From the monastery of Jassonneix to Mont Bessou

Park in the car park at Jassonneix Monastery.

(S/E) Take the path that climbs into the forest. A few dozen metres further on, at a T-junction, turn left onto the path and join another trail.

(1) Take the left path, continue uphill, and you will come to a road.

(2) Follow the paved road opposite, which continues uphill. Continue until you reach a right-hand bend in the road.

(3) Leave the road, turn left, and you will come to a small path.

(4) Turn right onto this path that winds through the woods and cross a road.

(5) Cross it and continue straight ahead along a clear path that will take you to the 26-metre-high panoramic tower.

(6) Mont Bessou rises to 980 m, so the tower symbolically reaches 1,000 m and, above all, offers a magnificent view of the Haute-Corrèze countryside. Then take the path again, leaving the children's playground on your right, and descend to the Étang du Bessou.

(7) Next to the lake is a three-way crossroads. Right next to it is the start of a marked mountain bike trail. Take it to the right and stay on this marked trail until you reach the fork you came from.

(3) All you have to do then is retrace your steps back to the Monastère du Jassonneix (S/E).

In season, a bar is open next to the Mont Bessou panoramic tower.
Children's playground with free access.

The Jassonneix monastery is a lively place: a Cistercian nun lives there and runs the place with the help of many volunteers. The monastery shop, which sells jams made on site from the many blueberry bushes planted there, is open Tuesday to Saturday from 3pm to 5pm. The church is always open during the day for quiet reflection.

Don't leave without visiting the beautiful village of Meymac and, in particular, Saint-André Abbey. This is where you will find the only Black Madonna in Corrèze.