Was Raymond Poulidor born in Saint-Léonard de Noblat?

Many people think that Raymond Poulidor was born in Saint-Léonard de Noblat. In reality, he was born on 15 April 1936 in Masbaraud-Mérignat, a small village in the Creuse region around thirty kilometres away. But he lived most of his life in Saint-Léonard de Noblat in Haute-Vienne, which he considered to be his true home town. It was here that he died on 13 November 2019.

Where is Raymond Poulidor buried? Where is Poupou's grave?

Don’t look for Poulidor’s grave in the Saint-Léonard cemetery. In accordance with his last wishes, he was cremated rather than buried. His admirers can visit the commemorative plaque placed by his family in the Jardin du Souvenir in Saint-Léonard de Noblat, which bears his record of achievements.

Where is the Raymond Poulidor Museum?

There is no Poulidor museum. During his lifetime, the champion opposed the creation of a museum in his name, in keeping with his natural modesty. His family continued to respect this wish after his death. Nevertheless, a permanent exhibition pays tribute to him at the Halles de Saint-Léonard de Noblat, and the Musée du Vélo in Arnac-la-Poste (in the north of the Haute-Vienne) has one of his Mercier bikes.

Where can you see the statue of Raymond Poulidor?

The wooden statue of Raymond Poulidor stands in front of the Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat town hall on Place du 14 juillet. Carved out of a giant sequoia tree, it depicts the champion beside his bike, raising his hand to the sky.

What cycling routes can you take in the footsteps of Poulidor?

There are a number of cycle tourism routes around Saint-Léonard de Noblat where you can follow in the footsteps of Raymond Poulidor: the champion’s training circuits, the Vélidéale cycle route, Saint Jacques à vélo, the tour of Lake Vassivière and many other signposted routes in the Haute-Vienne. Click here to see the tourist office’s selection of cycle routes .

What is the link between Mathieu van der Poel and Poulidor?

Mathieu van der Poel is Raymond Poulidor’s grandson through his mother Corinne. A world champion in three cycling disciplines (cyclo-cross, road and gravel), he took part in his first Tour de France in 2021 at the age of 26, the same age as his grandfather. He wore a special Mercier jersey to pay tribute to his grandfather and donned the yellow jersey the very next day… You can’t tell a lie from blood!

In the footsteps of Poupou in Saint-Léonard de NoblatStatues, places of remembrance and cycle routes

Tribute to Raymond Poulidor in Saint-Léonard de Noblat: fresco, statue and cycle tourism

In Saint-Léonard de Noblat, the spirit of Raymond Poulidor is still alive. 🚴
This medieval town in the Haute-Vienne was his adopted home for over 60 years. Follow in the footsteps of “Poupou”: discover his memorial sites, pedal along his training circuits and immerse yourself in the world of the eternal runner-up who became first in the hearts of the French. 💖

©
Poulidor À St Léonard De Noblat Vélo boucle cyclo
|
Jean-Pierre MICAUD

Poupou and St Leo:
a story of ♥

Born in a small neighbouring village in Creuse, it was in Saint-Léonard de Noblat in Haute-Vienne that ‘Poupou’ chose to live most of his life, making this medieval town his true heartland.

Having died in 2019, France’s most popular cycling champion continues to attract thousands of visitors who come to pay their respects and discover the places that marked his daily life.

Here, Raymond Poulidor trained on the hilly roads of the Limousin, raised his family, cycled to get his baguette and enjoyed an andouillette at his regular table at the ResTaureau….

DID YOU KNOW?
Before Poupou, Saint-Léonard already had its champion: Gay-Lussac (1778-1850)! This Miaulétou chemist revolutionised science with his laws on the expansion of gases. The scientist’s museum awaits you in the town centre during the summer (free admission)! ⚗️

Where can you see Poupou in Saint Léonard?

Why isn’t there a Raymond Poulidor museum? When he was alive, the champion refused the idea out of modesty. After his death, his family respected his wishes. But Saint-Léonard de Noblat cultivates its memory in a different way, with authenticity and emotion. ✨

On the façade of the tourist office, a colourful fresco pays tribute to Raymond Poulidor. It’s impossible to miss! Created in 2023 by artist Sêma Lao to celebrate the start of the Tour de France, it immortalises the legendary Poulidor-Anquetil duel in the Puy de Dôme in 1964, while also winking at the town’s medieval heritage. A must-see photo spot for all cycling fans! 📸

In the historic centre, a permanent exhibition can be visited under Les Halles, a wooden statue represents him in front of the town hall and a commemorative plaque honours him in the Jardin du Souvenir where his ashes are laid to rest. Simple and touching places to pay tribute to Poupou, in the image of his humble and generous personality. 🙏

Visiting Saint Léonard de Noblat

©
Cycling in Saint Léonard de Noblat on the Vélidéale véloroute in Limousin.
|
©Sébastien LAVAL ‐ La Vélidéale

En selle comme Poupou: cycle tourism in Limousin

Visiting Raymond Poulidor’s home town without pedalling? Unthinkable for Poupou fans! After strolling through the medieval streets of Saint-Léonard de Noblat, hop on your bike and take on the roads that made him such a legend. 🏅

The Limousin hills that saw him train in all weathers are just waiting for you. Feel what the champion felt: the effort of the climbs, the exhilaration of the descents, the beauty of the rolling countryside… 🚵🏽‍♀️

The Haute-Vienne offers a range of cycle tourism routes:

Poulidor cycle routes
Tour of Lake Vassivière
The Vélidéale
Saint Jacques by bike…

Where to cycle near Saint-Léonard de Noblat?

Practical info

Poupou is everywhere

The street art fresco can be seen on the façade of the tourist office, place du Champ de Mars.
The wooden statue of Raymond Poulidor can be seen in front of the Town Hall, place du 14 juillet.
The permanent exhibition is in the centre under Les Halles (free access, rue de la Fraternité).
The Jardin du Souvenir with its commemorative plaque is located behind the Place de la Libération.
The historic portrait of the young Poulidor is on the outskirts of the medieval centre, rue Dupuytren.

City map

Poulidor special guided tour

For groups, Noblat Tourist Office is offering a themed guided tour in the footsteps of Raymond Poulidor.

For 1? hours, discover touching anecdotes and secret places with a passionate guide. This tour is ideal for cycling clubs and motorhome groups, and must be booked in advance.

Other tours complete the offer, including know-how tourism with the Moulin du Got, the Carpenet porcelain factory, the Bastin tannery… not forgetting gourmet delights with the discovery of the town’s speciality: marzipan!

All group visits

Cycling events in Haute-Vienne

The ARPADassociation perpetuates the memory of Poulidor and other Limousin champions (André Dufraisse, Luc Leblanc…) through temporary exhibitions and occasional cycle rides.
The Marcel Jourdeevent in Royères brings together hundreds of vintage cycling enthusiasts every spring.
The Tour du Limousin is a renowned cycle race that has been crossing the magnificent landscapes of the Limousin and surrounding area for almost 60 years.
Want more? Find all the sporting events in Haute-Vienne here!

Are you in a motorhome?

Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat has a service area for motor caravans close to the town centre. Stop off at Place de la Libération, a peaceful spot with a beautiful view over the Limousin countryside and all amenities within easy reach.

The town is ideally situated for trips across the Haute-Vienne to Lac de Vassivière, Limoges and neighbouring Creuse.

Don’t hesitate to drop in at the tourist office for information on cycling routes and points of interest in the region.

Motorhome parks

FAQ

Was Raymond Poulidor born in Saint-Léonard de Noblat?
Many people think that Raymond Poulidor was born in Saint-Léonard de Noblat. In reality, he was born on 15 April 1936 in Masbaraud-Mérignat, a small village in the Creuse region around thirty kilometres away. But he lived most of his life in Saint-Léonard de Noblat in Haute-Vienne, which he considered to be his true home town. It was here that he died on 13 November 2019.
Where is Raymond Poulidor buried? Where is Poupou's grave?
Don’t look for Poulidor’s grave in the Saint-Léonard cemetery. In accordance with his last wishes, he was cremated rather than buried.
His admirers can visit the commemorative plaque placed by his family in the Jardin du Souvenir in Saint-Léonard de Noblat, which bears his record of achievements.
Where is the Raymond Poulidor Museum?
There is no Poulidor museum. During his lifetime, the champion opposed the creation of a museum in his name, in keeping with his natural modesty. His family continued to respect this wish after his death.
Nevertheless, a permanent exhibition pays tribute to him at the Halles de Saint-Léonard de Noblat, and the Musée du Vélo in Arnac-la-Poste (in the north of the Haute-Vienne) has one of his Mercier bikes.
Where can you see the statue of Raymond Poulidor?
The wooden statue of Raymond Poulidor stands in front of the Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat town hall on Place du 14 juillet. Carved out of a giant sequoia tree, it depicts the champion beside his bike, raising his hand to the sky.
What cycling routes can you take in the footsteps of Poulidor?
There are a number of cycle tourism routes around Saint-Léonard de Noblat where you can follow in the footsteps of Raymond Poulidor: the champion’s training circuits, the Vélidéale cycle route, Saint Jacques à vélo, the tour of Lake Vassivière and many other signposted routes in the Haute-Vienne. Click here to see the tourist office’s selection of cycle routes.
What is the link between Mathieu van der Poel and Poulidor?
Mathieu van der Poel is Raymond Poulidor’s grandson through his mother Corinne. A world champion in three cycling disciplines (cyclo-cross, road and gravel), he took part in his first Tour de France in 2021 at the age of 26, the same age as his grandfather. He wore a special Mercier jersey to pay tribute to his grandfather and donned the yellow jersey the very next day… You can’t tell a lie from blood!