# Aurillac

> commune in Cantal, France

**Wikidata**: [Q174234](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q174234)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurillac)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/aurillac

## Summary
Aurillac is a commune in the Cantal department of France, located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It is known for its historical significance, cultural heritage, and role as a regional center in central France.

## Key Facts
- **Country**: France
- **Region**: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
- **Department**: Cantal
- **Arrondissement**: Aurillac
- **Cantons**: Aurillac-2, Aurillac-3, Aurillac-4
- **Inception**: Founded in 898
- **Population**: Ranges from approximately 25,000 to over 30,000 over recent decades, with a peak of 30,963 in 2012
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 44.925278, Longitude 2.439722
- **Website**: [http://www.aurillac.fr](http://www.aurillac.fr)
- **Aliases**: Orlhac
- **Notable Entities**:
  - Gare d'Aurillac (railway station)
  - Stade Aurillacois Cantal Auvergne (rugby team, founded 1904)
  - Fanum d'Aron (historical Fanum)
  - Jordanne (watercourse)
- **Historical Figure**: Gerald of Aurillac (Saint, Roman Catholic)
- **Natural Region**: Châtaigneraie

## FAQs
**What is Aurillac known for?**  
Aurillac is known as a commune in the Cantal department in central France. It is recognized for its historical roots dating back to 898, its role as an administrative center, and its cultural contributions including rugby and historical landmarks.

**Where is Aurillac located?**  
Aurillac is located in the Cantal department within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 44.9253° N and 2.4397° E.

**What are the administrative divisions associated with Aurillac?**  
Aurillac is part of the arrondissement of Aurillac and includes several cantons such as Aurillac-2, Aurillac-3, and Aurillac-4. It is also within the natural region of Châtaigneraie.

**What historical or cultural landmarks are associated with Aurillac?**  
Aurillac is associated with the Fanum d'Aron, a historical religious site, and is the birthplace of Saint Gerald of Aurillac. The city also hosts the Stade Aurillacois Cantal Auvergne rugby team, founded in 1904.

**What transportation infrastructure exists in Aurillac?**  
Aurillac is served by the Gare d'Aurillac, a railway station that connects the commune to broader regional and national rail networks.

## Why It Matters
Aurillac holds significance as a historical commune with roots dating back over a millennium. It serves as an administrative and cultural hub in the Cantal department, contributing to regional identity through its historical sites, sports teams, and local governance. Its long-standing presence and evolving demographics make it a microcosm of rural French communal life.

## Notable For
- **Historical Inception**: Founded in 898, making it over 1,100 years old.
- **Administrative Role**: Center of the arrondissement and multiple cantons.
- **Cultural Heritage**: Home to the Fanum d'Aron and associated with Saint Gerald of Aurillac.
- **Sports Legacy**: Hosts the historic Stade Aurillacois Cantal Auvergne rugby team.
- **Transportation Hub**: Features the Gare d'Aurillac, connecting it to national rail services.
- **Population Stability**: Maintains a population consistently above 25,000 with peaks near 31,000.

## Body

### History
Aurillac was founded in 898 and has maintained its identity as a commune in central France for over a millennium. It is deeply rooted in the historical and cultural fabric of the Cantal department. The commune has evolved through various administrative reforms while preserving its regional importance.

### Geography and Location
Located in the Cantal department, Aurillac lies within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Its geographic coordinates are 44.925278° N and 2.439722° E. The commune is part of the natural region of Châtaigneraie, which contributes to its rural and historical character.

### Administrative Divisions
Aurillac is structured within several administrative layers:
- **Arrondissement**: Aurillac
- **Cantons**: Aurillac-2 (incepted 2015), Aurillac-3 (incepted 2015), Aurillac-4
These divisions reflect its integration into the broader French administrative system.

### Demographics
Aurillac's population has fluctuated over the decades, ranging from approximately 25,000 to over 30,000. The population peaked at 30,963 in 2012, indicating a stable and significant regional population center.

### Cultural and Historical Significance
Aurillac is historically significant for its association with:
- **Gerald of Aurillac**: A Frankish nobleman later canonized as a Roman Catholic saint.
- **Fanum d'Aron**: A historical religious site located in the commune.
- **Stade Aurillacois Cantal Auvergne**: A rugby team founded in 1904, representing local sports culture.

### Infrastructure
Aurillac is served by:
- **Gare d'Aurillac**: A railway station connecting the commune to broader transportation networks.
- **Road and Utility Standards**: As part of France, it adheres to national standards including right-hand driving, metric system usage, and European time zones.

### Natural Features
The commune is traversed by the **Jordanne**, a local watercourse, adding to its natural and geographic diversity.

### Governance and Local Leadership
Aurillac operates under the French communal governance model, with local leadership responsible for municipal functions. It is part of the larger Cantal department, which was established on March 4, 1790.

### Notable Entities and Organizations
- **Stade Aurillacois Cantal Auvergne**: A rugby team founded in 1904.
- **Gare d'Aurillac**: The local railway station.
- **Fanum d'Aron**: A historical and cultural landmark.
- **Jordanne**: A local watercourse.

### Modern Presence
Aurillac maintains a digital presence through its official website: [http://www.aurillac.fr](http://www.aurillac.fr). This serves as a hub for local governance, events, and civic engagement.

Aurillac remains a symbol of historical continuity and regional identity within the evolving landscape of French communal life.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
4. INSEE code
5. répertoire géographique des communes
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Annuaire de service-public.fr
8. MusicBrainz
9. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
10. Populations légales 2016
11. Populations légales 2017
12. Populations légales 2018
13. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
14. Populations légales 2019
15. Populations légales 2020
16. Populations légales 2021
17. Populations de référence 2022
18. Populations de référence 2023
19. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
20. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
21. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
22. GeoNames
23. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
24. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
25. Quora
26. [Mairie Aurillac: Overview | LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/mairiedaurillac/)
27. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
28. museum-digital