Yssandon walks

A short, easy walk around the Puy d’Yssandon with some lovely views.

This route takes you on a journey through history: the commune belongs to the Vézère-Ardoise Land of Art and History because this strategic site was chosen by the Viscount of Limoges and then elevated to a duchy by the Noailles family. As you stroll through the picturesque narrow streets, discover the heritage linked to water with its fountains and wash houses, and the imposing residences. The church of Ayen and its elements listed as historic monuments will arouse your curiosity!

Ayen, Saint-Robert, Perpezac-le-Blanc and Segonzac are among the hilltop towns of the Yssandonnais region. Located in the foothills of the Massif Central, they all share a unique geological feature: they are isolated hills with very distinctive flora and fauna that are well worth observing or photographing. Since 2011, these towns have been part of the Vézère-Ardoise region of art and history.

Ayen is a nature destination between Limousin and Périgord! In the past, these well-oriented, sunny hillsides were used for vineyards, but today they are home to fruit crops: the Limousin apple route passes through Ayen. You will cross walnut groves: Ayen, the birthplace of the Corne variety, has been listed on the "Périgord Walnut" route since 2002.

The name "Ayen" most likely derives from the Gaulish word "Agin", meaning "height". On this circular route, your eyes will be treated to unique views at every turn, right up to your arrival at Puy d'Ayen, the highest point in the Yssandonnais (377m), offering a 360° panorama. This limestone formation is known as a ‘Butte témoin’ and constitutes a rare ecosystem in need of protection (orchids, orchis, butterflies).

A short, easy walk in the hills above Objat, half on roads, half on footpaths.

This is a circular route in the Yssandonnais region, alternating between footpaths and deserted roads, which allows you to admire the magnificent village of Saint-Robert and a fountain dedicated to a martyr.

This magnificent trail will allow you to discover part of the Vézère Gorges in a preserved and wild natural setting. Panoramic view of the Brive basin.

A lovely route that takes you from the Saillant Chapel to the Chartroulle Chapel, discovering one of the rare vineyards in Corrèze, on the slopes of the Vézère in the commune of Allassac. A few steep slopes and paths that can be muddy in the rainy season, but a beautiful panorama.

A pleasant walk on the heights of Voutezac, with magnificent views over the Brive valley and Voutezac.

A very pleasant walk through the forest, offering exceptional views of the Objat valley at the end of the route.Best done at the weekend to avoid any disturbance from quarry activities. User comment on 24 August 2025.(!) After the ruins of Patel, the footbridge (4) that crosses the river has collapsed and it is not possible to ford the river. A detour is signposted on site. This detour takes you to Rouffignac. Alternatively, you can follow "le chemin du Maquis", which is a little technical at at the moment. Comment from a user on 29 December 2025.The second footbridge (under the ruins of Patel) has been repaired and the path can be followed as indicated.

A short walk on the outskirts of Brive-la-Gaillarde in a pretty woodland setting, half of which is off the beaten track and half of which is on the road.

A route mainly following fairly shaded paths starting from Donzenac.

An easy walk through the forest ends at Notre-Dame de Fournet, with a beautiful view of the Couze valley. The route also offers a glimpse of Lake Chasteaux.

This circular route around the limestone hill of Fournet offers a variety of landscapes, both on the side of the Causse lake and the listed village of Chasteaux, and on the north side towards the Vézère valley and the hills of Yssandon, Perpezac-le-Blanc and Saint-Robert. The route takes few paved roads and little-used paths and trails, with the exception of the two kilometres that follow part of the route around the Causse lake.

Route starting from Donzenac offering a view of the Travassac slate quarry and following part of the Resistance route with the Trou aux Loups and Chat Huant shelters.

A mostly shaded hike crossing the "Maumont Blanc" and "Maumont Noir" streams. Hike marked in yellow from Donzenac.

Circular route starting from the hamlet of Tranche, in the commune of Terrasson. Most of the route is on paths, starting from the hamlet where you can park your vehicle, then across the Foncillières and Brungidour plateau, well known to local hikers and mountain bikers. Woods, limestone plateaus, open views, high up at the start, then descent to the charming village of Condat, which you can visit by walking around it. Return via the D62 through Condat, then climb back up to the plateau via other paths.

This route offers various views of the village of Juillac and the surrounding area.

This route offers a mix of meadows, apple orchards, woodland and a stream. It allows you to explore the surrounding countryside, with the Château de Hautefort to the west and the limestone hills of Ayen Yssandon and Saint-Robert.

This route crosses the Montcheyrol forest, classified as a ZNIEFF (Natural Area of Ecological, Faunistic and Floristic Interest). This is a beautiful walk in a wooded area dominated by deciduous trees, including oak, beech, chestnut, ash, black locust and cherry, through the heart of which flows the Tourmente river, which has carved out its territory by shaping the rock. This walk can be extended with a stroll through the streets of Juillac, among its characterful houses with slate roofs.

This route allows you to explore the villages of Chabrignac and Juillac, as well as numerous scenic viewpoints. It follows almost exclusively tarmac roads. It is, above all, a very easy walk, accessible to everyone and requiring no special equipment .

A lovely walk, partly through woodland and partly in sunny open country. Very little road walking. Please note that the route does not pass through the Travassac slate quarry, which is a paid attraction.

Route near Donzenac along shaded paths. Crossing the Merovingian bridge.

A short circular walk which, with hardly any paved roads to cross, allows you to discover the two dolmens at La Chassagne and La Palein (along with the associated information boards), to look out over the Cirque de Ladou whilst enjoying the unobstructed view stretching as far as the Puy d’Yssandon and beyond, and to get up close to the ruins of Couzage Castle.

A lovely walk that combines the pleasure of walking with a sense of remembrance. You will follow in the footsteps of those very young resistance fighters who stood up to the Nazi occupation and gave their lives for our freedom. Thank you to: Mario, Charles, Athos, Edouard, Raymond, Léon, André, Jacques, Jean, Marcel, Guy Jules, Gaston..... Lest we forget.

A short, easy walk starting from the Lac des Causses car park. Please note during peak season: it gets very busy and parking can be difficult.

The Vézère Gorges can only be explored on foot. Follow me, you won't be disappointed... Moderator's note Hiking no longer seems possible on certain sections. See reviews

A circular route allowing you to visit the villages of Farges, La Coste, Chartrier-Ferrière and Chasteaux, whilst enjoying the views from the ‘montagne pelée’ or the village of Chasteaux.

This route, based on the theme of the Blagour de Chasteaux underground network, allows you to discover the Couze sinkhole, the dry valley of Entrecor, the Jonquilles chasm and the resurgence of underground waters at the source of the Blagour.

A superb walk, mostly through woodland with very little road. Walk around Peyrignac and its hamlets, enjoying the peace and quiet of the forest.

A beautiful, mostly shaded hike from the Estivaux plateau to the Vézère. Much of the hike is on paths, including theGR®46. Some sections are not marked. The hike offers views of Comborn Castle above the Vézère.

This route will take you past Coly Castle, a wash house and a well. You’ll pass close to one of the most beautiful villages in France: a short detour to Saint-Amand-de-Coly is a must.

A very pretty circular route starting from the village of Coly, which will take you close to the Manoir de Hautegente and the Château de Coly.

A route starting from Sadroc, mainly following quiet country lanes. A very sunny route.

A lovely, very natural trail offering beautiful views of the countryside. There is a bit of an elevation gain to take into account, but alternative routes reduce the trail’s length from the original 11 kilometres to 8 or 6 kilometres.

From valleys to promontories overlooking the Cern plain. A walk over hill and dale across the deeply indented and weathered limestone plateaus of the northern part of the commune of Les Farges. Superb vantage points over the Cern and Vézère valleys and the foothills of the Limousin. No major difficulties, but there are some descents…

Walk around the Abbey of Saint-Amand de Coly. Throughout this route, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the abbey and its ramparts. Dry-stone huts dot the route. They were once used to store tools and to keep the hens in at night. You will notice the abundance and observe the diversity of the vegetation growing in the low walls. Of botanical interest.

Set in the gentle countryside around Saint-Amand-de-Coly, this route will take you through small cultivated or wooded valleys, and you’ll pass through a walnut grove. You’ll enjoy some lovely views as you climb up onto the plateaus. A varied and very pleasant walk.

From stone to stone, a lovely walk amidst low stone walls and stone huts. A clear view over the Chironde valley. This is a leisurely stroll that immerses us in the recent past and bears witness to the craftsmanship of our ancestors. A delightful route through the heart of the Périgord’s small-scale built heritage.

Over hill and dale along the remains of the steam railway. A picturesque circular route featuring dry-stone huts, boxwood forests, heathland, a spring and the beautiful Château de la Filolie. On the way back, a sweeping view of the Abbey of Saint-Amand de Coly.

The slopes of the Chironde valley. A long-distance hike offering the chance to enjoy the varied landscapes of Saint-Amand-de-Coly. Remarkable views dot the route. Sections that are often well shaded provide coolness and comfort.

Belle promenade au milieu des murets et des cabanes en pierres. Vue bien dégagée sur la vallée de la Chironde.

A short, easy walk offering a chance to see typical Quercy architecture.

A walk to discover the treasures of the Vézère Valley. This route will take you through a variety of landscapes that reflect the region’s character, culminating in a view of three castles arranged in a fan-shaped pattern. This walk can be completed in several stages.

In Saint-Mesmin, you can see a church that houses a magnificent 17th-century altarpiece.Take the Côtes du Batissou trail with a view of the Auvezère Gorges to reach the forges and blast furnace of Savignac-Lédrier.You will pass through Bourg Savignac-Lédriers and head towards Saint-Mesmin, passing in front of the Fontaine du bon Saint-Mesmin fountain, then you will reach the "Saut Ruban" and return to Saint-Mesmin along the Auvezère tributary.

Set off from Saint-Mesmin, a hub for technical but magnificent hikes. Explore the superb Forêt Domaniale de Born and enjoy a bite to eat on a stone table by the Étang de Born. Take a tour of the hills before descending into the Auvézère valley to test your skills in the face of nature on a wild trail that will take you back to your starting point. The last part of this hike is strongly discouraged for beginners. Don't panic, an alternative, marked route is suggested in the description: don't take any unnecessary risks.