Noirlac Abbey - Lake Virlay

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On the banks of the Cher, Noirlac Abbey watches over its wooded countryside, which has been cultivated by Cistercian monks since the12th century.
Still used for livestock farming, this area has retained its original landscape with its meadows surrounded by hedges. The hundred-year-old oak trees, wet meadows and ponds create a rare bocage landscape and protect 427 species.

Founded in 1150, Noirlac Abbey is one of the most complete Cistercian sites in Europe.
Today, it is a cultural centre and meeting place.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: Meillant to Tronçais path

Details

n°895594
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.79 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 15 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 7 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 7 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 161 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 148 m
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Photos

Noirlac Abbey
Lake Virlay - Saint-Amand-Montrond
Lake Virlay - Saint-Amand-Montrond

Description of the walk

(S) Noirlac Abbey. Leave the abbey on your right and follow the road (D35).

(1) Before the crossroads, turn right onto the path that runs alongside the Cher valley, parallel to the D2144. Continue to the Virlay water sports centre.

(2) Turn right to go around Lake Virlay.

(3) Banks of the Cher. Return to the water sports centre and then to the Abbey (E).

Alternative

-Cross the Abbey car park towards the toilets.
- Cross the footbridge towards the Abbey entrance.
- On the right, continue towards the pergola and follow the new path towards Lac de Virlay.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 154 m - Abbaye de Noirlac
  2. 1 : km 0.82 - alt. 161 m - Directions to the Virlay water sports centre
  3. 2 : km 1.99 - alt. 153 m - Water sports centre - Lac de Virlay
  4. 3 : km 2.8 - alt. 151 m - Le Cher
  5. S/E : km 7.79 - alt. 154 m - Noirlac Abbey

Notes

Bruère-Allichamps:
- Public toilets: Abbaye de Noirlac car park.
- Drinking water: Abbaye de Noirlac car park.

-Auberge de l'Abbaye de Noirlac
-Les Cistelles tea room (open in season)

Saint-Amand-Montrond:
- Public toilets: Lac de Virlay.
- Drinking water: Lac de Virlay.
Shops and restaurants on the shores of Lake Virlay.
Tourist Office - Place de la République - +33 (0)2 48 96 16 86 - GPS: 47.7255 / 2.5056

Worth a visit

Noirlac Abbey
Founded in 1150 by Cistercian monks, this abbey is located on the banks of the Cher River. Today, it is a cultural centre and meeting place. It welcomes visitors who are curious to discover its history and architecture. It hosts many concerts.

- Lake Virlay:
Virlay Lake is a pleasant and peaceful place to take a break. Classified as a Natura 2000 site, the lake's shores are home to a variety of flora and fauna, including many rare and protected species.

Reviews and comments

4.1 / 5
Based on 5 reviews
Reliability of the description
4 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.2 / 5
Route interest
4.2 / 5
User 23489931

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The main attraction is the abbey, and the path leading from it to the lake is quieter than the road.

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jmchang
jmchang

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 03, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

the first part follows a road; you can avoid this by leaving the abbey on your left instead of your right, and then take a beautiful new path that leads to Lake Virlay

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TourismeCoeurdefrance
TourismeCoeurdefrance

Thank you for your feedback. Feel free to explore the other sections of the Meillant to Tronçais hiking trail.

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jeflemon
jeflemon

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 10, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

An interesting hike, particularly for Noirlac Abbey, even if you can only admire it from the outside (closed due to Covid-19 restrictions). There is a slightly tricky section of road between the Abbey and the RD 2144 (caution, danger, especially on the way back, narrow shoulder near the Abbey):! (!)!:

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archambault.m
archambault.m

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 31, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very pleasant walk, very easy

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bonobo5
bonobo5

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 01, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average

the section between Noirlac Abbey and the lake car park is not of interest as it is too close to the busy road.

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