, you’ll also find Saint-Nectaire and fresh tomme.
Book your flight from Paris with Chalair today and discover the charming town of Aurillac. On your return journey from Aurillac-Tronquières Airport to Paris, why not take the opportunity to bring some regional specialities back in your hold luggage?