Discover the treasures of Marsac, Creuse, Limousin

Departing from Arrènes, come and discover this hearty, rugged gravel route, offering breathtaking views over the Monts d'Ambazac and Monts de Châtelus Le Marcheix landscapes. A cool break along the Thaurion gorges, with its river and lake. Gentle country lanes, small roads and forest paths, travel in the heart of a 100% natural environment. Take care at km 2.8 - 3.9 - 11.9 when crossing departmental roads.

Distance: 13km Duration: 3h15 Level: Medium Source of singular discoveries such as the big oak of Sazeirat or the curious square lodge of Puy de Rio, this walk offers beautiful views of the mountainous and forested landscape of the Eaux-Vives area.

Departure from Puy du Gaud. Go straight down towards Bénévent through the narrow streets to bypass the abbey under the surrounding wall. Turn right onto the Chemin des Chicanelles, which descends and then rises to the Cross des Granges. Continue along the old road to Le Grand-Bourg, cross the new road and climb the path opposite (to get to the dolmen, continue 50 m along the old road before crossing the present-day D912). At the summit, follow the top of the embankment to the left for 50m, then descend to the right along the old track that leads to the road to Chezolles. Follow the track opposite back to the D914. Turn right onto the road to reach the junction with the D912, where you follow the track in front of you. At 50, turn right up the Chemin du Puy du Gaud.

Go down to the foot of the Abbey church on the Chemin des Chicanelles, go up to the Cross des Granges, and then down the path on the left (10m). 500m further on, turn left to reach Sauzet. In the village, to return directly to Bénévent, turn left. To reach the Etang de la Toueille, turn right. A wide track leads to La Bourale. Follow the road to the right. After the last building, the road overlooks the pond and the large oak trees, home to numerous grey heron nests. Others can be seen on the other bank. Around April, as the leaves begin to sprout, the young can be seen in their nests. Numerous species of waterfowl can be observed on this pond (classified ZNIEFF). Unfortunately, it is not possible to circumnavigate the lake, but a tour of Grand Bourg (Gb2) takes you to the other side.

From the Tourist Office, go past the town hall, towards Marsac, to turn right into the rue d'Herse. At the second crossroads, turn left towards Marsac. At the stop sign, follow the direction of Saint Goussaud (D62). 700m further on, follow the path on the right and cross the forest of l'Age. At the end of the forest, follow the road to the right to join the D914. Go up on the right to turn left after 100m (direction La Chaise). Follow the track and at the top of a steep slope, turn right to return to Bénévent.

Leaving from Bénévent l?Abbaye or Marsac, this gravel trail offers magnificent views of the abbey church and the Creuse countryside. It takes in rural paths, small roads and several singles (with no technical difficulties). The route passes through many shady wooded areas, making it a pleasant experience, especially in summer. Picnic areas are available at Etang de la Brousse and Puy du Gaud. Take care when crossing the D914 at km 16.4.

From the church, head for Arrènes (D50) and immediately left into the allée de la motte. Left again, to pass the Villedaris fountain and further on, opposite a kennel, left. 300m into the forest, a path on the right leads up to the dolmens. Here, the path continues to join the track. Turn left and 300m on, the Mo2 continues straight on, while the Mo1 enters Mourioux on the right-hand track and then on the right-hand road. On reaching the D5, Mo2 continues along a track on the right. Further down, turn right onto Mo3, then stay on the right bank of the valley to turn right onto the D50 to reach Mourioux.

Room 2: It's been over a thousand moons since the dragons brought terror to the kingdom, for no one could defeat them: they guarded their most precious possession, "The Crystal". Legend has it that whoever possesses the true crystal, possesses the dragons. Some pirates, attracted by this destructive power, sailed to every continent in search of clues to find the "Crystal of Dragons".

NEW IN CREUSE Room 1: "The sanctuary of life": has been abandoned, will you succeed in restoring the vital balance? Long ago, life arrived on the planet, pure and fragile. It had to be protected. This task was entrusted to a celestial order: the Brotherhood of the Griffin. But the more the ages progressed, the more the sages doubted. Cruel, fickle beings of flesh fought and never learned from their mistakes. And so the sages gave up trying to pass on the meaning of life. The keys to knowledge were lost and the sanctuary of life left to fate.

NEW IN CREUSE Room 2: It's been over a thousand moons since the dragons brought terror to the kingdom, for no one could defeat them: they guarded their most precious possession, "The Crystal". Legend has it that whoever possesses the true crystal, possesses the dragons. Some pirates, attracted by this destructive power, sailed to every continent in search of clues to find the "Crystal of Dragons".

Marion, a young girl at the end of the 19th century and her son tell the story as they did in the olden days while sitting around a fire... Mysterious plants, the life of Creuse stonemasons, a liquor of incomparable taste, the Creuse countryside. At 1:40 dhow trail full of emotion that says a lot of about the region. For a short time, become the confidante of captivating characters.

In the heart of Bénévent-l?Abbaye, our guest house welcomes you to a world where history, nature and legends meet. Each of our five themed rooms invites you to enjoy a unique experience, inspired by the local heritage and the warmth of the Limousin region. To extend this journey, we also offer a gourmet table d'hôte, featuring local, seasonal and entirely home-cooked products, to share the authentic flavors of our terroir. An ideal place to recharge your batteries, treat yourself and discover the true soul of the Creuse.

In a small hamlet in the heart of the Monts du Limousin, charming stone cottage recently renovated. First floor: living room, sitting area and fitted kitchen. Upstairs, bedroom (bed 160), shower room with toilet. For hiking enthusiasts, enjoy a stay in the heart of nature, amid rolling, wooded landscapes rich in flora and fauna. Numerous signposted hiking, mountain biking and trail trails, as well as a nearby equestrian center.

The Bois Neuf dolmen date back to the Middle Neolithic period, between 3,500 and 2,500 BC. During this period, the Limousin region was affected by the expansion of Chassean society. This civilization bore the first apparent traces of social hierarchization through the construction of fortifications and megalithic funerary monuments. The table, measuring 2.9 x 2 metres, is supported by six pillars. This monument is the only "survivor" of a group of five megaliths. An important series of Neolithic artefacts has been found nearby: arrowheads, broken pottery, ornaments (bone beads and green rock)... The chamber is pear-shaped, with two internal parts and a narrow opening to the south.

The Quatre Routes dolmen was savagely emptied of its contents in 1986. However, a salvage excavation and sieving of the rubble yielded a number of important archaeological remains, consisting of ceramic shards and flint tools reminiscent of the campaniform armatures and spires of early Armorican and Bronze Age tumuli. The tumulus of this monument is a quadrangular cairn in the middle of which an ovoid megalithic chamber may have been open to the east.

Public reading library (52 m²), with 3,500 items, including an adult section (novels, detective stories, science-fiction novels, comics, documentaries, short stories, poetry, theater, music, video, recorded books, magazines) and a youth section with the same types of documents, as well as reference works (dictionaries, encyclopedias). Registration and loan of books, CDs and DVDs are free of charge. Books and DVDs are loaned for 1 month, CDs for 1 week, with free wifi. Books are renewed regularly by the Bibliothèque Départementale de la Creuse.

Unsupervised swimming. Fishing. Fishing opens on March 02 for carp, and April 06 for pike and carnivorous fish. Prices 2024 : day pass : 7 ?uros ; nominative card for seven consecutive days: 40 ?uros ; Fishing season: 110 ?uros; night fishing (except July 13), 20 ?/24 hours (March 04 to October 29)/person/without season pass, 10 ?uros/24 hours/person with season pass. line per child under 10 accompanied by a cardholder: 1 line free.

This lime tree is over three hundred years old. It is 9 m in circumference and around 32 m high. It has a curious feature: a cider stone is embedded in its roots. It has recently lost some branches and is supported in places. It stands on the outskirts of the village towards Malval.

Dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Paul, it was patronized by the Abbey of Bénévent. This monument dates from the 13th century, and was repaired and refurbished in the 15th century. The choir and right chapel were built in the 19th century. The cornice is supported by sculpted modillions (human heads). In the modern sacristy, a door lintel with bare escutcheon has been replaced.

Built at the bottom of the hill of the chapelle des Rorgues, the Saint André fountain, for some, was once visited in devotion to sickly children. For others, it was a place to throw a coin to make a wish, which of course was almost always granted, or to break a glass to pass an exam.

In the Middle Ages, the village of Les Rorgues must have been the center of a small parish which, in 1406, was annexed to Marsac. It has preserved its chapel, a rectangular edifice restored with some old features: the long semicircular hedge with a groove-molded ridge. The chapel is panelled and topped by a bell tower. It is dedicated to Saint André. Gallo-Roman burials have also been discovered here.

Honey harvested and jarred at the beekeeper's.

Pizzeria, Creperie From Italy to Brittany ..... A stopover in Creuse ....... Daily specials (8.90 ?uros), eat-in or take-away, organic and seasonal products. Petit Futé 2023!

Establishment located in the heart of the Petite Citée de Caractère on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, offering traditional takeaway and on-site catering. (from monday to friday)

La Lanterne in Saint Goussaud is a restaurant, grocery store and bar! The restaurant is open for lunch Monday to Sunday (except Wednesdays, which are reserved for workshops), and on Saturday evenings. Here you'll find a grocery store stocked with local produce and bulk goods, a bread depot (please order in advance), a batch of organic bread baked in a wood-fired oven, and a delivery service on Tuesdays and Fridays. The bar will be open from 8:30 a.m. Monday to Sunday (except Wednesday) and on Tuesday and Friday evenings. Reservations recommended on 05 55 64 89 63.

La Table de Chamborand, located in the heart of the Gartempe valley between La Souterraine and Bénévent-l'Abbaye, concocts gourmet seasonal and local dishes. For epicureans, we've selected a range of wines to suit every palate.

The last 3 generations of the Nougier family have been striving to give guests the very best in fine cuisine. The chef uses only fresh ingredients ("maître restaurateur"since early December 2013). The stylish restaurant was awarded a "Bib Gourmand" by the Michelin Guide in 2007. It is also mentionned in the prestigious Guide Hubert.

Corinne welcomes you to "La Grange" in Le Grand Bourg, a warm and colorful place, just like her dishes: "Rougail de Saucisses", "Cassolette de Poissons et Fruits de la Mer" or her "Chili", which you can enjoy in the evening or at the weekend! Corinne also offers tapas, charcuterie and/or cheese platters, always using fresh local produce (small plates: 7 ?uros, medium plates: 12 ?uros, large plates: 22 ?uros). Remember to book the day before !!!!

open-plan lunches and takeaway pizzas to order

Burgers to take away and also on request (reservations required 36 hours in advance) quiches, tuna and tomato pie, potato and meat pies, apple flaugnarde, chocolate cake, custard,...

Drainage area (stadium) : - Drainage area for grey water (kitchen and toilet), - toilet cassette drain, - cassette rinsing tap, - tap, - waste garbage can, - Free of charge.

Christine and Patrick welcome you in their house with 2 bedrooms for a capacity of 4 persons.

Marsac is a pleasant village, which offers a quiet and shady campsite, near a lake with fishing activity and a biological bathing pool, in a site favorable to relaxation. Swimming in a biological pool open in July and August (supervised), 400 meters away.

Old renovated Creusoise farmhouse, comfortable and decorated with care in a hamlet 1 km from Marsac (shops nearby, organic swimming pool open in summer, train station). All rooms are on the ground floor. The living room, well equipped, opens onto a large terrace of 40 m² from which you will enjoy a breathtaking view on the surrounding countryside Small room with bed of 160 X 200, big room with bed of 140 X 190 + bed of 90 X 190 Bathroom with shower and independent WC. Closed ground of 4 000 m². Parking space in front of the house Access to the cellar for storage of bikes, fishing rods, etc...

Charming ambience, convenience and privacy 100% guaranteed. Breakfast included. Chez Helen is the ideal place to spend a day or two in picturesque Creuse. Chez Helen offers you a studio apartment with an independent entrance and shower room reserved for your exclusive use. An independent kitchen is at your disposal. With direct access to your balcony and garden, chairs and barbecue. Breakfast is served at the time of your choosing. You are the guest! Pets are welcome too, for a modest supplement of 5 euros. Chez Helen is not far from Marsac (approx. 2 km), where you'll find shops, bars and restaurants. In summer, you can enjoy the ecological swimming pool or a natural lake. We are located in a hamlet of around 30 inhabitants, 2 km from the village. We are

Welcome to Chambres d'Hôtes Labalade! Our farmhouse, set in large, peaceful grounds with views, has 2 bedrooms and 3 trailers, and is surrounded by lakes, rivers, forests and vast rolling countryside. The ideal place for nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet! There are plenty of opportunities for relaxation in the immediate vicinity: swimming, fishing and cycling. The Santiago de Compostela footpath is just a short distance from the B&B. There are also picturesque villages and towns nearby to visit, including one of the many markets and brocantes. We'll be happy to provide you with all the information you need about the region.