Cantal

department, France

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June 22, 2026

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Cantal is a department in south-central France, located within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It is part of the larger Massif Central upland area. The department's capital is Aurillac, situated at an elevation of 2,040 feet above sea level. Cantal is known for its dairy farming and is the origin of a hard, cheddar-type cheese also named Cantal. The region features volcanic landscapes, with the Plomb du Cantal being one of its highest peaks. Historically, the area has seen agricultural development, particularly cattle rearing for both dairy and meat production, and is also recognized for other cheeses like Bleu d’Auvergne.123

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Auvergne
of Allier, Puy-de-Dôme, Cantal, and Haute-Loire. In 2016 the Auvergne région was joined with the région of Rhône-Alpes to form the new administrative entity of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
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of Allier, Puy-de-Dôme, Cantal, and Haute-Loire. In 2016 the Auvergne région was joined with the région of Rhône-Alpes to form the new administrative entity of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
Read More