Hotels in Aurillac: Where to Stay in 2025
Updated 9 August 2026 · 12 real hotels
The historic city centre is the best base for most visitors to Aurillac, putting you within walking distance of the old town, the castle, and the main restaurants. For a quieter stay with easy parking, the peripheral zones near the ring road are a solid alternative. The city is compact and manageable on foot or by car.
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 | 49 €/nuit |
| Hotel Campanile Aurillac ★★★ | Aurillac | ★ 3.9 | 57 €/nuit |
| Le Renaissance ★★★ | Aurillac | ★ 3.8 | 65 €/nuit |
| B&B HOTEL Aurillac Le Lioran ★★ | Aurillac | ★ 4.5 | 66 €/nuit |
| Square Hotel | Aurillac | ★ 4.2 | 67 €/nuit |
| Hôtel Le Castanea | Aurillac : à 9,3 km | ★ 5 | 72 €/nuit |
| The Originals Boutique, Grand Hôtel St Pierre | Aurillac | ★ 4 | 82 €/nuit |
| ibis Aurillac ★★★ | Aurillac | ★ 4.2 | 88 €/nuit |
| Hotel Zadig ★★★ | Aurillac | ★ 4.5 | 95 €/nuit |
Aurillac is the quiet capital of the Cantal department, tucked into the southern Massif Central at roughly 600 metres of altitude. It sits at the foot of the Cantal volcanoes, the largest extinct volcanic massif in Europe, making it a natural gateway for hiking, skiing at Lioran, and exploring the dramatic landscapes of the Auvergne. The city itself is small, with around 26,000 inhabitants, which means getting your bearings takes no more than an afternoon.
Beyond its role as a base for outdoor adventures, Aurillac has a genuine local character: weekly markets, a well-preserved medieval quarter around the Château Saint-Étienne, and a food culture rooted in Salers beef, Cantal cheese, and the regional spirit gentiane. It is also internationally known for its Festival International de Théâtre de Rue, held every August, which draws street-performance troupes from across the world and fills the entire city centre with spectators. If you are visiting in late August, book well in advance.
Which area to stay in Aurillac?
- City Centre (Centre-Ville): The default choice for most travellers. Hotels, restaurants, and cafes are all within easy walking distance, and the old town streets, covered market halls, and the Château Saint-Étienne are right on your doorstep. Ideal for first-time visitors and those without a car.
- Place du Square / Cours Monthyon area: A slightly more refined pocket of the centre, close to the main public garden and the river Jordanne. Good for travellers who want a calmer atmosphere while still being central. Several of the better-rated hotels in the data sit in or near this zone.
- Aurillac Station Quarter (Gare): Practical for arrivals by train from Clermont-Ferrand or Figeac. A functional area with straightforward access to the rest of the city. Not the most characterful part of town, but convenient if you are arriving late or leaving early.
- Périphérie Nord / Zone Commerciale: The northern edges of Aurillac, along the ring road, host more budget-oriented lodging and chain hotels. Free parking is easy here, which matters in Cantal where many visitors explore the region by car. The trade-off is that you will need a vehicle to reach the old town.
- Les Carmes Quarter: A historic residential neighbourhood close to the old Carmelite convent. Quiet, with a local feel, and close enough to the centre to walk to most sights. Well suited to travellers who prefer a neighbourhood atmosphere over a purely hotel-strip location.
Good to know
- Rent a car on arrival: Aurillac has no metro or tramway. The local bus network (Auribus) covers the city, but the Cantal region is best explored by car. The Jordanne valley, the Puy Mary, and the Truyère gorges are all within an hour's drive and poorly served by public transport.
- Book early for the Street Theatre Festival: The Festival International de Théâtre de Rue takes place every third week of August. The city fills up entirely, and accommodation sells out months in advance. Prices can also rise. If you are not attending the festival, that specific week is the one to avoid.
- Best seasons are late spring and early autumn: May to June and September to October offer the most pleasant conditions for hiking and sightseeing, with mild temperatures and thinner crowds. July is busy with summer tourism. Winter is cold and sometimes snowy, but the ski resort of Le Lioran is only 35 km away.
- Getting there by train takes time: The nearest major rail hub is Clermont-Ferrand, with a train journey of around 2.5 to 3 hours to Aurillac. From Paris, total travel time by rail is roughly 5 hours with a connection. Aurillac also has a small regional airport (AUR) with limited scheduled connections, mainly to Paris-Orly.
- Carry cash for markets: The Saturday market on the Place du Square and the weekly covered market are central to local life in Aurillac. Some smaller stallholders still prefer cash, and the atmosphere is worth slowing down for.
What to know about hotels in Aurillac?
What is the best area to stay in Aurillac?+
The city centre is the most convenient and atmospheric area for most visitors. It keeps you within walking distance of the old town, the main restaurants, and the Saturday market. If you are travelling by car and prioritising budget or parking ease, the northern periphery is a practical alternative.
What is the best time of year to visit Aurillac?+
Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) are generally the most pleasant times, with comfortable temperatures for hiking and exploring the Cantal volcanoes. August brings the famous street theatre festival, which is lively but means the city is very crowded and accommodation scarce.
How much does a hotel in Aurillac cost per night?+
Based on currently available properties, prices range from around 51€ per night for a 2-star hotel up to 100€ per night for a well-rated 3-star option. Mid-range hotels in the city centre generally fall between 65€ and 99€ per night, making Aurillac an affordable destination compared to larger French cities.
How do you get from Aurillac airport or train station to the city centre?+
Aurillac train station is located on the edge of the city centre and is walkable to most hotels in about 10 to 15 minutes. Aurillac Airport (AUR) is approximately 5 km from the centre and is best reached by taxi or a pre-arranged transfer, as no dedicated shuttle service operates on a regular schedule.
Is Aurillac a good base for exploring the Cantal region?+
Yes. Aurillac sits at the southern end of the Cantal volcanic mountains and is well positioned for day trips to the Puy Mary, the Truyère gorges, Salers village, and the ski station at Le Lioran. A rental car is strongly recommended, as public transport connections to these sites are limited.
Plan your stay in Aurillac
Tell us your wish, your dates and your budget. Charlize puts together hotels, activities and tables in one conversation.