Cantal is a departement of Auvergne-Rhône Alpes region in France. It is named after the Cantal mountain range, a group of extinct, eroded volcanic peaks, which covers much of the department.
Geography
The department is part of the current region of Auvergne Rhône-Alpes and is surrounded by the department of Puy-de-Dôme, Haute-Loire, Aveyron, Lot, Lozère, and Corrèze.
The principal towns are Aurillac, Saint-Flour, and Mauriac. The topography of Cantal is hilly, the highest point is Le Plomb du Cantal, 1858 metres.
History
Cantal is one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790. It was created from a part of the former province of Auvergne, called Haute-Auvergne.
Gastronomy
Dishes of Cantal are made of basic recipes. At the origin, there was designed to satisfied for the all day the farmers on the mountains. They had very physical work: To look after the cows, the elaboration of the cheese, etc.
Thus, ham, cheese, vegetables are at the basis of the dishes in this department, such as:
- The Aligot (also in Aveyron): Cheese (Fresh Tome) with mashed potatoes
- The Truffade: Crushed potatoes with cheese (Fresh Tome) garlic and plugs.
- The Pounti: A light dish made with herbs and a kind of bread.
- The typical cheese Cantal, which can be chosen young, old or “entre-deux”.
Music & dance – Nature and Sport influences
The typical dance in Cantal is called La Bourée. People dance with the sound of accordion, in typical costumes.
Sport has a very important influence in the culture of the department, especially those in contact with nature. Inhabitants enjoy cycling, excursions, hang gilder, aquatic activities …
Cantaliens have naturally adapted their behaviour and activities to their environment, made of great spaces, a bit savage.
Useful information:
Tourism office in Auvergne:
www.francetourism.com
Maps of Auvergne:
www.ign.fr
www.viamichelin.com
Gites in Auvergne:
www.1000gites.com
Travel from the UK
By air: Ryanair flies from London Stansted to Rodez.
www.ryanair.com
Our team of sale advisers at Sextant Properties will be happy to help you to find a property in Auvergne. We have a large network of partners in Auvergne. All of them are registered French real estate agents and speak both French and English. Whatever kind of property you are looking for: farmhouse, longere, barn, gite, B&B, country house, mill, castle or chateau, we will do our best to find a property in Auvergne matching your requirements.