Open your eyes; nature is everywhere! Discover some of the most beautiful hikes in Haute-Vienne, a breathtaking and sensational department.
Located in the center-west of France, Haute-Vienne stands out from its neighbors by its very green landscape, hilly because of the Massif Central it borders, and its historical past.
Too long left aside, Haute-Vienne is an extraordinary holiday destination, especially for its remarkable heritage.
To do this, discover the trails, paths, and routes that make the best hikes in Haute-Vienne. It would be a shame to deprive yourself of a breath of nature.
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Page Contents
1. The circuit from Peyroux to Mont Gargan
- Duration: 5h30
- Distance: 20.9 km
- Height difference: 536 m
- Difficulty: Medium
Mont Gargan is one of the highest mountains in Haute-Vienne. It rises to 731 meters and belongs to the Massif Central and the Regional Natural Park of Millevaches in Limousin.
From the town of Peyroux, southeast of Limoges, cross meadows and undergrowth towards Mont Gargan.
At the top, you can embrace a panoramic view of the surrounding puys, such as the Massif de Monédières. This summit was also the scene of the Battle of Mount Gargan, during which the German army faced opponents led by Colonel Guingouin. But that’s not all.
Indeed, the ruins of a chapel dedicated to Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Secours still remain there. The building dates from the 1870s, but the throes of time, the climate, and also some malicious acts have overcome its condition …
2. The Three Rivers and Three Viaducts circuit
- Duration: 2h30
- Distance: 10 km
- Height difference: 275 m
- Difficulty: Medium
Here is one of the hikes in Haute-Vienne that lives up to its name. Through a circuit with varied landscapes tinged with greenery, walk along and span three rivers: the Breuilh, the Blanzou, and the Briance.
But Pierre-Buffière, the city they split, is best known for its bridges and viaducts. Thus, pass under impressive viaducts, including that of the Blanzou valley.
Indeed, it culminates at more than 330 meters (56 meters that of the Briance valley). You will also pass very close to the Pont Vieux and the Pont Neuf, which are also very beautiful urban structures.
For the record, the first was built in the twelfth century!
3. The tour of Lake Saint-Pardoux
- Duration: 6h
- Distance: 21.9 km
- Height difference: 364 m
- Difficulty: Medium
Lake Saint-Pardoux is an artificial lake that is located in the heart of a preserved natural site. With an area of 330 hectares, it is the largest body of water in the Haute-Vienne department. This trail begins at the Chabanne Site, a landscaped outdoor base where many sports are practiced.
Then simply follow the wooded banks of the lake, follow the Puy de Bert (429 meters), and discover the Site of Fréaudour (residential area) and the Puy Jojo (418 meters)…
Finally, pass by the Santrop Site (relaxation, sports, games) and the Moulin de Chabannes. This is one of the hikes in Haute-Vienne to do with the family to enjoy the different sites and rest areas.
4. The Vaseix Forest
- Duration: 1h15
- Distance: 5.6 km
- Height difference: 135 m
- Difficulty: Easy
A natural area of 105 hectares covered with trees, paths, and bushes, this forest is located less than 10 kilometers from Limoges.
It is a protected site (PeFC label), maintained and valued in order to raise visitors’ awareness of its preservation. During this hike, you will come across a very diverse flora and fauna.
You will also walk along a small body of water where some insectivorous birds love to hunt! A permanent orientation course allows people of all ages to discover the forest and its singularities.
Also, the forest of Vaseix has a little historical secret: traces of a very old Roman road crossing it from east to west have been found. This road was used to connect Lyon to the Atlantic coast under the Empire of Augustus!
5. Limoges and the porcelain buckle
- Duration: 2h15
- Distance: 9.3 km
- Height difference: 133 m
- Difficulty: Medium
Hiking in Haute-Vienne can also be urban. The proof is with this course in the city!
Along the Vienne and crossing the parks of Auzette and Mas Rome, this hike offers you to visit Limoges differently. Indeed, in addition to evolving in a rather quiet urban environment, you will discover the city.
Thus, follow the birds in the Rue de la Filature, stop on the Pont Saint-Étienne built in the thirteenth century and take the time to observe the Saint-Étienne Cathedral of Limoges, the Gardens of the Bishopric and the Museum of Fine Arts of Limoges.
The getaway via the city parks will make you appreciate the calm of the city, on the banks of the Auzette, confluence of the Vienne.
6. The path of the ponds of Marval
- Duration: 2h30
- Distance: 10.3 km
- Height difference: 154 m
- Difficulty: Easy
On foot, on horseback or by bike, go for a short tour of the ponds of Marval. To the north of the village of Marval, there is an area punctuated by many ponds, surrounded by forests cut by a few secondary roads.
The trail that interests us here offers the discovery of the pond of Puy Chevalier and its forest as well as the pond of Monfreboeuf, mainly.
But you will also see the Chautrandie stream that feeds these ponds. A real green parenthesis, almost bucolic.
7. The Menhir Trail
- Duration: 3h
- Distance: 12.4 km
- Height difference: 273 m
- Difficulty: Medium
A megalithic monument of the Haute-Vienne, the menhir of Saint-Paul (or Métayer) measures 5.20 meters if we count the buried part. Intriguing and mysterious, he is the protagonist of many local legends, like many other menhirs.
Before approaching it, you will first pass through undergrowth that occasionally offers you beautiful views of the limousine countryside. On the way, you will also discover the Lake of the Heart.
Once the menhir is observed, you will cross the city of Saint Paul with which the menhir is associated.
8. The loop between Peyrelade, Salomon, and Le Pic
- Duration: 3h
- Distance: 12.7 km
- Height difference: 350 m
- Difficulty: Medium
From Montrol-Sénard, start this loop between the three villages of Haute-Vienne. You will first meet Montmézérie, at the foot of Puy Tourteau (481 meters) before joining Peyrelade, the first stage.
Then, direction Salomon, passing through the small village of Montrocher, after stopping at the edge of the widening of the Chabrette River. Finally, go up the forest and its undergrowth to Le Pic, your last stop, before returning to your starting point.
This succession of typically Upper Viennese villages, interrupted by forests and water points, makes this path one of the most pleasant hikes in Haute-Vienne.
9. The Puy de bar trail and the Fayat forest
- Duration: 3h
- Distance: 12.9 km
- Height difference: 253 m
- Difficulty: Easy
With its valleys and wooded and underwooded hills, the Fayat forest will recharge your batteries.
During your hike, you will pass by the Rompu pond and the Gadanets, a set of small bodies of water. The path will then take you to the Puy Jaillant (495 meters) from where you can observe the region.
To end this hike in style, follow the Puy de Bar trail to its highest point, at 534 meters.
At the top, apart from the magnificent views of the peaks and the surroundings, you will observe the small chapel of Notre-Dame-du-Puy-du-Bar, dating from the mid-nineteenth century. Be careful, it is private property.
10. The Serves circuit in Videix
- Duration: 3h30
- Distance: 14.8 km
- Height difference: 300 m
- Difficulty: Medium
The Circuit des Serves you to explore limousine nature and pass through typical villages.
Thus, if the starting point is the beach of La Chassagne, it is interesting to linger in the nearby village. Moreover, you can enjoy the beach at the end of your course.
You can also enjoy the view of the widening of the river, almost taking the form of a lake. Along the way, do not miss the rich natural heritage of the region as well as its built heritage (fountains, washhouses …).
Finally, a detour to Videix, located just 5 kilometers from the source of the Charente, will make you discover a dovecote and a Romanesque church, both dating from the eighteenth century.
So, with which of these hikes in Haute-Vienne will you start your discovery of the region?
