Bessines-sur-Gartempe walks

A walk along a narrow, steep path overlooking the Gartempe bypass.

Covering approximately 330 hectares, Lake Saint-Pardoux is the second largest body of water in the Haute-Vienne department. Due to its irregular shape, the tour of the lake is no less than 24 km long. This hike is more accessible in length and takes you along the northern shore of the lake after climbing through the countryside to the outskirts of Chatenet Colon.

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

A short walk of less than 10 km passing by the Chapelle Saint-Martin, situated near the Étang des Sagnes, which is on peatland. 90% of the route is on paths and through woodland.

This is a fairly steep and challenging ride for horses. It is fairly easy for riders, especially if they are comfortable with long climbs... Pretty scenery around Les Retouillères. It can be done in either direction, with the biggest climb being on the way to Catheraud on the Puy de Jabreilles side. The paths are quite rocky, so it's best to walk at a steady pace on this ride. The small roads you ride along are quiet, lined with trees and have beautiful verges.

Circular loop with varied scenery, often in the forest, partly on the Sentier des Moines trail. Magnificent in the autumn colours of the Limousin region. Moderator's note: hike modified on 11/05/2023 due to private property issues. To reach point 4 through the fields after going around the pond, the route now passes through Bourdaleine.

Here is a short, easy route, at the centre of which stands a fabulous megalith, complete with its inevitable array of curses and frightening legends. The route consists of tracks, a stretch of road and a path, and is combined with a fitness trail between the dolmen and the village.

A short stretch of quiet road marks the start of this route, which winds through the area around Bussière-Madeleine and continues along beautiful paths, crossing the Ruisseau de la Benaize. Charming discoveries also take us in the footsteps of a famous local figure.

This walk is situated at the foot of the foothills of the Monts d’Ambazac range. Rich in varied landscapes, it alternates between forest trails, visits to small villages and sections across the plains.

On the outskirts of La Souterraine, set off on this guided walk which, from antiquity to the end of the Middle Ages, brings to life the daily lives of our ancestors. Human settlement here has a long history, the evolution of which can be traced through the landscape. From the shores of the Étang du Cheix to the sunken paths lined with boxwood, from the archaeological remains scattered throughout the countryside to the imposing silhouette of the castle, this excursion will transport you through time and across the ages.

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.

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.

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.

A mainly forest route, on paths lined with low walls, skirting a few meadows and passing through a few quiet hamlets.

An easy walk in a calm, relaxing environment which takes you through the Vienne valley at the heart of the world capital' porcelain, with magnificent medieval bridges, historic suburbs, old porcelain factories and a lovely park.

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

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 pleasant walk in the forest, in all seasons and in all weathers.Please note: from 30 November 2024 to 31 January 2025, the path between (5) and (6) will be closed for forestry work.At the Beauregard farm, take the road between points (3) and (6) and continue the route.

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