Mauriac

Visit Mauriac, Auvergne

Mauriac is a town on the side of a hill situated towards the north-west of the Cantal department, in the Auvergne region of France. The town originally developed around a benedictine monastery and is now officially listed as a 'small town of character'.

Exploring Mauriac

Mauriac is a traditional small Auvergne town with several small highlights to discover as you explore, a result of its history as an important local centre in both medieval times, and later during the Renaissance period.

There are lots of houses with facades dating from the 16th - 18th centuries providing the backdrop to the town, which has also preserved part of its original defensive fortifications. Start your visit to Mauriac with a stroll around the Place Georges Pompidou and the streets around the cathedral to see some of the best examples.

The most important buildings in Mauriac are religious in nature, of which the 12th century roman style Basilica Notre Dame des Miracles is the most imposing. Following a design very typical of the Auvergne, the church has a central octagonal tower and an ornately carved entrance of Christ and his apostles. Inside be sure to see the baroque style alterpiece and the ancient painted baptismal font.

Note also the Monastery of Saint Peter with origins dating back at least to the 6th century (the building we see today dates from the 15th-18th centuries) and the Puy Saint Mary Chapel (19th century).

Other things of note include the carved stone entrance to the Jesuits college, now the lycée in Mauriac (the entrance was added in the 18th century to the existing 16th century college) and the 17th century Hotel d'Orcet that includes a medieval tower (the building is now a local government office).

The Town Hall is another substantial building. Interestingly it was built using stone from a 12th century church that had been demolished in the early 19th century.

Visit the Mauriac Tourist Office on Rue Chappe d'Auteroche for the leaflet indicating the highlights of the town.

You can also find a good selection of restaurants in Mauriac.

Attractions nearby

Of particular interest to tourists (especially those with children) is a large lake with beach, swimming, pedal boats, a cafe and an extensive park area including a 9 hole golf course just south of Mauriac at Val Saint-Jean.

In the immediate region there are numerous small villages and hamlets to explore, typically little more than a cluster of houses around a medieval church. We recommend that you visit the two villages of Salers and Tournemire located to the south-east of Mauriac, which are both classified among the 'most beautiful villages of France'.

See Auvergne and Cantal (the region and department for Mauriac) for more travel ideas...

Tourist classifications for Mauriac: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 2*;

Suggested places to visit near Mauriac, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Aurillac 34km; Argentat 34km; Meymac 37km; Correze 40km; Parc des Volcans 41km; Tulle 45km; Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne 47km; Marcoles 49km;

Mauriac tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Salins - town of art and history (6km) : Verger de Déduit - remarkable garden (8km) : Parc-arboretum de Neuvic d'Ussel - remarkable garden (19km) : Puy Mary - grand site of france (29km) : Puy Griou - site of natural beauty (33km) : Jardin de la Ganille - remarkable garden (37km) : Plomb du Cantal - site of natural beauty (38km) :

See more places and a map at places near Mauriac