A unusual attack by bees in the French town of Aurillac has left 24 people injured, including three in critical condition.

The Prefecture of Cantal, in south-central France, said passers-by were stung over about 30 minutes on Sunday morning.

Firefighters and medical teams were rushed to the scene to treat the victims while police set up a security perimeter until the bees stopped their attack.

The three people in critical condition were evacuated to a local hospital.

Aurillac Mayor Pierre Mathonier told broadcaster France 3 the incident might have been related to Asian hornets threatening beehives that had been installed on the roof terrace of a downtown hotel more than 10 years ago.

He said this had likely caused the bees to become aggressive.

"All ended well," he said. "The emergency services were perfectly co-ordinated.

"There was no panic in Aurillac, but a number of people were stung."