Peyrat-la-Nonière walks

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.

This walk follows the paths once taken by Jean Guitton during his holidays in the Creuse at the Château de Fournoux. Hiking map available from the Auzances tourist office (Place du Marché).

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

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.

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 Néoux, this is a short, easy circular family walk along pleasant paths and part of a Roman road, the Sentier de César, through woods and meadows. The route is designed to avoid roads as far as possible.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

The three-village trail will take you from the village of Chard to the village of Lioux-les-Monges, where you can enjoy beautiful views and visit the Jardin de la Cure. You will finish the hike by crossing the village of Châtelard. Hiking information sheet available from the Auzances tourist office (Place du Marché).

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.

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.

En partant de l'église templière de Lamaids, vous randonnerez entre Combraille bourbonnaise et Combraille creusoise. Le circuit est jalonné de châteaux, (le Fressineau, Bellefaye), de croix, de chapelles et d'églises , rappelant l'emprise des moines soldats, dans le pays.

This is a lovely, short and easy walk that will delight all lovers of unspoilt landscapes. In the heart of the Bourbonnais countryside, you will enjoy the small shaded paths winding along the streams.