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 The southern Cantal with the rythm of the Boogie-Woogie -
To the South of Aurillac stretches a curious land where the running water of its many rivers shares its reign with the chestnuts. The region of "Châtaigneraie" (chestnut grove) is as surprising as the fruit that bears its name. It combines northern and southern influences in a disconcerting way with its red tiles and its green countryside. At the gates of the south of France, discover the charming dwelling of Maures, tightly congregated around its squat belfry and the old medieval dwelling of Laroquebrou which stretches along the Cère river.
A secret yet living land, the region booms in summer with the restless performances of best Boogie-Woogie pianists during one if the most important festivals in France, the Festival of Laroquebrou.
Masterpieces of chestnut country - Travellers who see Maurs, one if the oldest towns in the Cantal, for the first time, fall rapidly in love with it.. Even the modest lanes of Maurs are charming. In the Abbey of Saint-Césaire, visitors will devour the shrine-bust of Saint-Césaire, a h uge Gothic treasure, a pearl of the Romanesque goldsmiths and a whole of wooden statues that is unique in Auvergne. And to please the eye a bit more, the exhibitions of artists and art craftsmen in the nearby Castle of Laroquebrou is a must.
A walk along the gorges of the Cère -
The Cère river, a tributary of the Dordogne, starts at the foot of the "Plomb du Cantal" (the highest mount of the Cantal). To discover this tumultuous river and its many facets, experienced hikers can follow the footpath of the GR 652 (long distance footpath n°652), a long route of 13 miles (21km) overhanging the verdant gorges which goes from the gates of Laroquebrou to the Rocher du Peintre (the Painter's Rock).  Here, the forest reigns as a master, occupying steep hillsides and sometimes sheltering an uncommon fauna and flora. Passionate naturalists will also be able to appreciate the botanical paths of Senergues and the forest of La Luzette, near Sousceyrac. They might be able to see roebucks, squirrels or the flight of birds of prey.
A vast lake at the gates of Laroquebrou -  On the vast 1500 acres (600ha) water stretch of Saint-Etienne Cantalès, held back by a dam sculpted on the Cère, bathers and fishermen cohabit harmoniously. Some people will enjoy the sandy beaches of Renac as well as the nautical sport where others will choose a quiet boat to catch the local trout, which look a bit like the see trout. A good spot to fish flesh-eating fish and a great place for summer activities, the site is full of possibilities for nature lovers with its large peninsula, covered with shaded paths.
Did you talk about chestnuts? - It is obvious that this region owes its identity to this fruit, the historical icon of a small peasant community who wanted to live modestly. Nowadays, the "Castanhaires" (people of Châtaigneraie), rediscover their trees by putting chestnuts back into fashion, typically feasted during the Great Autumn Fair (Grande Foire Automnale) of Mourjou. In a warm atmosphere, roasted chestnuts, sweet cider, Pelou (a drink based on white wine and chestnut liqueur), cake or pâté will meet all your desires.
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