Cantal is a stunning region in France that offers visitors plenty of attractions, activities, and delicious cuisine. It is home to many small towns and villages, with Aurillac being the largest and most important city.
The main attractions in Cantal include the fortified town of Salers, the Ancient Roman ruins at Puy Mary, and the charming village of Valojoulx. Not only that, but Cantal is also renowned for its deep cheese-making traditions and beautifully flavored local cheeses. Come to Cantal and explore this vibrant region for yourself!
Are you a cheese lover? Are you looking for a place to indulge your passion for all things cheesy? If so, then Cantal may be just the destination for you! Cantal is renowned for being the cheese-making hub of France. A region where ancient traditions merge with modern innovation to create some of the most delicious cheeses in the world.
In this blog post, we’ll explore everything Cantal has to offer cheese aficionados from its deep history in cheese-making to some of the unique benefits of living there. So grab a piece of your favorite fromage and read on to discover why Cantal should be your next relocation destination!
Overview of Cantal
Cantal is located in the south-central region of France and is part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It covers a total area of 5,875 km2 (2,273 sq mi), making it one of the largest departments in metropolitan France. Cantal has lovely landscapes that are characterized by its mountains, valleys, and rolling hills, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.
The department is home to many small towns and villages, with Aurillac being the largest and most important city. The main attractions in Cantal include the fortified town of Salers, the Ancient Roman ruins at Puy Mary, the Volcanic region of the Monts Dore, and the charming village of Valojoulx.
Cantal is also home to a multitude of wildlife, which includes wolves, wild boars, otters, and deer. It is also renowned for its delicious local cuisine that features dishes such as aligot (a mashed potato dish with cheese), truffade (a potato dish with bacon), and Pounti (a cake made with prunes).
Cantal is a great place to visit if you are looking for a unique part of France that offers a range of activities, attractions, and culture. There is something for everyone in Cantal, whether it is a relaxing holiday or an active adventure. With its spectacular scenery, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine, it’s no surprise that Cantal is one of France’s most popular destinations.
Cantal Cheese: A Staple in French Cuisine and Culture
Cantal cheese is a staple in French cuisine and culture and has been for centuries. It is one of the most popular cheeses in France, with its mild flavor and creamy texture making it ideal for cooking dishes such as fondue or gratins. The cheese also pairs wonderfully with sweet accompaniments such as honey, apples, figs, and pears.
Cantal cheese is also a great way to experience the unique flavors of France and its diverse landscapes. From creamy soups to tart tarts, Cantal cheeses will make any dish more flavorful and delicious.
The Region’s Deep Cheese-Making Traditions
Cantal is famed for its deep cheese-making traditions, which date back to the Middle Ages. Cantal cheese was first made by the monks of the Abbey of Mauriac in 1598. This creamy and mild cow’s milk cheese is produced using traditional methods and has gone on to become a staple of French cuisine. The production methods have been passed down through the generations and remain much the same today.
Cantal, which has a Protected Designation of Origin status, is the only cheese in France to be made from raw cow’s milk. It is then aged for two months, during which time it develops its characteristic flavor and texture. The cheese is usually eaten as is, or it can be grated over pasta dishes.
Cantal is also known for its walnut and chestnut-flavored local cheeses such as ‘Fourme de Montbrison’ and ‘Saint Nectaire’. These delicious varieties are often paired with sweet accompaniments such as honey, apples, figs, grapes, and pears.
Cantal is a perfect destination for food lovers who want to sample a variety of local dishes made with these traditional cheeses. From creamy soups and gratins to tarts and fondues, the range of cheese-based dishes in Cantal is vast and delicious.
Exploring the Diversity of Cantal Cheese
Cantal cheese is made in a variety of styles and ages, ranging from young and creamy to mature and pungent. The most famous Cantal cheese is the ‘AOC Monts du Cantal’, which has been produced since 1965. This cheese is known for its sweet nutty flavor and smooth texture that makes it ideal for melting.
Other varieties of Cantal cheese include the ‘Laguiole’, which is a semi-hard type that has a mild flavor, and the ‘Salers’, which is made from raw milk and aged for at least nine months. For those who like their cheese with a bit more bite, then the slightly spicy ‘Fourme de Cantal’ is a perfect choice.
Cantal cheese is a great way to experience the unique flavors of France and its diverse landscapes. From creamy soups to tart tarts, Cantal cheeses will make any dish more flavorful and delicious.
The Benefits of Living in the Cheese-Making Hub of France
Cantal is considered the cheese-making hub of France, and for good reason. Living in this region offers numerous benefits for cheese lovers and those interested in the cheese-making industry.
Here are some of the benefits of living in the cheese-making hub of France:
Access to Fresh, Locally-Made Cheese
When living in Cantal, you’ll have easy access to some of the freshest, most delicious cheese in the world. Cheese-making is an integral part of the local culture, and many small, family-owned cheese-making businesses operate in the region.
Opportunities to Learn About Cheese-Making
Living in Cantal means that you can immerse yourself in the cheese-making industry and learn about the process of making cheese. You can attend workshops and classes, visit cheese-making farms and factories, and even try your hand at making your own cheese.
Career Opportunities in Cheese-Making
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in cheese-making, living in Cantal offers many opportunities to do so. The region is home to a large number of cheese-making businesses, and there is always a need for skilled workers and artisans.
A Strong Sense of Community
The cheese-making industry in Cantal is tightly knit, with many families and businesses working together to create some of the best cheese in the world. Living in this region means being a part of this community, which can offer a strong sense of belonging and camaraderie.
Embracing a Unique and Delicious Lifestyle in Cantal
Living in Cantal allows you to embrace a unique and delicious lifestyle that is centered around cheese. From attending workshops and classes on cheese-making to visiting farms and factories, there are plenty of opportunities to learn about the process and become part of the local cheese community.
With its abundance of fresh, locally-made cheeses as well as traditional dishes such as aligot and cheese soups, you can truly immerse yourself in the rich culture of Cantal. Whether you’re looking for a career in cheese-making or just want to experience delicious cuisine, embracing the unique lifestyle in Cantal is an opportunity not to be missed.
In conclusion
Cantal is a beautiful region in France that has much to offer visitors. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and delicious local cuisine, it’s no surprise that Cantal is one of the most popular destinations in France.
Not only does it have plenty of attractions to explore, but it’s also renowned for its deep cheese-making traditions and unique local cheeses. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday or an active adventure. Cantal is the perfect place to experience all that France has to offer. So why not come and explore this delightful region for yourself? You won’t regret it! Bon, voyage!
