Campsites in Cantal
There are about a hundred campsites in the Cantal, so this year, why not rent a mobile home on a campsite in Cantal for your next holiday?
We particularly recommend Domaine la plage du Garoustel***, in Saint-Gerons, located on the shores of Lake Saint Etienne-Cantalès, with direct access to a sandy beach, or the Huttopia Lac de la Siauve*** campsite in Lanobre, located on the shores of Lake Bort-les-Orgues, in the heart of 10 hectares of green countryside.
Discover the Cantal during your camping holiday
A volcanic mid-mountain region
Part of the Cantal department is protected by the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park. Cantal is a mountainous region shaped by one of the largest volcanic complexes in Europe, offering unique landscapes of deep valleys, rounded ridges and panoramic peaks.
The highest road pass in the Massif Central, the summit of the green pyramid of Puy Mary (1,787 m) offers a superb volcanic panorama. It is an ideal starting point for hiking, mountain biking or simply admiring the views of the Cantal mountains.
Across these volcanic landscapes, valleys and plateaus follow one another, revealing remarkable natural sites such as panoramic passes, green gorges and vast summer pastures. This exceptional setting invites you to explore the Cantal on foot, by bike or from the heights, while enjoying the raw beauty of the mountains and the tranquillity of the great outdoors.
Villages, castles and heritage of the Cantal
Cantal, nestled between volcanic mountains and green valleys, offers a surprising wealth of culture and heritage for a rural area. Its villages and ancient towns allow you to immerse yourself in local history and traditions. Among the most iconic villages is Salers, ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, with its lava stone houses and medieval streets. Not far away, Tournemire reveals the Château d'Anjony, a medieval fortress perched at the top of the village. History lovers can also visit Maurs-la-Jolie, the "round town" with medieval charm, as well as the medieval town of Laroquebrou and the stronghold of Montsalvy, examples of the region's defensive architecture. Among the hundred or so castles in the Cantal, each with its own distinctive character, Val, Pesteils, Alleuze, Auzers, Messilhac and the Tours de Merle stand out
The main towns in the department are also worth a visit:
- Aurillac, the capital of Cantal, with its museums, Saint-Géraud Abbey and picturesque historic centre;
- Saint-Flour, perched on a volcanic spur, famous for its cathedral and panoramic views of the Truyère gorges;
- Mauriac, with its Benedictine abbey and lively medieval centre;
- Riom-ès-Montagnes, gateway to the Monts du Cantal and starting point for many hikes;
- Chaudes-Aigues, famous for its thermal springs, known since Roman times, which gush forth at 82 degrees.
The natural and rural heritage is just as rich: traditional chestnut groves, the Cère Gorges and the panoramic hill of Saint-Mamet-La-Salvetat offer spectacular landscapes and exceptional views. The Saint-Étienne-Cantalès dam, with its landscaped surroundings, is ideal for walking and relaxing by the water.
Finally, local markets, festivals and crafts offer an insight into authentic life in Cantal, with its crafts, gastronomy and living traditions. Every village, castle and natural site is an invitation to explore the heritage of Cantal, while adding a pleasant touch to your camping holiday.
Hiking and outdoor activities
The Cantal is an exceptional playground for outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its volcanic landscapes, green valleys and panoramic ridges. Le Puy Mary and its marked trails offer hikes for all levels, from family walks to more challenging routes. The passes and panoramic views that dot the massif allow you to discover the department from a spectacular angle, on foot or by bike.
The resort of Le Lioran is another hub for activities in both summer and winter: hiking, mountain biking, via ferrata and, in the cold season, skiing or snowshoeing. The Jordanne and Cère valleys are also ideal for walking, trail running and exploring gorges and waterfalls, while fishing and paragliding enthusiasts will find these varied landscapes the perfect setting for their passions.
Between forests, pastures and volcanic panoramas, every outing in the great outdoors is an immersion in the beauty and tranquillity of the Cantal.
Lakes, rivers and wide open spaces
Cantal is not just about mountains: its lakes and rivers add a gentle, refreshing dimension to the landscape. Lake Saint-Étienne-Cantalès, a vast reservoir, is a great place for swimming, paddleboarding, fishing or simply strolling along the water's edge. Its shores offer beaches and easy trails, ideal for families or leisurely walks.
The Jordanne and Cère gorges punctuate the area with spectacular scenery: footbridges, waterfalls and rocks shaped by erosion invite you to enjoy excursions surrounded by nature and panoramic views. The valleys of these rivers also offer unspoilt landscapes, where villages and hamlets nestle in the greenery, reinforcing the feeling of escape and tranquillity.
For those seeking wide open spaces, the plateaus and pastures of the Cantal mountains offer impressive panoramas and views of the surrounding ridges and valleys . Between lakes, rivers and natural expanses, each outing becomes an immersion in the diversity of the Cantal's landscapes, ideal for lovers of nature and tranquillity.
Gastronomy and local traditions
Cantal is a land of generous gastronomy, where each dish tells the story of the mountains and pastures. Salers cows, emblematic of the region, provide the milk needed to produce AOP Cantal and Salers cheeses, two local specialities. Their presence in the summer pastures, surrounded by volcanic landscapes, symbolises the link between nature, tradition and local expertise.
Cantal cuisine can also be enjoyed through specialities such as aligot, tripoux and artisanal charcuterie, often available at village markets and local festivals. Local producers, cheesemakers and artisans offer the opportunity to discover authentic flavours and take home gourmet souvenirs.
For those with a sweet tooth, mountain honey and artisanal jams complete a rich and varied culinary panorama. Between convivial meals in inns, tastings at producers' premises and village markets, Cantal's gastronomy becomes an essential part of any camping holiday, punctuating walks and visits with unique local flavours.
Discover Cantal out of season
Cantal can be explored all year round, well beyond the summer period. In spring and autumn, the landscapes are adorned with changing colours, the valleys and ridges remain accessible for hiking or cycling, and visitor numbers are much lower, offering an authentic and relaxing experience.
Even out of season, villages such as Salers, Mauriac and Saint-Flour retain all their charm, and the local markets continue to offer cheese, charcuterie and local produce. The lakes, rivers and plateaus remain ideal places for walking, and some resorts, such as Le Lioran, offer nature activities adapted to non-summer conditions, including walks, mountain biking and exploring the volcanic landscapes.
Discovering Cantal out of season also means enjoying large, unspoilt spaces, observing nature in complete tranquillity and enjoying a more intimate stay, punctuated by encounters with local inhabitants and producers. It's a great way to prolong the camping experience while exploring the authenticity and diversity of the region.