Regional Natural Park of Millevaches in Limousin

Welcome to nature! This northern sector of Corrèze has some real gems in store for lovers of wide open spaces and beautiful hikes. The Plateau de Millevaches derives its name from its location in height and the very many small springs that flow there permanently (the vacca, the springs). Here, you are truly in the middle of the mountains, with characteristic vegetation of conifers and scrub. We breathe, we are amazed with a multitude of viewpoints which very often reveal new perspectives on the Monts du Cantal and those of the Puy de Dôme just opposite. Lakes, torrents, sunny plateaus to walk on and small villages scattered enough to make you feel alone in the world! To the south of the sector are the hills of Monédières, a set of lower altitude, but particularly emblematic of Corrèze. We will also walk there with pleasure on the onslaught of hikes and walks particularly suitable for the whole family. The Corrèze has its wildest assets in store for you here, so don't be afraid of getting lost and traveling for miles: by car, but it's even better by bike or on foot.

Map of the Millevaches Natural Park and Plateau

The small charming villages between the Monédières and the Plateaux de Millevaches

Start the exploration with Corrèze, the village which takes its name from the river which crosses it and which gave its name to the department. Corrèze can be discovered with pleasure, we stroll through its small streets passing the Porte Margot and we continue to discover the elegant noble houses and small squares until we reach (on foot it's more fun), the banks of the river towards the Chapelle Our Lady of the Bridge of Salvation. Then head to Sarran, a village that takes on all its charm when you climb to the top of the eponymous puy, at an altitude of 820m, that's it, we're starting to climb! Here are 3 monumental crosses and an equally breathtaking view. In Sarran, do not miss the Museum of President Jacques Chirac, very interesting to learn more about the Presidential function through gifts, received during his 2 terms of office. We then head towards Chaumeil, still in the Massif des Monédières. It is an ideal starting point to prepare your exploration of the region, visit La Maison de Pays des Monédières without forgetting to climb to Suc au May to enjoy a breathtaking view. Another pretty, very small village which has a surprise in store for you: Lestards and the only church with a thatched roof in France! See also the Cascade du Saut de la Virole in the same town.

The Corrèze river, in Corrèze!

The monumental crosses of Puy de Sarran and the Museum of President Jacques Chirac

Chaumeil, typical village of the Massif des Monédière

The abandoned village of Clédat

Here you are at a crossroads, this side is Meymac and on the other Treignac. Treignac is a village located in the gorges of the Vézère. Its curiosity is its Tors bell tower of the Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix Chapel, rather rare in France, which you can admire very well from the tower. Nearby is the pretty Lac des Bariousses, a perfect place to relax after driving or hiking. You can swim there, do nautical and leisure activities, play in summer on inflatable structures or simply relax by the water. We go in the other direction, in Meymac, here we are at the entrance to the Parc Naturel Régional du Plateau des Millevaches. We will be able to find in Meymac all the amenities, all the useful information to organize a stay in the region. Stroll through the narrow streets with granite houses, learn more about Meymac and the wine trade. Meymac is a pleasant town with pretty shops in the town centre, it comes alive with a very beautiful local producers' market in summer.

Treignac and the Lac des Bariousses

Festive Meymac in summer

Here you are a stone's throw from Mont Bessou, it is quite simply the highest peak in Corrèze. Ok, it's not Mont Blanc, but you will still climb to 1000m, with the help of the panoramic tower installed at the top. You will climb a few floors to reach the long-awaited 1000m and enjoy a 180-degree view of the beauty of the surrounding landscape: lakes, forests, rolling hills and, in the distance, the peaks of Cantal and Mont Dore. On the way to the start, don't miss the Viaduc des Farges which can be discovered when taking a very beautiful tourist route.

Mont Bessou and its panoramic tower

The Farges Viaduct

The Plateau des Millevaches Regional Nature Park awaits you!

Here you are in the heart of the Plateau des Millevaches Regional Natural Park. Corrèze does not have exclusivity over this natural ensemble, which is also shared by Creuse and Haute-Vienne. Its landscaped ensembles are diversified, preserved, day and night since it is also a place conducive to stargazing, labeled International Starry Sky Reserve. There are wetlands, peat bogs such as the Tourbière de Longeyroux, which we recommend you visit, both for the quality of its educational course and for the beauty of the place. You will discover species of endemic and protected flora and fauna, you will learn to recognize and preserve them. There are Natura 2000 areas, Moorland, Sites of Major Ecological Interest, ZNIEFFS (natural areas of ecological, faunal and floristic interest). In short, you will have understood that each place where you set foot benefits from justified and essential protection to be respected, so that everyone, today and tomorrow, can enjoy this generous natural place.

The peat bogs of Longeyroux

In Bugeat, you can stock up on everything you need to go exploring. Take the opportunity to stop at Viam for a picnic on the banks of the Vézère, very wild and pretty there, or on the banks of Lake Viam. While you're in the area, take a step back in time, a real journey through time to meet the Gallo-Romans who populated these lands, by visiting the Gallo-Roman Cars Site (free and open access all the year, unless, and we recommend it, you take a guided tour). Go up just north towards Saint-Merd-les-Oussines, a typical site of the Millevaches plateau. We recommend a tour of the very pretty Lac des Oussines, full of charm. The north of the department is sparsely populated, with scattered villages. It is a place dedicated to hiking, to the appreciation of nature. Take a break in Sornac to see a bit of civilization and do some shopping for the rest of your adventures!

The Cars website

The very beautiful Étang des Oussines

Don't leave just yet! Towards the north-east of the department, the Chavanon Valley still has a few surprises in store for you. Like its impressive viaduct which runs towards the Puy de Dôme, its belvedere on the surrounding mountains and its hikes to encounter characteristic fauna and flora. Start your exploration at Merlines.

The Chavanon Viaduct