5-Star Hotels in Cantal

For a taste of rural France defined by volcanic landscapes and hearty food, head to Cantal. This is the least populated department in the country, a place of immense green spaces where you can hike the Puy Mary peak in the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne or explore the dramatic Gorges de la Jordanne. Days here are spent touring the cheese dairies around Salers, sampling the namesake Cantal cheese, and discovering medieval villages like Tournemire that cling to the hillsides.

This is a destination for active travelers, couples seeking a quiet retreat, and families who enjoy the outdoors over city sights. Renting a car is essential to properly explore the region’s scattered attractions. For a convenient base with good amenities, look to the area around Aurillac, the capital, or consider staying in one of the traditional stone houses in a village like Vic-sur-Cère for a more immersive experience.

Accommodation here is dominated by charming guesthouses, known as *gîtes*, and family-run hotels that offer great value. On HOTEVI, you can find options like the Hôtel du Parc in Aurillac for a practical town stay, or the more remote Hôtel Les Roches in Vic-sur-Cère, which has stunning views of the valley.