Creuse walks

Chassagnas, of Latin origin, Cassania or Gallic Cassanus, refers to the oak tree. Chassagnas consists of a wooded slope down to the edge of Lake Vassivière and a partially cleared summit offering a 180° view of the lake.The Chassagnas peninsula, jutting out into the heart of Lake Vassivière, forms the boundary between Creuse and Haute-Vienne. Together with its twin, the Puy du Rocher, which overlooks Vauveix, it acts as a barrier between the lake's two main bays.

A fairly demanding long loop that allows you to walk along or above the Creuse and discover its tributary, the Petite Creuse. Monet painted these banks many times, and with good reason! This hike is best done when the trees are still bare. IBP56 rating

The first part of the circuit takes you along La Mourne, a lively little river with numerous waterfalls and cascades. The second part takes you through the Faux-Mazuras forest, and the third part finally takes you to the top of the Roches Mazuras, in a corner of moorland, where you can enjoy unobstructed views.

Along a narrow goat track lined with boxwood forest, this circuit takes you through a wild landscape of gorges, where memories of a pilgrimage to the Virgin Mary remain on the banks of the Chat-Cros.

At the gateway to the Millevaches plateau, set off on a walk punctuated with information panels to discover a 50-hectare listed natural site.

The village of Royère-de-Vassivière was established on a strategic pass on the Millevaches plateau, at the crossing point of a prehistoric ridge path. The ridge paths (or pouges) allowed people to travel long distances. They favoured the granite peaks of the rounded hills, called Puy or Peux, and avoided the damp, peaty valley bottoms that only cattle frequented.

A circular route starting from Saint-Pardoux-Morterolles that also allows you to discover the Cascades d'Augerolles site. This hike passes through meadows, woods, forests and the areas around the waterfalls. A few panoramic views, streams and a plank bridge complete the picture. It should be noted that the roads, where there are any, are forest roads, some paved and some unpaved, but in any case very little used.

This is an opportunity to discover a rather secret path leading to the impressive Poirier Waterfall. Here, the Thaurion becomes a bubbling river that bounces off large granite boulders. This walk will also take you across two footbridges over the Thaurion, between twin ponds, along paths through woods and undergrowth, and across meadows.

This short hike also gives you the opportunity to discover the charming village of Chambon-sur-Voueize. The walk can be done as a circular route, but only the first half runs along the Voueize gorges. For once, I vote for a return trip to enjoy the scenery along the banks twice.

Starting from the Martinèche car park, Martin Nadaud, the most famous mason in the Creuse, invites you to follow the paths of his childhood to discover the built and natural heritage of the commune of Soubrebost in half a day.

During this walk, you will discover some of the many ponds in the commune of Flayat. You are in a mushroom-rich area and the landscape is spectacular in autumn when the trees are ablaze with colour and reflected in the ponds.

Starting from Sous-Parsat, this hike offers the opportunity to admire the amazing frescoes and stained glass windows of the village's Saint-Thomas Church, to stop at Mareilles in front of the "cylindrical" fountain and its pretty basin, and to walk through the undergrowth or across the bocage.

This hike through the valley of painters allows you to discover a stretch of the Petite Creuse and Creuse rivers, as well as numerous viewpoints that have been a source of inspiration for many painters. This is a family-friendly hike with numerous benches and tables, as well as information panels along the way explaining the paintings created in this part of the valley.

A short hike that will allow you to explore the area around Anzême and enjoy a view overlooking the Devil's Bridge. You will then reach the banks of the Creuse and set off to discover the Mouline Waterfall.

Starting from Thauron, this is an easy walk that takes you along a small section of the magnificent Thaurion Gorges, then into the countryside.

A family walk around this lake, which is classified as a National Nature Reserve.

This two-stage route of 2 x 18 km will take you on a journey of discovery around one of the largest artificial lakes in France. You can expect to see mid-mountain landscapes, varied vegetation including fir forests, moors and peat bogs, and wild flora and fauna on this tour of Lake Vassivière, commonly known as "Little Canada". The highlight of the route: a stopover at the Pourvoirie du Lac stopover lodge (accommodation, breakfast and dinner with a panoramic view of the lake).

A journey through the centuries: history, legends and mysteries await you. At the foot of the village tower, strange fields of stones spread out and serve as hiding places for fairies and elves.

Enjoy a beautiful walk through the woods to discover the Pierres Jaumâtres, an iconic natural site in the north of the Creuse. You will discover this listed site and its legend, a favourite walking spot of George Sand and Chopin when they stayed at the Château de Boussac.

West of Felletin, starting from the hamlet of Verminier, this route crosses forests, woods, meadows and hamlets. You will cross small streams and walk along ridges that often offer unobstructed views. There are few roads on this walk, but there are a few climbs to warm up your legs.

The Cazine ponds walking guide was produced in partnership with the Conservatoire d'Espaces Naturels and the local association A4P. It highlights the exceptional heritage around two ponds currently undergoing ecological conversion. The pleasant route alternates between distant views and the immediate surroundings of these wetlands. If possible, bring a smartphone with you to access the information provided along the route.

A pleasant little circular, best done on a spring day. The embankments are bursting with wildflowers: orchids, forget-me-nots, Solomon's seals, chickweed, garlic mustard, crosswort, Persian speedwell, bright pink campion... a riot of colour! This is an easy, countryside walk that's perfect for families. There are a few ponds and two pretty castles to discover along the way.

Starting from Néoux, this is a short, easy circular family walk along pleasant paths and part of a Roman road, the Sentier de César, through woods and meadows. The route is designed to avoid roads as far as possible.

Peat bogs develop in granite basins called alveoli, where the acidic, poor soil provides favourable conditions for their growth. These fragile environments are home to a specific flora composed of very particular primitive plants: sphagnum mosses. The different stages are visible here: low marshes covered with quaking bogs, active raised bogs, and peat heaths bordered by willows and birches.

The dam is complemented by the Auchaise dyke, which seals off a depression in the ground on the right bank about 400m from the main structure. This reservoir also receives water diverted from the upper basins of the Taurion (La Vaud-Gelade), Vienne, Dorat and Chandouille (Faux-la-Montagne) rivers.

At the foot of the highest peaks of the Plateau de Millevaches, set off to discover the small village of Pallier.

A route to admire the Glénic viaduct from above before taking the tracks and sunken paths through woods and meadows.

Between Guéret and Sainte-Feyre, this is a short, easy hike that allows you to discover the oppidum and the beautiful panorama from the summit of Puy de Gaudy.

This hike will take you to the Trois Cornes with its many viewpoints over the surrounding countryside. The first part takes you around the foot of the Trois Cornes, leading you to the statue of Saint Valéry, then you will discover the various peaks from which you can observe the surrounding countryside before descending to the Étang de la Valette.

Starting from Felletin, this short hike will take you along streams, rivers and brooks, wells, wash houses and drinking troughs, crossing footbridges, a typical Limousin plank bridge and even a balancing ford.

Faux-la-Montagne owes its name to its high altitude (over 700 metres above sea level) on the western edge of the Millevaches plateau. Around Lake Faux, beech and oak trees mingle with conifers, occupying what was still sheep pasture in the 19th century.

This hike allows you to discover the Creuse in all its forms: a fast-flowing river north of Felletin, which slows down and spreads out before the dam, then drops downstream before resuming its course towards Aubusson. Left bank, then right bank, the circular route also takes you to the Combes dam.

Hike in the Maupuy massif above Guéret. This route will allow you to discover magnificent views and the old granite quarries. The hike is partly marked with yellow signs managed by the Monts de Guéret Tourist Office.

A walk to discover the Cher and La Tarde rivers. Suitable for families on foot or by mountain bike, and some points can even be reached directly by car.

This hike allows you to explore the northern slope of the Chabrières massif with numerous passages through the undergrowth and a passage near the Parc au Loups.

Discover the charming village of Paulhac, with its Templar Commandery (Gothic church and chapel).

A hike/walk in a magnificent site that has inspired many Impressionist painters. Beautiful views of the Creuse valley.

Beautiful hike starting from the municipal lake in Clugnat, along a small country road running alongside the Verraux river and lined with majestic beech trees. In Poussange (420 m above sea level), there is a lovely viewpoint over the surrounding countryside and Clugnat. The walk follows a path through fields and woodland. The return journey crosses a wooden bridge over the river.

The banks of the Banize and Thaurion are truly enchanting! A visual treat that slows down your average speed: it's impossible not to stop repeatedly to contemplate the course of these two rivers, the balanced granite boulders or the mini waterfall that wants to play the big one.

Starting from the village, this circular route will take you to the Croix du Loup and allow you to explore the woods of Champagnat. On a clear day, you can see the Massif du Sancy and the Puy de Dôme. Please note that this route is not signposted. So make sure you have the description with you.

Located on the Millevaches plateau, Lac de la Vaud-Gelade is an artificial lake, created between 1940 and 1944, with a surface area of 300 hectares. It is fed by the Thaurion and several streams. It is used for electricity production. Its earthen dam with a granulite foundation holds 21 million cubic metres of water, which feeds Lac de Vassivière, depending on its water needs, through a 4km-long underground tunnel.

A family-friendly walk with plenty of sections through the woodland. It takes you first to the Chabrières pond and anthill (with information boards), then to the arboretum at the end of the walk. Yellow-marked walk: route managed by the Monts de Guéret Community of Communes.

Cascading streams, mysterious places of worship and unexpected views set the scene for this short, fairly hilly route through the Versille countryside. You’ll pass from the Sédelle valley to the Chaudron valley, walking over the hills that form the geological fault line of the Marche fault. Where possible, do bring a smartphone to access the information provided along the route.

This first stage takes you through unspoilt countryside, with a route that is both wild and surprising.

An easy route, following tracks, paths and short stretches of road, often shaded, allowing you to discover various hamlets in the Donzeil area.

A short, easy walk, ideal for families. There are a few roads to take at the start, but the rest of the route is mainly along paths or tracks. It’s also a chance to discover the little church in Savennes, with its sky-blue ceiling and peaceful atmosphere… if you can find the key to get in… (*)

PLEASE NOTE: due to heavy rain, the route is currently inaccessible (note dated 17/02/26). The vast Étang de la Chaume lake conceals little-known places that this interpretive route invites you to discover as you walk along part of the shore and wander through the surrounding woods and moors. Please be discreet around wildlife and fishermen, and wear good footwear in wet weather.

The three-village trail will take you from the village of Chard to the village of Lioux-les-Monges, where you can enjoy beautiful views and visit the Jardin de la Cure. You will finish the hike by crossing the village of Châtelard. Hiking information sheet available from the Auzances tourist office (Place du Marché).

Les paysages sur la vallée de la Creuse sont stupéfiants et variés. Vous verrez des cours d'eau, des forêts, le Moulin de Villard qui fonctionne encore, des vielles maison et des vaches (en saison). Bref un condensé de Creuse en une seule randonnée.

A circular loop through the pastures of the Creuse countryside. Alternating between paths and very small roads. Beautiful views of the countryside. No shade, so avoid this walk in hot weather.