Guide to Cantal & Property for Sale in Department 15

Cantal is a department located in the southern part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. The departmental capital is Aurillac, known for its cultural heritage, including the famous International Street Theatre Festival. Other significant towns in the area include Saint-Flour and Mauriac. The department is numbered 15 and shares borders with six different departments, namely Puy-de-Dôme, Haute-Loire, Aveyron, Lot, Lozère, and Corrèze, in the Massif Central natural region. Cantal, along with Lozère and Creuse, is one of France's most sparsely populated and geographically isolated departments. Aurillac, the departmental capital, is the farthest removed from a major motorway, making it a peaceful and secluded destination for visitors seeking a quiet getaway.

The Majestic Cantal Mountain Range

The Cantal region is named after the Plomb du Cantal, the central peak of the Cantal mountain chain, which cuts across the region. The Cantal range comprises a group of extinct and eroded volcanic peaks, with the highest point being the Plomb du Cantal, which reaches an elevation of 1,858 metres. Puy Mary (1,787 metres) and Puy Chavaroche (1,744 metres) are its neighbours. To the north lie the Cézallier and Dore ranges and the arid Artense Plateau. The fertile Planèze Plateau lies immediately to the east, bordered on the east by the Monts de la Margeride.

Lush Waterways and Natural Resources

The principal rivers in Cantal are the Alagnon (a tributary of the Allier), the Celle and Truyère (tributaries of the Lot), and the Cère and Rhue (tributaries of the Dordogne). The department has numerous natural resources, including dense forests, crystal clear lakes, and breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.

Agriculture and Dairy Excellence

The climate of Cantal is generally too cool and damp for grain farming, so much of the region is dedicated to pastures for Aubrac and Salers cattle, sheep, and formerly horses. This, in turn, supports a dairy industry responsible for butter and Roquefort cheese. The region is also known for its appellation-controlled cheeses, such as Cantal, Salers, and Bleu d'Auvergne. Cantal is the French department with the most significant number of appellation-controlled cheeses. However, proper Roquefort cheese production is now restricted to the Aveyron department.

Mineral Wealth and Historical Exports

The mineral products found in the region include coal, copper, lead, iron, antimony, granite, slate, and lime. However, the department's isolation and poor infrastructure have long precluded their exploitation. Before World War I, the primary exports were livestock, cheese, butter, and coal, while the main imports were coal, wine, grain, flour, and pottery.

A Destination for All

Today, Cantal is a region that offers something for everyone, from beautiful scenery to delicious local cuisine and fascinating culture.

Key Information about Cantal

• Main City/Prefecture: Aurillac
• Nearest Airport: Aurillac-Tronquières Airport  
• Population: Around 145,000 (as of the latest census)
• Area: 5,726 sq. kilometres and 2,211 sq. miles
• Landmark: Puy Mary, a volcanic peak offering breathtaking views and outdoor activities.
• Number of Tourists per Year: Approx. 900,000, attracted by its mountains, hiking trails, and cheese culture.