GRP® Monts et Barrages en Limousin

Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat, a town with a rich medieval past, is the starting point for your adventure. 🥾

Open your eyes and wander through its historic centre, with its narrow streets and beautiful stone houses. 👀

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela, its 11th-century collegiate church impresses with its Romanesque architecture and soaring bell tower. ✨

Don’t forget to pack a sweet treat in your bag, a local speciality, the famous Massepain pastry: crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside and melting on the tongue you won’t be able to resist! 😋

We suggest you stop off at Champnétery, a small village with a church, l’Église Saint Pierre – Saint Paul, and a fountain. ⛪️

Did you know that its bell tower is one of the oldest in Haute-Vienne? 🔔

A word of advice: listen out for the unique sound of the bumblebee. 👂🏻

If you wish, for lunch just a short walk away, just 2.3km on foot, is the Belleprade farm, which offers artisanal meat and charcuterie production. Here you will find fresh meat as well as a selection of homemade charcuterie. 🥩

Back on the course, you’ll find picnic tables in rue du stade between the tennis court and the pumptrack. 😋

Last stop of the day Bujaleuf, renowned for its lake, Lac de Sainte-Hélène offers water sports activities such as fishing, swimming and canoeing. 💦

In summer, a supervised beach welcomes you with playgrounds, sports fields and fishing pontoons. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors!

As night falls, head for the Lac de Bujaleuf campsite, which offers an ideal setting in the heart of nature. 🌿🏕️

Located by the lake, it offers pitches for tents and caravans, as well as comfortable mobile homes for relaxing by the water after a day’s walking. 🥾

For evening meals, a food truck is available, with booking of your meal in advance. 😋

We hope you’ve had a good rest and are ready to get going again on day two! 🥾😴

Leaving Bujaleuf, don’t miss its 13th-century church, listed as a Monument Historique, a unique example of architecture.

It has a groin vault, replaced in the 19th century, and a wooden gallery covering the first bay of the nave.

Four 15th-century side chapels complete the building.

The bell tower, rebuilt in 1976 after a fire, is covered in chestnut shingles.

A place steeped in history worth discovering. 👀

You have now arrived in the town of Cheissoux, where we recommend you take a look at the church. ⛪️

Listed as a Historic Monument since 1984, thechurch at Cheissoux is a fine example of the small rural churches of the 13th century. Its sober architecture, with a bell tower-wall, Limousin portal and local materials (granite, flat tiles), gives it great harmony. ✨

Restored between 1996 and 1999, it houses several remarkable features: a statue of the Virgin and Child in the bell tower niche, a 15th-century square cross (also listed) and a funerary litre. 👀

Last stop of the day, you’ve arrived at Saint-Julien-le-Petit! 🥾

For lunch, head to theAuberge de Saint-Julien, which offers simple, tasty and friendly cuisine. Here, local produce takes pride of place, with Belgian and Italian touches! 😋

You also have the option of staying overnight at this hostel, or you can head for theAire naturelle de Saint-Julien-le-Petit, just a stone’s throw from the hostel. Here, 12 spacious pitches await you, surrounded by the soothing scenery of the surrounding countryside. 🌿

To admire the sun at the end of the day, just 2.1km from the village, we recommend you go and admire the view from Mont Larron, a high point, at 624 metres. 👀

After a good night’s sleep, it’s time to get back on the road for this 3rd stage. 🥾

Before leaving Saint-Julien-le-Petit, right in the heart of the village, don’t miss the church, which catches the eye with its singular architecture. 👀

Typical of rural buildings in the Limousin, it is distinguished by a rare feature: two steeples coexist here – a wall steeple and a frame steeple covered in shingles. ✨

Enlarged after the 15th century with the addition of side chapels, then renovated in the 18th century, it has managed to preserve all its authentic character.

A short stop at Peyrat-le-Château! 🥾🌿

We suggest you stop off at the Musée de la Résistance.

Housed in a remarkable 15th-century medieval tower, this museum traces the history of Georges Guingouin’s maquis and the 1st March Brigade Limousine. Through objects, testimonies and reconstructions, it pays tribute to the Resistance fighters of Haute-Vienne and evokes the great tragedies of the Second World War, including Tulle and Oradour-sur-Glane.

A powerful place, both sober and poignant, where we remember and understand.

When it’s time to settle down, head for the Auberge du Bois de l’Étang, a friendly inn offering a warm welcome and traditional cuisine. You can enjoy local sweets such as apple flognarde or chestnut moelleux. 😋🌰

Another option is the Hotel-Restaurant Le Bellerive. The setting is charming, the welcome warm, and in the plate, a taste of the terroir!

If you prefer picnic tables are also available facing the lake. 👀 💦

Before you reach Auphelle, you’ll discover the Roches Brunagères, a remarkable natural site. These legendary stones, adorned with sculpted sarcophagi, offer an exceptional panorama of the Lac de Vassivière. 👀

Nearby, climb to Puy de la Besse (775 m), one of the highest peaks in Haute-Vienne, to discover the Puy de la Besse tumulus, a burial mound nestled in heather moorland. 🌿

These 2 sites can be reached from several paths, including the Poets’ Path and the Crozat Wood tour.

Once you’ve reached Auphelle, head for Camping Paradis Les Deux Îles 🏕️. From shady pitches for tents or vans to comfortable accommodation, the choice is yours!

And as a bonus: direct access to swimming, paddle-boarding, canoeing or sunbathing on the Auphelle beach. 🏖️

For a meal, head to Vassiviera, to l’Encas Local a friendly bar-restaurant. 🍹 Whether you fancy an aperitif on the terrace overlooking the lake, a good local meal or even to try out their fun activities, this is the place to be to end the day well.

After a peaceful night at Camping Paradis Les Deux Îles, it’s time to put your trainers back on! 🥾

If you haven’t had a chance to explore the surrounding area the day before, make the most of the morning to discover the many activities around the lake and Vassiviera: go on an adventure on the Île aux Serpents, go on a canoe treasure hunt or visit the famous Vassivière dam. 🛶

Before you leave, take one last time to admire the majestic Lac de Vassivière, nicknamed the “little Canada of Limousin”, it covers almost 10 km², offering an exceptional natural setting for nature lovers and relaxation. 👀💦

The last stop on this day is Nedde, nestled in the heart of the Millevaches Regional Nature Park. 🌿

If this adventure has made you hungry, we’ve got you covered! For dinner, we suggest the Bistrot du Village, offering traditional cuisine in a warm atmosphere. 😋

For the night, just 200 metres from the town centre, La Sève municipal campsite offers a peaceful setting on the banks of the Vienne, perfect for a quiet night’s sleep. ✨

After a leisurely wake-up call in Nedde and a good breakfast, we head into the village to discover a local heritage treasure: the church of Saint-Martin ⛪.

Dating from the 13th century, it can be recognised by its chestnut shingle roof and pretty Limousin porch built into a forebuilding. Don’t miss: the finely wrought iron exterior lock, decorated with small 15th-century figures. 🔑

Inside, the wooden statue of Sainte Anne, from the vanished chapel of Chadiérac, also catches the eye. 👀

Don’t also miss the Pont de Claveyrolas, a charming medieval stone bridge from the 13th or 14th century, reserved for pedestrians, which spans the Vienne River in the middle of the forest and retains many mysteries. 👀

Today’s stage ends here, welcome to Eymoutiers, Petite Cité de Caractère and Gateway Town to the Millevaches Regional Nature Park. 🌿

Here are a few of our not-to-be-missed highlights:

A stroll through the Pré Lanaud park, a little corner of greenery on the banks of the Vienne 💚, take the opportunity to admire the Ursulines Convent, recognisable by its L-shaped plan.

L’Espace Paul Rebeyrolle: born in Eymoutiers, this great 20th-century painter has his own museum here. Over 80 powerful works, ranging from paintings to sculptures, are on display in a bright, immersive space.

Pop into Chou Beurre Pomme for a taste of the famous Pelaud, a small chocolate-glazed almond biscuit, a local speciality created in the 1930s! 😋

For dinner, head to the restaurant Le Potron Minet, a friendly address renowned for its tasty cuisine 🍽️.

Put your suitcases down at Les Cerisiers B&B, a cosy accommodation perfect for relaxing after a great day out exploring. 🛌✨

Day breaks over Eymoutiers, and after a restful night at Les Cerisiers B&B, head for the must-see Collégiale Saint-Étienne. ⛪🌞

The result of a number of restorations, it captivates visitors with the contrast between its Romanesque austerity and the finesse of its sculpted decorations, stained glass windows and paintings. It retains a sober nave and a typically Limousin bell tower-porch, while its 13th-century south facade reveals the first Gothic embellishments, with a portal featuring sculpted friezes and a radiating rose, unique in Limousin.

While strolling through the streets of the town, stop off at the Au Cochon Dingue shop, a nugget of local craftsmanship not to be missed. Here you’ll find unique earthenware pieces: quirky characters, funny money boxes, puppets and decorative items that are 100% handmade, 100% made in France 🇫🇷.

It’s the perfect place to find an original souvenir or handmade gift to put in your rucksack 🎁✨.

Did you know that the commune of Sainte-Anne-Saint-Priest is home to no less than three churches? ⛪

A religious heritage unique in Haute-Vienne!

• The village church, perched on a hillock, bears witness to its past as a Templar commandery, with its defensive appearance.
• The church of Saint-Priest, built in the 13th century and rebuilt in the 15th after a fire, has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1977 🏛️. Although it is now privately owned, its history remains significant.
• Finally, the church of Villevaleix, a former women’s priory belonging to the abbey of Bonnesaignes, is no longer open to the public but retains all its mystery.

End your day in Sussac! 🌞

Just 200 metres from the village, the Sussac lake offers a soothing natural setting. 🌿

With its sandy beach, supervised swimming in summer, pedalos, children’s play area, mini-golf and sports fields, it’s a real little leisure spot in the heart of nature. ⛳️⚽️

To spend the night, head for the Beauséjour gîtes, five independent chalets opening onto a vast lawn facing the lake. 👀

Here, you can enjoy direct access to the lake’s activities, with the added bonus of waking up by the water ☀️.

After a gentle wake-up call and breakfast overlooking the lake, here’s a bit of history about the village of Sussac:

Situated on the edge of the Châteauneuf forest, Sussac was a hotbed of the Resistance during the Second World War. 🌿

Protected by this hard-to-reach forest, the maquisards commanded by Colonel Georges Guingouin took decisive action against the occupying forces.

The village was bombed three times before the famous battle of Mont Gargan in July 1944. 💣

It was also near here, at a place called Le Clos, that Violette Szabo, the famous British agent, was parachuted. A commemorative stele has been erected on this very spot in tribute to her commitment. ✨

Continue your journey here, where you’ll discover the mythical Mont Gargan, the highest point in the south of the Haute-Vienne at 731 m, which offers an exceptional panorama of the Limousin. 👀

At the summit are the remains of the Notre-Dame de Bon Secours chapel, a devotional fountain steeped in history and a memorial stone!

This emblematic site was also a Mecca for the Resistance during the Second World War: the battle of Mont Gargan in July 1944, one of the few direct confrontations between Guingouin’s maquisards and German troops. 🇫🇷

Today, it is a hiking area steeped in history, combining spirituality, resistance and wild beauty. Why not take a picnic break here? 😋

It’s the perfect place to recharge your batteries in the middle of nature. 🌿

Welcome to La Croisille-sur-Briance, nestling at the gateway to the Millevaches Regional Nature Park. 🌿

Don’t missSaint-Pierre church, its choir dates back to the 11th century and its colourful stained glass windows illuminate the interior with a soft glow. ⛪

A place full of charm and history, to be discovered quietly during your visit. 👀

Just a few kilometres away, you can take a refreshing break at the 2-hectare La Croisille-sur-Briance lake 💦, a real little spot of cool where you can enjoy all sorts of activities: fishing, volleyball, pétanque…

After a beautiful day, you arrive in Saint-Méard! 🥾

It’s impossible to miss the Echizadour tower, a vestige of the 12th century! With its 1.70 m thick walls of schist and granite, this Romanesque tower impresses with its stature. The interior is empty, but the sculpted lintel still bears the arms of the Echizadour family. 👀 This tower stands on private property. ⚠️

Don’t miss: Saint-Médard church ⛪

Built in the 12th century, this Romanesque church has retained its original porch and the south door decorated with the coat of arms of the lords of Echizadour. Inside: Piéta, Christ on the Cross, ancient liturgical objects and 12th-century tombstones tell of its rich past.

For your overnight stay, head for the bivouac site at Saint-Méard. 🌳🏕️

Located at Le Rouvereau, this area offers free services (shelter, drinking water points, dry toilets, solar shower) and all the comforts you need for a good night’s rest. Picnic tables, a barbecue and recycling bins will allow you to enjoy a convivial moment for your evening meal. 😋

It’s nearly the end of your journey, so we hope that for now you’re enjoying discovering our destination, our landscapes and our history! 👀

Today, a gentle wake-up call at the Saint-Méard bivouac area 🌞

Take advantage of the morning to take your time: breathe in the fresh air, admire the view…

A perfect time to relax, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and recharge your batteries before hitting the road again in the direction of Linards. 🥾🌿

Now you’ve arrived at Linards, we’ve got a few anecdotes to tell you about it. 👀

Did you know that the village of Linards owes some of its fame to Antoine Blondin, the famous writer and cycling enthusiast, who settled here in 1969. 🚴🏻‍♂️

But it’s also a town of legends, such as that of the Fontaines Saint-Martin in Boulandie. ⛲️

You’ll come across a number of shops along the way, so make sure you stock up for the meals to come! 😋

Don’t miss the church of Saint-Martin de Linards ⛪️

Penultimate stage of the day, here you are in Saint-Bonnet-Briance! 🥾

Keep your eyes peeled for the Château de Neuvillard, which can be seen from the road, hidden behind the vegetation. 🌿

Although abandoned and located on private property, this château evokes the region’s aristocratic past. In particular, it was the home of Jean-Baptiste Lavau Saint-Étienne, Count of La Lande (1739-1820), whose tomb now rests against the village church. ⛪️

The village is also criss-crossed by a wide track, a remnant of the old tramway line 5 that linked Limoges to Peyrat-le-Château in the early 20th century. This line was part of a network of over 300 km of electrified tramways set up by the Conseil Général. Although its success was short-lived, with bus lines gradually replacing it from 1930 onwards, it left a lasting mark on the landscape. 🚋

Psst.. if you’re ever interested, the Circuit du Tram, an 11.8km loop, allows walkers to follow the old tramway route. 🥾👀

Last stop of the day, here you are in Saint-Paul! 🥾🌿

Let yourself be seduced by the Etang des Pradelles, a 2-hectare lake with the “family trail” label, ideal for a relaxing break with picnic area, children’s playground and fishing area. 🎣💦

Just 15 minutes from the centre of Saint-Paul, don’t miss the menhirs of Métayer. Listed as Historic Monuments since 1984, these two impressive granodiorite menhirs fascinate by their size and mystery. The largest, at over 4 metres high, is one of the most majestic in the Haute-Vienne. A little further on, its more modest twin watches over the Âme de l’Âne stream 🌿.

🗿 As is often the case in Limousin, legend is involved:

It is said that on certain nights, men’s voices are heard around the menhir… without us being able to understand a word of it 🤫. Another tradition evokes the imprint of the Virgin’s head left on one of the neighbouring blocks. Mystery guaranteed!

For the night, opt for La Simonette, a quiet guest room with its own terrace, wooded garden and shared swimming pool.

This is the last day of the tour, and we recommend that you make the most of it and take your time before heading back to Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat.

Get your day off to a gentle start by enjoying the breathtaking view of the 3,000 m² wooded park from your guest room. 👀💚

Enjoy your breakfast on the sheltered terrace, a tranquil and relaxing setting. 😋

When the weather’s fine, even let yourself be tempted by a dip in the pool. 🌞💦

As you approach Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat, you’ll cross the Allois forest, 30 hectares of nature between oak and chestnut trees so keep your eyes peeled to enjoy it. 💚

Along the way, let yourself be surprised by the Pierres Initiatiques de Saint-Nicolas, a monumental park unlike any other. Sculptures, engravings, imaginary constructions and unusual granite architecture have been fashioned here since 1981 by Jean-Marie de Saint-Nicolas. 👀

You then join the Vienne, which you cross by the superb medieval bridge at Noblat, dating from the 13th century and listed as a Historic Monument. 💦

If you wish, you can spend the night at Jardin des Lys, a charming house in the heart of the medieval town, opposite the collegiate church. Its refinement, authenticity and warm welcome are a perfect combination. Take advantage of the private garden for a moment of peace and quiet, admire the works of art on display and enjoy an optional delicious dinner at the table d’hôtes featuring local produce. 🌿