Aurillac

Aurillac (Lat. Aureliacum), the capital of the department of Cantal, France, on the right bank of the river Jourdanne, which is spanned by a fine bridge. The town grew up in the eighth and ninth centuries round the abbey founded by S. Geraud, to which was attached one of the most famous schools in France. The ruins of this building and of the old castle are in existence, but most of the town is modern. Copper ware, jewellery, woollen goods and blonde lace are made, and there is a large market for cattle and horses.