Aurillac Attractions

Aurillac, the old capital of Auvergne (pop. 30,551) has a picturesque old town which grew up round the abbey of St-Géraud, founded in the 10th century and rebuilt after its destruction in the mid 17th century The first French Pope, Silvester II (Gerbert; 10th-11th century), came from its monastic school. The church of Notre-Dame- des-Neiges (14th century, restored in 17th century) has a fine 17th century Black Virgin. The 19th century Château St-Etienne, which has a wing dating from the 11th century, now houses the Maison des Volcans, with a collection of minerals and displays illustrating volcanic activity.