In the land of Raymond Poulidor | Limousin

Vue sur la cité médiévale de Saint Léonard de Noblat depuis la campagne survolée par un rapace

In the land of Raymond Poulidor

Just 30 minutes from Limoges and Vassivière, Saint-Léonard de Noblat occupies a privileged position for heritage lovers and cycling enthusiasts alike. Discover the many facets of what we like to call Les Terres de Poulidor.

Once upon a time, Raymond Poulidor

Born on April 15, 1936 in Creuse, his parents, who were tenant farmers, settled in Champnétery. He spent his teenage years in Saint-Léonard de Noblat and settled there after his cycling career. As a child, Raymond POULIDOR accompanied his older brothers in amateur bicycle races. At the age of 16, he began training, but without telling his mother, who found the sport dangerous … What happened next? A prestigious list of achievements: 189 victories and a legendary rivalry with another famous racer, Jacques Anquetil, who would later become his friend. Raymond Poulidor may have many victories to his credit, but the Tour de France has always resisted him. He finished second 3 times in 1964, 1965 and 1974. Raymond Poulidor’s popularity, or rather ” poupoularité “, with the public has lasted long after his career.

Saint-Léonard de Noblat proud of his champion

Saint-Léonard de Noblat was keen to pay tribute to this icon of French cycling. And so, 4 years after his death, the town hosted the start of the ninth stage of the Tour de France. On July 9, 2023, the cyclists set off from Saint-Léonard de Noblat towards the Puy de Dôme, reminiscent of the legendary duel between Raymond Poulidor and Jacques Anquetil on July 12, 1964….. His grandson Mathieu Van der Poel took the start. In fact, he is a five-time cyclo-cross world champion!

TOUR DE FRANCE 2023 - L'émotion de Van der Poel sur les terres de son grand-père Raymond Poulidor

In the footsteps of Raymond POULIDOR

Apart from major events, stroll through the streets of Saint-Léonard de Noblat and you’ll find traces of the champion’s fervor: the fresco on the façade of the Tourist Office, a reference to the mythical duel between Raymond Poulidor and Jacques Anquetil, the wooden statue in the Place du 14 juillet and the commemorative plaque in the memorial garden next to the cemetery. And if you want to follow in Raymond POULIDOR’s footsteps, take to the tree-lined roads of the area where he did his first training sessions! A cycling circuit is available at …..

Visit Saint-Léonard de Noblat

Saint-Léonard de Noblat, land of art and history

Did you know? Saint-Léonard de Noblat is on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, and more precisely on the Voie de Vézelay which leads to Saint-Jean Pied de Port. If you’re stopping off in Saint-Léonard de Noblat, take the time to discover its heritage and know-how.

Collégiale de Saint Léonard de Noblat classée à l'Unesco

The Collegiate Church of Saint-Léonard de Noblat

A jewel of Romanesque art from the 11th-12th centuries, the church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside, you can admire the choir with its 7 radiating chapels, and the relics of Saint-Léonard, a 6th-century hermit and patron saint of prisoners.

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Know-how

Saint-Léonard de Noblat is also a land of know-how, home to activities that are emblematic of the Limousin: the paper and porcelain industries have long contributed to its economic development. Don’t leave Saint-Léonard de Noblat without visiting the Moulin du Got, shopping in the Carpenet porcelain store or browsing our artists and designers….

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