Cantal

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About Cantal

A mountainous region in the middle of France’s central plateau, Cantal sits to the south-west of Clermont-Ferrand. Famous for extinct volcanic peaks topped with verdant forests, it’s a wonderful destination for outdoorsy explorers. The best places to stay in Cantal offer flexible accommodation for couples, friends or families and cater to a range of tastes and budgets, making this an excellent choice for an active holiday. Our pick of the properties includes an authentic auberge and a fabulous ecolodge.

The Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park is the largest in mainland France, and is choc-full with things to see and do. You’ll find a plethora of fantastic walks and hikes, as well as trails suitable for mountain biking excursions and guided horse riding treks. Highlights include clambering up the Puy Mary, the Puy Chavaroche and the Plomb du Cantal peaks and admiring the views from the Viaduct du Garabit or the Esplanade de Barrouze. The Gorges du Pas de Cère are striking, as are the Gorges de la Jordanne and the Cascade des Veyrines.

Culture-focused visitors should explore the Château de Pesteils, the Château d’Anjony or the Château de Val. The historic town of Salers is another highlight — and it’s not far from some of the best places to stay in Cantal.

The Best Places to Stay in the Cantal

For Families or Groups

  • Auberge de Concasty offers a collection of comfortable rooms in a stone farmhouse as well as multi-bedroom gîtes for families or groups. Guests share access to the swimming pool, gardens, billiards room and spa. Lovely.
  • Le Bailliage is a family-run establishment with an excellent restaurant and 22 attractive rooms in the pretty village of Salers. Unwind on the terrace as a couple or with family and friends after days of hiking, fishing, horse riding and mountain biking. Very convivial.

For Eco-Luxury

  • Instants d'Absolu Ecolodge & Spa is a beautiful lakeside lodge with elegant interiors featuring minimalist white and cream decor and mesmerising views. Explore the Auvergne Nature Park, enjoy restorative spa treatments with local botanicals, and dine on flavoursome fare crafted from seasonal produce. A gorgeous eco-minded escape.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR VILLA

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Fly to Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport two hours from Cantal by car or bus. Alternatively, hop aboard the train from various French hubs to Le Lioran, and drive the final 35 minutes to Cantal.
  • The Auvergne region is great for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Travel during the spring or summer for the best weather, with temperatures ranging between 18 and 25°C in June to August. May or September are ideal for quieter trips, whilst summers can be busy.

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Best Hotels in Cantal

  • Auberge de Concasty Cantal 12 rooms from £62

    Auberge de Concasty
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    Total relaxation  -  Peace and quiet all around and there's also an on site spa
    Back to Nature  -  Gorgeous setting in the Auvergne countryside
    Great walks  -  There are plenty of excellent walking trails almost directly from your front door
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolParking
    Recommended by  -  Sawdays

    Traditional country house located in a rural setting. Exposed stone walls, wooden beams, white-washed panelled walls and pretty florals create a shabby chic feel. Delicious, locally sourced cuisine is served in the restaurant. All this plus a spa, library and billiards room will help you unwind. See More

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  • Le Bailliage Salers 22 rooms from £69

    Le Bailliage
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    Great walks  -  There are more than 34 different hiking trails in the Auvergne region or with children visit Les Gorges de la Jordanne.
    Sights nearby  -  There are beatiful landcaped gardens in the region, for example Le Jardin Delirant.
    Views  -  The bedrooms enjoy views over the Puy mountain and gardens.
    Fishing  -  Lac de Longayroux is described as a fisherman's paradise.
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking

    Situated in the picturesque village of Salers, Le Bailliage is a lovely hotel offering 22 bedrooms each with its own charming style but each one as comfortable as the next. The hotel spa offers relaxing treatments and the hotel restaurant serves delicious regional cuisine. See More

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  • Instants d'Absolu Ecolodge & Spa Chavagnac, Auvergne 16 rooms from £172

    Instants d'Absolu Ecolodge & Spa
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    Foodies  -  The chef produces fabulous gourmet meals from locally sourced seasonal produce.
    Back to Nature  -  Riding in the forest, fishing in the lake, walking..
    Spa  -  The spa does reiki, shiatsu, reflexology, and several massages including energetic ones. A dedicated adults only area.
    Great walks  -  Fabulous walking country - all right from the door, whether you want a short stroll or a day long hike.
    SpaRestaurantGardenViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Sawdays

    A fabulous eco-lodge surrounded by a lake, mountains and a volcano. Chic boutique rooms and suites are minimal with wooden floors, alpaca throws, and antiques. Refined local cuisine is sourced from the surrounding area. Fishing, riding, hunting, and spa therapies. A romantic & stylish rural escape. See More

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