Hiking trails around the Hauts de Tardoire Greenway in Limousin

11 km – 2 hours 45 minutes – Moderate difficulty – On foot

Starting from the centre of Châlus, at Place Cardailhac, the Moulichou trail offers a pleasant walk through beautiful natural spots, small heritage sites and old stone buildings with undeniable charm. At 11 km long, allow 2 hours 45 minutes to complete the walk. On a warm spring or summer’s day, it’s the ideal trail for enjoying the shade amidst sunken paths and ponds. To start, take Rue du Chêne Vert towards Mazaubrun, then head into the forest via the path on your right. From there, let the sunlight guide you… and the signposts!

A walk not far from the castle mounds of Mazaubrun, discovering charming little hamlets such as Chareilles and Négrier; crossing old railway lines; a refreshing break by the pond known as ‘Rompu’ and its waterfall; then continuing the walk towards the Moulin du Lac, the Fontaine de Gouhaut and finally the Voie Verte. A welcome refreshing break!

15.7 km – 4 hours – Difficult – On foot

The Pinélous trail takes you on a walk through the heart of the Châlus countryside, discovering charming little hamlets and the Limousin bocage landscape along narrow sunken lanes. You’ll enjoy several views of Châlus and Châlus-Chabrol Castle. Along the way, you’ll follow a short section of the Hauts de Tardoire Greenway, cross the Pinélous woodland, and discover the charming church at Lageyrat, listed as a Historic Monument, whose inverted hull-shaped roof structure and nave floor paved with remarkable funerary slabs are well worth a brief stop.

23 km – 5 hours – Moderate difficulty – On foot

Starting from Champsac Town Hall, the ‘Sentier des Puits’ trail, brimming with little gems of our local vernacular heritage, offers a long 23 km walk through the Limousin chestnut wood countryside. Right from the start, enjoy the panoramic view of the Monts de Blond and Monts d’Ambazac. Throughout this walk, follow the old railway line converted into a greenway, then the ancient Roman road; enjoy the panoramic view of Champsac and the pond (a welcome spot to stop and observe the birds and flora); discover old bread ovens, wells, wash houses, fountains (including the Saint-Roch devotional fountain) as well as the Romanesque church and Saint-Roch chapel.

[Option 1: 16 km – 4 hours & Option 2: 18 km – 4.5 hours]

It is also possible to shorten this route using the two alternatives, reducing it to 16 or 18 km.

2 km – 30 mins – Very easy – On foot

The Spring Trail invites you on a short journey to discover the Limousin countryside. Starting from the village centre, follow a series of small paths: alternately stony, earthen and tree-lined, grassy, then sunken, bordered by dry stone walls and a variety of flora. Everywhere you look, admire the landscape and the views over the bocage. You’ll also cross the charming little stream known as the Monnerie, which gives this ‘Path of the Springs’ its name.

On arrival, make the most of your visit to Champsac by exploring the village and its Romanesque church. And for the more adventurous, why not venture along the ‘Sentier des Puits’ (23 km)!

15.5 km – 4½ hours – Moderate difficulty – On foot

This hike, lasting over 4 hours, invites you to discover a little-known heritage that is typical of the Périgord-Limousin Regional Nature Park (fountain, wash house, clédier, earthen block, well, water reservoirs, ris à rouissages, etc.). A few metres from the start, you’ll pass the Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul votive fountain, set into a wall, as well as another fountain 50 metres away in the adjoining meadow, with no known patron saint. These fountains were believed to have the power to cure fear. You will walk, amongst other places, to the village of La Pouméroulie, through which the tram once chugged its way from Oradour-sur-Vayres to Limoges. At Les Jarosses, discover the well with its monolithic coping, the earthen block and a 17th-century barn.

10 km – 2½ hours – Easy – On foot

This 10 km route around the village will take you on a tour of several small hamlets: the villages of Mondoux, La Vauperie, La Jaurie and Tamisac. Among the points of interest, be sure to take a closer look at the megalithic bridge towards Mondoux, the fishing huts, the well in the barn wall at La Jaurie, and more. Whether you start or finish in the village centre, the 12th-century church and its 17th-century presbytery are sights not to be missed!

7.2 km – 1 hour 30 minutes – Moderate difficulty – On foot

This walk, lasting around 1 hour 30 minutes, invites you to discover two stone-built water reservoirs, known as ‘ris’ by the people of Limousin, which were also used for washing clothes in days gone by. Also along this trail: a wash house, the Saint-Pierre–Saint-Paul votive fountain, a well hidden at the foot of a barn wall, and more. Along the way, you’ll follow the Voie Verte and admire the village of Champagnac and its Romanesque church from vantage points along the route.

A short detour from this trail is possible via the botanical trail, which is accessible to pedestrians only. To do this, cross the granite bridge over the Jouveau stream, then head back to the village via “la Règle”, a part of the village that owes its name to the former existence of an old abbey.

1.3 km – 1 hour – Easy – On foot

This short trail is dotted with information boards providing details on the traditional Limousin architecture to be seen along the way: wash house, clédier, etc. Enjoy a family walk to explore an orchard, an oak wood and a wetland, and learn more about the importance of the latter for the natural balance and that of human life. Discover some of the plant and animal species emblematic of these essential ecosystems. A simple and enjoyable walk, just a stone’s throw from the Voie Verte!