Aurillac

Aurillac, capital of the Département Cantal and Haute-Auvergne, developed around a former abbey, which was founded by Saint Géraud in the 10th century. In the Middle Ages it was also home to the famous educator Gerbert, who became Archbishop of Reims, an advisor to Emperor Otto III and who was later appointed pope, known as Pope Sylvester II (999-1003). The small market town is a good base for exploring the Cantal region.