📍 France

CANTAL: AUVERGNE VOLCANOES AND MOUNTAIN TRADITIONS

Volcanic peaks glow rust and gold, mountain cheese culture thrives, ancient valleys echo. Cantal is volcanic heritage.

≈ 9
Days
245
Km
8
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Discover Aurillac, Salers village and its cheese, Saint-Flour perched on its plateau, Chaudes-Aigues hot springs and Cantal's volcanic landscapes. Authentic Auvergne with mountain traditions.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Aurillac

city gateway anchor center

Aurillac - Photo 1Aurillac - Photo 2Aurillac - Photo 3Aurillac - Photo 4Aurillac - Photo 5Aurillac - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Saint-Étienne Castle.
2
Volcano Museum.
3
Renaissance houses.
🎯

Activities

→
Market (Saturday).
→
Street theatre festival (August).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 31.4 km
Travel time: 1h03
2
Day

Salers

castle village charm stone

Salers - Photo 1Salers - Photo 2Salers - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Puy Mary (Grand Site de France).
2
360° panorama.
3
Notre-Dame de Haute-Auvergne statue.
4
Museum of Haute-Auvergne.
🎯

Activities

→
Salers AOC cheese tasting.
→
Hike to the summit.
→
Plomb du Cantal by cable car.
+1 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 38.5 km
Travel time: 1h17
3
Day

Murat

volcanic peak crown high

Murat - Photo 1Murat - Photo 2Murat - Photo 3Murat - Photo 4Murat - Photo 5Murat - Photo 6Murat - Photo 7Murat - Photo 8Murat - Photo 9Murat - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Hottest spring in Europe (82°C).
2
Thermal and climatic resort.
3
Pas de Cère Waterfalls.
🎯

Activities

→
Panoramas over the Margeride.
→
Thermal heritage.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 25.6 km
Travel time: 51min
4
Day

Saint Flour

plateau city glow view

Saint Flour - Photo 1Saint Flour - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
House of Gentian and Plants of Auvergne.
2
Notre-Dame-des-Miracles Basilica.
3
Museum of Haute-Auvergne.
🎯

Activities

→
Hiking in the valley.
→
Pas de Cère Canyon.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 27.7 km
Travel time: 55min
5
Day

Chaudes Aigues

thermal spa water warm

Chaudes Aigues - Photo 1Chaudes Aigues - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Hottest spring in Europe (82°C).
2
Thermal baths.
🎯

Activities

→
Avèze Distillery.
→
Hike on the plateau.
→
Walk to Anjony castle.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 42.7 km
Travel time: 1h25
6
Day

Vic Sur Cere

river gorge glow valley

Vic Sur Cere - Photo 1Vic Sur Cere - Photo 2Vic Sur Cere - Photo 3Vic Sur Cere - Photo 4Vic Sur Cere - Photo 5Vic Sur Cere - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Thermal and climatic resort.
2
Pas de Cère Waterfalls.
🎯

Activities

→
Hiking in the valley.
→
Pas de Cère Canyon.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 44.4 km
Travel time: 1h29
7
Day

Riom Es Montagnes

mountain valley spread high

Riom Es Montagnes - Photo 1Riom Es Montagnes - Photo 2Riom Es Montagnes - Photo 3Riom Es Montagnes - Photo 4Riom Es Montagnes - Photo 5Riom Es Montagnes - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Old town.
2
Church.
3
House of Gentian and Plants of Auvergne.
🎯

Activities

→
Avèze Distillery.
→
Hike on the plateau.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 34.9 km
Travel time: 1h10
8
Day

Mauriac

city anchor tower medieval

Mauriac - Photo 1Mauriac - Photo 2Mauriac - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Notre-Dame-des-Miracles Basilica.
2
Old town.
🎯

Activities

→
Market.
→
Walk to Anjony castle.

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 7 and 11 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.