Discovering Cantal (Department 15)

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Cantal (Department 15) is one of France's most rural, peaceful and unspoilt departments. Named after the ancient Cantal volcanic massif, it is a land of dramatic mountains, green valleys, traditional villages and some of France's finest cheeses.

For English-speaking buyers looking to escape busy urban life, retire somewhere tranquil, purchase a holiday home or embrace outdoor living, Cantal offers authenticity that's becoming increasingly difficult to find elsewhere in Europe. While it lacks the convenience and international profile of southern France, it rewards residents with beautiful scenery, welcoming communities, affordable property and an exceptional quality of life.

At a Glance

Feature	Information
Region	Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Historic name	Haute-Auvergne
Department number	15
Department capital	Aurillac
Largest towns	Aurillac, Saint-Flour, Arpajon-sur-Cère, Mauriac
Population	Approximately 145,000
Area	5,726 km²
Climate	Mountain climate with snowy winters, warm summers and higher rainfall
Best suited for	Retirees, outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, second-home owners, remote workers seeking tranquillity
Is a car recommended?	Yes – essential in most areas
English-speaking community	Small but welcoming
Lifestyle summary	Peaceful rural living surrounded by spectacular volcanic landscapes

Why Choose Cantal?

Cantal appeals to those seeking a slower, more authentic French lifestyle rather than a destination dominated by tourism or large expatriate communities.

Lifestyle

Life revolves around local markets, family-run businesses, farming traditions and outdoor pursuits. Days tend to be quieter, with strong community ties and a genuine sense of neighbourliness.

Community

The expatriate population is relatively modest compared with Dordogne or Provence, making Cantal ideal for those wishing to integrate into French life. Local associations, village events and markets provide excellent opportunities to meet people.

Scenery

The department is famous for:

• The Cantal Volcano

• Mountain plateaus

• Deep river valleys

• Forests

• Lakes

• Rolling pastureland

Many consider it one of France's most spectacular natural landscapes.

Accessibility

Although rural, Cantal remains accessible via:

• A75 motorway (eastern side)

• Regional rail services

• Aurillac Airport

• Clermont-Ferrand Airport (nearby)

Travel takes longer than in more central regions, but this contributes to its peaceful atmosphere.

Food

Cantal is one of France's great food-producing departments.

Specialities include:

• Cantal cheese

• Salers cheese

• Bleu d'Auvergne

• Charcuterie

• Beef from Salers cattle

• Lentils

• Traditional mountain cuisine

Culture

The department retains a strong Auvergnat identity with:

• Folk music

• Traditional festivals

• Historic villages

• Romanesque churches

• Agricultural traditions

Property

Property remains among the most affordable in mainland France.

Options include:

• Stone farmhouses

• Village homes

• Renovation projects

• Country cottages

• Modern homes in larger towns

Pace of Life

This is slow living at its finest.

Expect:

• Little traffic

• Clean air

• Quiet evenings

• Strong seasons

• Outdoor lifestyles

• Traditional values

Is It Right For You?

Lifestyle	Rating	Why
Retirees	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Excellent healthcare access in main towns, peaceful environment and affordable housing.
Families	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	Safe communities and good schools, though rural locations mean fewer entertainment options.
Second-home owners	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Beautiful scenery, affordable homes and year-round appeal.
Entrepreneurs	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	Opportunities exist in tourism, food production and local services, but the market is relatively small.
Remote workers	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	Increasing fibre coverage and exceptional quality of life, although internet speeds vary in remote villages.
Outdoor lifestyle	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	One of France's best departments for hiking, cycling, skiing and nature.
City lifestyle	⭐☆☆☆☆	Not suitable for those seeking nightlife, shopping districts or major cultural venues.

Popular Places to Live

Aurillac

The departmental capital offers the widest range of services, shops and healthcare.

Ideal for

• Retirees

• Families

• Professionals

Advantages

• Largest hospital

• Good shopping

• Schools

• Rail connections

• Cultural events

Things to consider

• Busier than the rest of the department

• Wetter climate than many parts of France

Saint-Flour

A historic hilltop town overlooking dramatic landscapes.

Ideal for

• History lovers

• Remote workers

• Retirees

Advantages

• Beautiful architecture

• Easy A75 access

• Strong local services

Things to consider

• Cold winters

• Smaller shopping offer

Mauriac

A traditional market town in western Cantal.

Ideal for

• Peaceful retirement

• Rural lifestyles

Advantages

• Friendly atmosphere

• Good local facilities

• Affordable homes

Things to consider

• Limited employment opportunities

Salers

One of France's officially recognised "Most Beautiful Villages."

Ideal for

• Holiday homes

• Heritage enthusiasts

Advantages

• Stunning medieval setting

• Strong tourism economy

• Excellent restaurants

Things to consider

• Busy during summer

• Limited year-round services

Murat

A charming mountain town popular with walkers and cyclists.

Ideal for

• Outdoor enthusiasts

• Remote workers

Advantages

• Railway station

• Beautiful scenery

• Vibrant local community

Things to consider

• Snowy winters

Vic-sur-Cère

Located in the Jordanne Valley.

Ideal for

• Families

• Nature lovers

Advantages

• Attractive surroundings

• Good access to Aurillac

• Family-friendly

Things to consider

• Car essential

Arpajon-sur-Cère

A suburb of Aurillac offering modern conveniences.

Ideal for

• Families

• Professionals

Advantages

• Shops

• Schools

• Easy commuting

Things to consider

• Less historic character than nearby towns

Cost of Living

Compared with many French departments, Cantal offers excellent value for money.

Property affordability

Housing is generally very affordable, particularly in villages and rural areas. Renovation opportunities are plentiful, while larger family homes often cost considerably less than equivalent properties in more fashionable regions.

Shopping

Daily shopping costs are broadly similar to elsewhere in France. Weekly markets provide excellent local produce, while larger supermarkets are concentrated around Aurillac and Saint-Flour.

Utilities

Heating costs can be higher due to colder winters, especially in older stone properties. Well-insulated homes and efficient heating systems are worth considering.

Eating out

Restaurants offer generous portions of traditional Auvergnat cuisine, often representing excellent value compared with tourist regions.

General value for money

Overall, Cantal provides one of France's strongest combinations of affordable housing, low congestion and high quality of life.

Healthcare

Healthcare provision is very good considering the department's rural character.

Main hospitals

• Aurillac Hospital Centre

• Saint-Flour Hospital

• Mauriac Hospital

Healthcare availability

Most residents register with a local GP, while specialists are concentrated in Aurillac and larger regional cities such as Clermont-Ferrand.

Access to specialists

Some specialist appointments may involve travelling outside the department.

Pharmacies

Every sizeable town has pharmacies, with emergency services available outside normal opening hours.

General healthcare considerations

Living in remote villages may mean longer journeys to hospitals, making location an important consideration when purchasing property.

Education

Schools

Primary and secondary schools are available throughout the department, with larger towns offering broader educational choices.

Colleges

Aurillac and Saint-Flour provide further education colleges and vocational training.

International options

There are no international schools within Cantal itself. Families seeking English-language education may need to consider boarding schools or international schools in larger cities.

Language schools

French language classes for newcomers are available through community organisations and adult education providers.

Getting Around

Airports

• Aurillac Airport

• Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport (around 1.5–2 hours away from much of the department)

Rail

Regional rail services connect Aurillac and Saint-Flour with Clermont-Ferrand, Toulouse and other destinations.

Roads

The A75 motorway provides excellent north-south access on the eastern side of the department. Scenic departmental roads connect rural communities.

Public transport

Bus services exist but are limited outside major towns.

Is a car recommended?

Yes. For most residents, particularly in villages and rural locations, a car is essential for shopping, healthcare and everyday life.

Weekly Markets

Town	Main Market Day
Aurillac	Wednesday & Saturday
Saint-Flour	Tuesday & Saturday
Mauriac	Thursday
Murat	Wednesday
Vic-sur-Cère	Tuesday
Salers	Wednesday (seasonal emphasis)
Riom-ès-Montagnes	Saturday

Local Food & Drink

Cantal is one of France's outstanding food regions.

Local specialities include:

• Cantal AOP cheese

• Salers AOP cheese

• Bleu d'Auvergne

• Fourme d'Ambert (regional)

• Salers beef

• Truffade

• Aligot

• Pounti

• Charcuterie

• Mountain honey

• Gentian liqueur

• Local craft beers

• Auvergne wines from neighbouring areas

Things to Do

Historic sites

• Medieval towns

• Romanesque churches

• Castles

• Traditional villages

Outdoor activities

• Hiking

• Mountain biking

• Skiing

• Snowshoeing

• Horse riding

• Fishing

• Canoeing

Museums

• Agricultural museums

• Local history museums

• Art collections in Aurillac

Festivals

• Aurillac International Street Theatre Festival

• Cheese festivals

• Agricultural fairs

• Traditional music events

Nature

• Volcanic mountains

• Regional Natural Park of the Volcanoes of Auvergne

• Lakes

• Forests

• Panoramic viewpoints

Family attractions

• Wildlife parks

• Adventure parks

• Steam railway experiences

• Educational farms

• Swimming lakes

Good to Know Before You Move

Language

French is essential for integrating into local life. English is less commonly spoken than in more tourist-oriented departments.

Rural living

Many villages have limited services, so planning shopping trips and healthcare appointments becomes part of everyday life.

Internet

Fibre broadband continues to expand, although speeds vary depending on location. Check connectivity before purchasing property if remote working is important.

Seasonal tourism

Summer brings visitors to the mountains and historic villages, but tourism remains relatively low-key compared with many French regions.

Climate

Expect genuine seasons with snowy winters, colourful autumns and pleasantly warm summers. Heating requirements are greater than in southern France.

Community life

Village events, local associations and markets remain central to community life. Those who make an effort to participate are generally welcomed warmly.

Useful Biz Où? Guides

Depending on your plans, these guides may also be helpful:

• Buying a Home in France

• Retiring to France

• Second Home in France

• Starting a Business in France

• Healthcare in France

• Tax in France

Find Trusted English-Speaking Businesses

Whether you're living in Cantal, moving to Cantal, retiring in Cantal or buying a holiday home, having reliable local support can make settling into French life much easier.

Use Biz Où? to find trusted English-speaking businesses, including property specialists, tradespeople, healthcare professionals, accountants, legal advisers, gardeners, cleaners, pet services and many other local experts. Every listing is designed to help you connect with businesses that understand the needs of English-speaking residents, making your move to Cantal smoother and giving you greater confidence as you build your new life in one of France's most beautiful rural departments.