Saint-Pardoux (Haute-Vienne) walks

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.

The Puy de Massert (and its remarkable beech trees) served as a lookout point for the Bayeux Maquis (named after the first town liberated by the Allies).

Starting from the Santrop bridge, this 7 km route allows you to explore the shores of Lake Saint-Pardoux and its landscapes in the Haute-Vienne. The route follows the lake’s banks for much of the way and passes through several wooded areas, in a peaceful setting ideal for a stroll. The route passes through the heart of the village of Friaudour, whilst offering lovely views of the lake. During the walk, you’ll also catch a glimpse of the Île aux Enfants, a small island accessible via a wooden footbridge situated near the path. With a relatively easy route, this walk is ideal for enjoying nature and discovering the landscapes of Lake Saint-Pardoux as you follow the water’s edge.

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.

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

A very easy walk with no significant elevation gain. Less than 600 m on the road.

An easy walk with a slight elevation gain, access to a shepherd’s hut, two viewpoints and less than 100 m of road. It’s a shame the pond is private and inaccessible.

Circular route with varied scenery, often through woodland, partly along the Monks’ Trail. Magnificent in the autumn colours of the LimousinNote from the moderator: the route was amended on 11 May 2023 due to issues with private land; instead of heading to point 4 across the fields after going round the pond, the route now passes through Bourdaleine.

To ease into the climb up the small Monts d’Ambazac mountain range, I suggest you take the lovely forest paths overlooking the Domaine du Muret in Ambazac.

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.

This short walk through woodland allows you to explore the listed site of the Châtelard oppidum. It is a Gallo-Roman fortified settlement on a barred spur, consisting of a platform covering around ten hectares and side terraces, now entirely wooded. The route features a steep climb over the first 600 metres, followed by a flat path around the perimeter of the site.

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.

Starting from the little chapel at Le Dognon, this walk alternates between footpaths and small roads, and takes you to two places of notable interest: the Peu de l’Age, which offers a beautiful view overlooking the Vitrat pond, and the Bois de Bessac, much loved for its atmosphere and cool, refreshing surroundings.

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

Near La Souterraine, the short Chapuisette route takes a detour through the surrounding countryside, runs alongside a woodland and passes through a peaceful residential area. It also offers the chance to discover a secluded yet fascinating environment: the wetland and its array of invertebrates, amphibians and moisture-loving plants.

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.

The Sos’trail is a permanent trail for trail running and Nordic walking, signposted over 10 km. It winds through the Sos’trail hinterland, taking in the Tour de Bridiers and the boxwood-lined sunken paths. Naturally, it is also suitable for traditional hiking and mountain biking.

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.