A glimpse of the Benaize

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.

Details

116643
Creation:
Last update:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.49 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 82 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 83 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 359 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 311 m

Photos

Description of the walk

(1) Start from the square in Bussière-Madeleine. Head towards and go round the church, then follow the D14 to the right to leave the village. Follow this road for about 500m. Ignore a path branching off to the right and, at the next fork, turn right.

(2) Take a path on the right. After crossing a stream, continue along the path. At the three-way junction a little further on, turn left, then right at the next junction. Continue straight on at the next crossroads, then turn left at the following junction to join a small road.

(3) Turn right, go through the hamlet of Lezat and, on leaving, take the first road on the right

(4) Cross a stream and, immediately afterwards, turn onto a path on the left. Continue along this path, then follow a track that climbs to the right up to the road.

(5) Follow the D912 carefully on the left and go past the bend. Take the second path on the right (be careful when crossing the road!). Pass a path on the right and then another on the left. Follow the track to La Benaize and the Moulin de la Jasse.

Once you have crossed the stream, take the path on the right then turn right again to rejoin the D912. Cross the road and continue straight ahead. Turn right at the next two junctions, then right one last time to return to the starting point.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 356 m - Place de Bussière-Madeleine, start
  2. 1 : km 0.93 - alt. 343 m - Take the path on the right
  3. 2 : km 2.52 - alt. 328 m - Small road, turn right towards Lezat
  4. 3 : km 3.19 - alt. 313 m - Leave the road and take the path on the left
  5. 4 : km 3.56 - alt. 344 m - Junction with the D912
  6. S/E : km 5.49 - alt. 358 m

Notes

Parking: in the square at Bussière-Madeleine.
Accommodation: at Château Lezat, a guesthouse set in the grounds and former manor house of François Chénieux.
The route is easy to follow and generally a good pair of trainers is sufficient. However, some sections may become muddy after rain.
Caution is advised when following and crossing the D912 (from WP 5).

Worth a visit

Places to see:
- Sainte-Madeleine Church. Located in the centre of the village, the building houses a curiosity: gravestones set into its floor...
- The Terre de Vie workshop – Artistic Farm. Here you can see original creations on display, including macramé and silver-plated wire jewellery, sculptures, furniture and crafts made from branches and natural materials, as well as local plant-based products: pestos, sauces, herbal teas and lemonades.
- The former manor house of François Chénieux. It remains a private property, now converted into a guesthouse, but the building is clearly visible from the street along which the route runs.
- The Moulin de la Jasse. One of the many mills that dot the course of the Benaize and characterise the Creuse landscape. You can clearly see the diversion of the stream designed to channel the water and make it fall onto the wheel.

Reviews and comments

4.4 / 5
Based on 5 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.4 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.2 / 5
Route interest
4.6 / 5
cachev
cachev

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 19, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant walk that isn't too challenging. Good descriptions of the points of interest along the route.

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PEDAROUX
PEDAROUX

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 16, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Excellent guidance and a lovely walk.

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ASCA
ASCA

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 31, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Enjoy your walk
Recommended
Please note: after crossing the main road, there is only one path on the right

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Mischika
Mischika

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 24, 2016
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

(5) Follow the D912 carefully to the left and go past the bend. Take the second path on the right (be careful when crossing the road!)

Warning! There is only one path on the right

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Liliane G.
Liliane G.

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 04, 2015
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A very pleasant ride with lovely scenery! A few short climbs that really work the calves! One slight downside: a stretch on the road right in the bends where there’s little verge, which isn’t very reassuring!
But we had a lovely time covering those few kilometres

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