Hotels in Aurillac: Where to Stay in 2025
Updated 15 September 2026 · 17 real hotels
Aurillac is a compact prefectural city in the Cantal department, and most visitors do best by staying in or very close to the historic centre, where hotels, restaurants, and the old town are all walkable. Budget travelers can find solid options from 44€/night, while those wanting more comfort will find well-rated three-star properties under 100€.
Your stay in Aurillac, in one conversation
Charlize builds hotels, activities and dining around your wishes, dates and budget.
Where to stay on any budget?
A real selection, real prices, from the most affordable to the showstopper.
| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Originals Access, Hôtel Aurillac ★★ | Aurillac | ★ 4.4 | 51 €/nuit |
| Hotel Campanile Aurillac ★★★ | Aurillac | ★ 3.9 | 53 €/nuit |
| Auberge La Tomette, The Originals Relais ★★★ | Aurillac : à 16,4 km | ★ 4.5 | 58 €/nuit |
| Le Renaissance ★★★ | Aurillac | ★ 3.8 | 67 €/nuit |
| Square Hotel | Aurillac | ★ 4 | 67 €/nuit |
| B&B HOTEL Aurillac Le Lioran ★★ | Aurillac | ★ 4.5 | 72 €/nuit |
| L'Hôtel Lac des Graves ★★★ | Aurillac : à 13,2 km | ★ 4.5 | 78 €/nuit |
| ibis Aurillac ★★★ | Aurillac | ★ 4.2 | 85 €/nuit |
| The Originals Boutique, Grand Hôtel St Pierre | Aurillac | ★ 4 | 89 €/nuit |
Aurillac sits at roughly 610 metres above sea level in the southern Massif Central, making it the highest prefectural city in mainland France. That elevation shapes everything: the air is noticeably fresh, the surrounding volcanic landscape is dramatic, and the pace of life is genuinely calm. It serves as the natural gateway to the Cantal volcanoes, the Truyère gorges, and the regional park that surrounds it, which means it attracts both hikers and road-trippers who use the city as a base for day excursions.
The city itself is modest in size but full of personality. The medieval quarter around the Château Saint-Étienne, the lively market atmosphere, and the famous annual street-theatre festival (Festival de Théâtre de Rue) in August give Aurillac a cultural weight that surprises many first-time visitors. Hotel infrastructure matches the city's scale: a tight selection of independent and branded three-star properties, most of them centrally located, with prices that remain well below what equivalent quality would cost in larger French cities.
Which area to stay in Aurillac?
- Historic Centre (Vieille Ville): Best for first-time visitors and those without a car. Walkable access to the cathedral, covered market, restaurants, and the main cultural venues. Several of the listed hotels are located here or just at its edge.
- Around Place du Square: The area near the main public garden and commercial streets, quiet in the evening but convenient for daytime errands and cafés. A good balance between central access and a slightly calmer atmosphere.
- Rue du Monastère and Carmes Quarter: A historic pocket of the old town with narrow streets and stone architecture. Charming on foot, and close to the covered market. Suits travelers who want character over convenience.
- Northern Approaches (near the train station): Practical for travelers arriving by rail without a car. A short walk to the centre, with budget-oriented accommodation options. Less atmospheric but functional.
- Périphérie and Route Nationale Corridors: For visitors arriving by car who plan day trips into the Cantal countryside. Easier parking, but requires a vehicle for most evening outings. Less recommended for those wanting to explore the city itself on foot.
Good to know
- Book early for August: The Festival de Théâtre de Rue (street-theatre festival) is one of the largest in Europe and fills Aurillac completely every August. Prices rise and availability drops sharply, so book at least two to three months ahead if your dates overlap.
- A car is useful but not mandatory in town: The historic centre is compact and walkable. However, if you plan to visit Salers, the Puy Mary, or the Truyère gorges, a rental car makes the trip significantly easier since public connections to those sites are limited.
- Aurillac has a small regional airport (AUR): Flights connect mainly to Paris-Orly. The airport is a few kilometres from the centre and taxis are the practical option since there is no direct bus link. The train station connects Aurillac to Clermont-Ferrand and Figeac, though journey times are long.
- Spring and early autumn are the most comfortable seasons: Summers can be warm but the altitude keeps temperatures moderate. Winters are cold and snowfall is possible, so driving into the surrounding mountains requires preparation between November and March.
- Central hotels fill up on market days and festival weekends: The Saturday market is lively and draws visitors from the surrounding region. If you want a quieter stay, mid-week arrivals tend to offer more relaxed conditions in the town centre.
What to know about hotels in Aurillac?
What is the best area to stay in Aurillac?+
The historic centre is the most practical and enjoyable choice for most visitors, giving walkable access to the main sights, restaurants, and markets. Properties like the Best Western Grand Hotel De Bordeaux, Hotel Zadig, and Hôtel des Carmes are well-placed for exploring on foot without needing a car in the evening.
What is the best time of year to visit Aurillac?+
Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September) offer pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and good conditions for hiking in the surrounding Cantal. August is vibrant due to the street-theatre festival but hotels fill up fast and prices rise. Winter is quiet and cold, with potential snow at higher altitudes.
What is the average hotel budget for a night in Aurillac?+
Based on available hotels, you can find a two-star option from around 44-49€/night, while three-star properties with strong ratings sit between 67€ and 99€/night. Aurillac is genuinely affordable compared to larger French cities, and quality-to-price ratios are generally good at the mid-range level.
How do you get from Aurillac airport or the train station to the city centre?+
Aurillac Airport (AUR) is a few kilometres from the centre and is best reached by taxi, as no regular bus service connects it directly. The train station is closer to the centre and walkable in around 10 to 15 minutes with light luggage, or a short taxi ride with bags.
Is Aurillac a good base for visiting the Cantal volcanoes and the regional park?+
Yes, Aurillac is the most practical urban base for the Cantal natural region. Key sites like the Puy Mary, the medieval village of Salers, and the Truyère gorges are all within roughly an hour by car. Public transport to these sites is limited, so a rental car is strongly recommended if nature excursions are your priority.
Plan your stay in Aurillac
Tell us your wish, your dates and your budget. Charlize puts together hotels, activities and tables in one conversation.