Creuse walks

Chassagnas, of Latin origin, Cassania or Gallic Cassanus, means oak. Chassagnas consists of a wooded slope down to the edge of Lake Vassivière and a partially open summit offering a 180° view of the lake. The Chassagnas peninsula, jutting out into the heart of Lake Vassivière, forms the boundary between the Creuse and Haute-Vienne departments. Together with its twin, the Puy du Rocher, which dominates Vauveix, it forms 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.

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

This is a walking guide. The vast Étang de la Chaume lake conceals some little-known spots that this interpretive trail invites you to discover as you walk along part of the shore and wander through the surrounding woods and moors. Please be discreet towards the wildlife and fishermen, and wear good shoes in wet weather.

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.

Set off to explore the town of Auzances and the village of La Mérodie. Hiking information sheet available from the Auzances Tourist Office (Place du Marché).

A short, shaded circular loop between woods and meadows, hilly, consisting of very passable dirt tracks and very small roads used by locals. During the walk, you will pass a small pond with tables and benches. Horses may be present on the route.

This 5 km route, which links two villages, mainly follows very old rural paths, cleaned by volunteers from the Pierres et Nature de Thauron association: two recent forest tracks, created for the exploitation of conifer plantations, and a tarmaced communal road, which has a long history.

A beautiful hike at the gateway to Auvergne, discovering the small heritage sites and landscapes of Creuse. Discover the flora and fauna of our countryside and stop at pretty viewpoints.

This hike offers the chance to discover several wooden statues, magnificent views and various examples of local heritage. You will also pass through the village of Charron with its church and imposing war memorial.

Starting from Courdemanges, this is a magnificent, well-maintained walk through woodland. Note the recent restoration of an old weighbridge, magnificent views and the imposing Croix Tontus in the village of Courdemanges.

Stroll through the Drouille Forest along small paths. Enjoy the magnificent undergrowth and admire several crosses along the way, including the imposing stone cross of Courdemanges.