Aurillac and its historic center | Pays d'Aurillac Tourism

Must-sees in Aurillac's historic center

Aurillac is the ideal place to recharge your batteries. The town harmoniously combines village charm and urban amenities, without the drawbacks of a large metropolis. Visitors can enjoy magnificent scenery, with the surrounding mountains only minutes away, ideal for a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking and forest walks. Aurillac is the perfect place for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with nature.

Explore Aurillac’s historic center, a treasure trove of heritage offering remarkable diversity and richness. We’ll guide you through a captivating tour.

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The Tourist Office offers guided tours of Aurillac’s historic center during the school vacations!

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La Place du square

In the heart of Aurillac, the Place du Square is a lively and convivial place, animated by events, markets and festivals. This verdant space invites you to contemplate its greenery, sculptures and fountains. All around, the bustle of shops, cafés and restaurants mingles with the majesty of historic monuments such as the Château Saint-Étienne, and the Hôtel de Ville, famous for its covered market.

Saint-Géraud Abbey

Saint-Géraud Abbey, founded in the 9th century by Saint-Géraud, is a jewel in the crown of Auvergne’s religious and historical heritage.
This former Benedictine monastic center played a crucial role in the spiritual and cultural influence of the region during the Middle Ages.
In the Middle Ages, it was famous for its school, attended by Gerbert d’Aurillac, also known as Sylvester II, the first French pope in history.

At the heart of the abbey, theSaint-Géraud abbey church, rebuilt several times, embodies a fascinating blend of architectural styles, bearing witness to its eventful history. Although it has been altered over the centuries, it retains elements of great richness, such as a Romanesque triplet in the transept.

The abbey church houses a remarkable German-French organ, built in 1779 by the organ builder Joseph Rabiny.
The instrument, a fascinating example of the art of organ building at the time, features 3 manuals and 2,440 pipes.

Place Saint-Géraud

The abbey hospital

The abbey hospital, located opposite the church and closely linked to its history, illustrates the mission of assistance and care that was incumbent upon religious communities in the Middle Ages.

The façade of this Romanesque building, composed of three raised arches supported by columns with capitals, is adorned with a Latin inscription (ECCE QUIES HOMINUM DOMUS) meaning “Here is a house of rest for men”.

The basin

Carved from serpentine, a distinctive deep-green stone, the basin is not only an objet d’art, but also a testament to the skills of our craftsmen.
Serpentine, prized for its strength and unique hue, gives the piece a robust yet elegant appearance.

The Consular House

The Maison Consulaire is an emblematic building of the local civil heritage. Built in the 14th century, it served as the seat of the consulate, a municipal institution in charge of the town’s administration before the Revolution. It bears witness to the political and social organization of Aurillac in the modern era.

The building is distinguished by its facade adorned with mullioned windows and delicate carvings. The materials used, particularly ashlar, underline the care taken in its construction, reflecting the wealth and importance of the institution it housed.

Transformed and now restored, the Maison Consulaire has stood the test of time, and today retains a central position in the old town center.

Rue des Carmes

Rue des Carmes is one of the city’s most emblematic thoroughfares, rich in history and charm.

It owes its name to the Carmes monks who founded a convent here in the Middle Ages. This religious presence left a lasting mark on the street’s identity, as four convents were established here.

The street also reflects local know-how, with its craft stores and convenience stores.

The Jardin des Carmes (formerly the Visitation convent, now the stud farm enclosure) houses the Musée d’Art et d’Archéologie and its exhibition rooms, as well as the Centre Pierre Mendès France, home to the Conservatoire de Musique et de Danse.

Green spaces

Aurillac, a town in the countryside, is endowed with numerous green spaces ideal for relaxation and communion with nature.

The banks of the Jordanne, with their emblematic view of the ancient ramparts and the Saint-Géraud abbey church, offer a bucolic interlude in the city.

Square Vermenouze has long been a lively meeting place.

Château Saint-Étienne

The Château Saint-Étienne, perched on a hill, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Although the château is not currently open to the public, its garden remains open, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside. This historic site is an ideal stop-off point for those wishing to relax in verdant surroundings while admiring the views from this location.

History: Fortified site from the 9th century: the keep is the only vestige of the medieval era. The castle burned down in 1868 and was rebuilt by Gustave Lisch on the model of the Popes’ Palace in Avignon. The keep was listed in 2010 and the site in 1974.

Crafts and gastronomy

Aurillac, proud of its crafts and gastronomy, offers an authentic glimpse of its generosity. Artisanal stores await you with quality products such as knives, umbrellas, cheeses, charcuterie and jams. Local restaurants invite you to savour Auvergne cuisine, rich in local products such as truffade, aligot and cornet de Murat. Don’t miss gourmet events such as the Goudots Gourmands, celebrating the flavours of the Cantal region.

To discover

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