Top 8 natural sites to visit

Embark on a nine-kilometer hike along the banks of the Tardoire River to discover its many treasures.

As the name suggests, the hike leads you to three magnificent plane trees over 250 years old (one of which is listed, with its 40-metre span and 6-metre circumference) and four yew trees whose branches form a remarkable canopy of vegetation. The site is classified as a Natural Zone of Ecological, Faunistic and Floristic Interest, and it’s easy to see why once you’re there!

To conclude this charming stroll, you can drive through the small village of Peyrassoulat. As you stop to visit the village, you’ll realize that its houses surround its church, like a wall protects its castle. And no wonder: it’s built on the site of a chapel, itself built on a motte castrale. The remains of an ancient forge that once operated in the Middle Ages can still be found here.

Just 30 km north of Limoges lies the Dauges peat bog nature reserve, a basin covering some 200 ha and home to numerous natural environments, including a remarkable peat bog teeming with life.

The formation of this peat bog dates back 12,000 years. Excessive water, cold and the acidity of the environment stopped the decomposition of organic matter, allowing sphagnum moss to accumulate to form peat.

Over 2,200 species have been recorded here. Of these, 127 are protected in France and nine are rare in Europe.

So, along the way, you’ll be able to meet (with a bit of luck) numerous animal species. For example, viviparous lizards, beetles, butterflies, booted eagles, hen harriers, black kites, slugs, green woodpeckers, forest cats and more.

Discover the lande de Frochet, a place full of legends and, above all, flora and fauna!

The lande de Frochet (classified as a Zone Naturelle d’Intérêt Ecologique, Faunistique et Floristique) is a very special landscape site, whose constitution is linked to the largest quartz outcrop in the region. Part of the site consists of a vast rocky chaos forming a heather-covered ridge, offering a magnificent view of the neighboring Charente.

This large moorland complex is integrated into a varied landscape of woodland and meadow. In addition to the legend of the mandrake, the calm of the site is much appreciated by birds that love open environments. Typical heathland bird species such as the Hen Harrier and the Common Nighthawk breed here.

This two-kilometre trail is located on one of the largest islands in Haute-Vienne. It focuses on discovering the island’s human and natural heritage.

The easy walk is dotted with small markers revealing the treasures of this part of the island. It’s an opportunity to get to know the diving cingle and the water robin, both of which can be seen during the autumn and winter migrations. Today, the island belongs to the Communauté de Communes, and is home to a farm. It is used for market gardening and livestock farming.