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.

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.

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.

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

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

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 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.

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.

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

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

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.

A circular walk starting from the village. This is a pretty path through woods and meadows with a few hills. A pleasant surprise awaits you on the last four kilometres, where wooden statues have been placed along the route.

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.