Discover Champagnac, Cantal, Auvergne: Nature and Heritage

From the Champagnaguès plateau, this hike takes you to the gorges of the Dordogne, a legendary river, once tempestuous, whose steep banks still shelter a rich and wild nature. Since at least the 14th century, Vernéjoux has been a gateway to the Limousin region. At that time, a ferry regularly crossed the Dordogne. Around 1840, the ferry was replaced by the Vernéjoux suspension bridge. The latter was rebuilt in the 20th century. Departure point: Champagnac church square. From the church square in Champagnac, take the D12 towards Saint-Pierre. As you leave the village, fork left onto a wide track and drive 500 m to reach the corner of a meadow. Turn right onto a forest track.

This fairly easy route takes in a large part of the "piste verte", the former railroad line that linked Mauriac to Bort les Orgues. The route also takes in the picturesque villages of Saignes and Ydes Bourg... Difference in altitude: 220 m Tarmac sections open to traffic: 30%. Between Largnac and Saignes railway station, this route follows the Piste Verte for almost 5 km. Built on an old railroad line, this is an ideal place to enjoy a wide range of activities in a pleasant, safe setting: hiking, cycling, rollerblading... Rental of mountain bikes, VTC, electric bikes, rollerblades and scooters in Ydes (Ydes Champagnac station - 8 rue de la gare).

A hike that takes you from the village and its singular church, around Lac de Saint-Pierre and then to the summit of Puy de Teldes, in the footsteps of the Templars. Saint-Pierre church: its contemporary, regionalist style (1961-1962) is striking. It replaced the church of the old village of Saint-Pierre, a few hundred meters away, which was razed to the ground to exploit a uranium ore deposit. Today's church, dedicated to St. Peter the fisherman from Lake Tiberias, has a frame in the shape of an inverted ship's hull. The floor is made of Corrèze slate, which imitates the swirls of water. As for the stained glass windows, they were made from mass-tinted glass slabs, a process widely used in the 1960s. Inaugurated in 2000, Notre-Dame des Templiers was erected at the summit of Puy de Teldes, in memory of the presence of the Knights Templar. Remains of huts, stables and fortifications that once belonged to the Knights Templar remain here, probably an advanced guard post watching over the Mauriac-Ussel road. Departure point: Saint-Pierre church parking lot. Go past the town hall and straight on to the campsite. At the D12 junction, go straight ahead. Take the gravel path towards the Templiers site. Variant : You can reach the bottom of the Gorges de la Dordogne (site du Mentier). A path along the riverbank allows you to admire the granite giants. A short but physically demanding route (ascent 670 m).

Paved sections open to traffic: 45%. Starting out on the "Piste Verte", this tour for mountain bikers presents only one difficulty: the ascent to the Réal, which takes place on a tarmac section. Ascent: 330 m Start at the old Largnac station, take the "Piste Verte" in the direction of Ydes. 1. Leave the Piste Verte on the right, cross the D922 with care, then take the first small road on the left. At the last dwelling, the route continues along a wide forest track which joins the Réal. 2. Go through the village of Ydes-Bourg, then turn right over a small bridge towards Sauvat. 3. About 300 m after the hamlet of Poux, in a wide bend overhung by a rock, fork right onto the grassy path between two meadows.

This hike takes you via the Piste Verte and the Bassignac viaduct to the ruins of the Château de Charlus. These offer a vast panorama that alone is worth the effort of climbing to the summit. Castrum Carlicium was one of the most important fortresses in Haute Auvergne. Comprising a large square keep, two main buildings and a chapel, the castle was surrounded by a first wall protected by a dozen round towers with battlements and machicolations. A platform terrace served as the second wall. Richelieu ordered its destruction in 1633. Today, only a few remnants of the walls remain. Departure point: junction of the D512 and the Piste Verte. Between Le Marlat and Parensol, the start is at the crossroads between the D512 and the Piste Verte (parking lot). Follow the D512 uphill. Just before the small bridge at the head of the hairpin, take the path on the right that climbs to the Pic de Charlus.

Between the sky and the Dordogne, the trail begins by descending into the Dordogne gorges, then winds its way across the agricultural plateau, passing through the villages of Vernéjoux, Enval and Monange. Pleasant in all seasons, with a particular fondness for winter, when the absence of leaves makes it easier to discover the river and the panoramic views of the snow-covered Auvergne mountains. Yellow markings. More difficult variant descending to the banks of the Dordogne (4 hours ? 14 km).

Don't forget your binoculars; you will regret it if you have the chance to observe a raptor flying over the Dordogne gorges!Park in the town hall car park. Take Rue du Moulin Barriè. Continue straight aheadAt the crossroads before the mill village, follow the road to the left. Go right at the next crossroads. Head towards the city of Vermillard.After the first house, take the path on the left; go along below the water tower. The path goes down in twists and turns into a path that you need to follow on the left for 200 m. Take a trail on the right that winds down to a small road.Go up to the left (right for the more difficult variant) to the crossroads.Go up alongside the stream, cross the road and then take the trail opposite. It winds its way up through the woods and joins a track that you followed on the right for some time.Follow the track on the right that goes down to the gorge and then up again. At the crossroads, follow the tarmac track on the right to reach Vernéjoux.In the village, take the second road on the right that leads to Enval. After a farm on the right, take the track on the left. In a bend, ignore a path on the right. Proceed: the track goes around the Puy d'Enval and joins a road.Turn left onto it; continue straight ahead ignoring several roads on your right and left. Go through Monange, passing an old oven and a well.After the last house, leave the main road and turn left towards the houses numbered 16 to 25. This little road becomes a path. Proceed. Go straight on at the crossroads after the meadow to join a road that you take on the right. Turn right at the next crossroads to reach the start, passing in front of the church.

Don't forget your binoculars; you will regret it if you have the chance to observe a raptor flying over the Dordogne gorges!Park in the town hall car park. Take Rue du Moulin Barriè. Continue straight ahead.At the crossroads before the mill village, follow the road to the left. Go right at the next crossroads. Head towards the city of Vermillard.After the first house, take the path on the left; go along below the water tower. The path goes down in twists and turns into a path that you need to follow on the left for 200 m. Take a trail on the right that winds down to a small road.Descend to the right (left for the easier variant) for 300 m to find a small path going down to the left. At the bottom of the descent, on the left; The trail passes between rocks at the bottom of the valley and then goes up to the road. Follow it to the right.Go up alongside the stream, cross the road and then take the trail opposite. It winds its way up through the woods and joins a track that you followed on the right for some time.Follow the track on the right that goes down to the gorge and then up again. At the crossroads, follow the tarmac track on the right to reach Vernéjoux.In the village, take the second road on the right that leads to Enval. After a farm on the right, take the track on the left. In a bend, ignore a path on the right. Proceed: the track goes around the Puy d'Enval and joins a road.Turn left onto it; continue straight ahead ignoring several roads on your right and left. Go through Monange, passing an old oven and a well.After the last house, leave the main road and turn left towards the houses numbered 16 to 25. This little road becomes a path. Proceed. Go straight on at the crossroads after the meadow to join a road that you take on the right. Turn right at the next crossroads to reach the start, passing in front of the church.

A discovery of the Madic plateau, with a rather difficult section along the Dordogne (steep banks). Start from the church parking lot. Opposite the Madic church, turn left onto rue de Chabannes, an extension of the D30. At the next crossroads (calvary), turn left onto rue de la Dordogne for 75 m, then left again onto rue du Stade. Continue straight ahead on rue du Pont Boutier, passing the school on your right and continuing straight ahead on the small road which, after a few hectometres, crosses a bridge. 1) At the fork in the road, take the track on the right. The track goes into the woods and climbs steadily for about 2 km to the hamlet of Moulergues (physical climb for the last 400 m, stroller for 100 m). 2) At the hamlet of Moulergues, take the road to the left, then fork right. The road descends to a fork in the road, which you must negotiate on the left. At the next crossroads, turn left again towards Moussoudès. 3) Continue straight ahead on this plateau road. Drive past Moussoudès and continue straight on until you reach the crossroads with the D15. Turn left towards Saignes and descend for about 350 m. At the first houses in La Barrade, turn left down the small road for about 300 metres. 4) Leave the road and turn right on this good track for about 2 km. The route descends into the valley through undergrowth, then skirts Lac de Madic on the left (don't go too fast, fences on the sides of the path). Cross the bridge and return to the road. Turn left, then right at the crossroads with the D30 towards Bort les Orgues and Mauriac. Go straight on for about 600 m to a place called "Le Ruisseau Perdu". 5) 50 m after the sign, turn left onto rue des Eaux and enter the industrial estate. Stay on the main road. The road descends, passing the waste disposal center and then the water treatment plant on your left. At the bottom of the treatment plant, take the path opposite. This goes into the woods and runs alongside the Dordogne (beware: the path is sometimes narrow, running along the top of steep banks, so don't hesitate to put your foot down if necessary). After 1.3 km, the path joins Madic. Turn left into rue du Suc, then right into rue de la Mairie, which leads back to the church and the starting point.

The confluence of the Diège and Dordogne rivers is overlooked by one of the key sites of the Haute-Corrèze, St-Nazaire.Departure from in front of the town hall. Pass below the church and continue by road to the site of Saint-Nazaire and then retrace your steps.After the first houses, turn right onto a path that becomes a small trail through the woods. Cross a stream and go back up into the woods. Join a track and then follow it on the left to Cronzat. Keep left in the village.At the end of the village, follow the road for 600 m. At a crossroads where a cross stands, it is possible to take a short cut by following the path on the left. At the next crossroads, follow a small road to the left. 400 m after this, turn left onto a path bordered by a pond; then turn right onto a grassy path that joins the road.Follow it to the right. At the fork, take the road on the left that leads to the buildings belonging to the Coup de Main association. Continue and then take a path on the left (the circuit describes a loop at this level). Continue straight on, passing a stream and then a small river. Go up to a road at the entrance to the village of Laborde.Follow the road to the right. In the village of Chassagnac, take the road towards Bort-les-Orgues. 50 m further on, take the tarmac track on the right. This crosses a stream and then rises again. On the flat, leave the track to take a beautiful path on the right. This path joins the track you have already taken, and which you follow on the left.At the crossroads, turn right: follow the road past the pavilions. At the next crossroads, turn left to reach the starting point.

Large detached house set in 2850m2 of wooded grounds. Situated between the Dordogne gorges and the Cantal mountains, this beautiful home welcomes you to a peaceful setting at the entrance to the village of Ydes. You can share a convivial moment on a covered terrace, but also on a second south-facing terrace equipped with 2 garden furniture sets, deckchairs, a barbecue and a ping-pong table. All shops and services in Ydes 500m away.

Quiet, comfortable self-contained gîte located between the Dordogne Valley and the Monts du Cantal. Close to a lovely watering hole. A games room equipped for leisure activities. Two steps from a multi-activity trail.

Our rooms are located in a late 19th-century mansion set in one hectare of landscaped grounds. Each room has its own private bathroom and toilet. A fully equipped kitchen is available on request. You the bowling green. Also for our motorbike friends, a motorcycle shelter is available. We are 10 minutes from the Bort-les-Orgues dam (beach, swimming, canoeing, pedalos...), 25 minutes from the Dordogne gorges and 30 minutes from the medieval town of Salers.

Come and discover the horse in a different way, how it behaves, how it learns, how he lives within his herd. By developing trust, respect and understanding understanding, you'll build a better relationship on foot and on horseback. Sandra will help you progress at your own pace, from beginner to advanced rider: you'll be able to pass your Galops and Savoirs d'équitation éthologique, improve your position and balance, discover long reins and Equifeel, progress in ethological and bitless riding, enjoy beautiful rides and magnificent landscapes in a personalized, family atmosphere. Possibility of bringing your own horse.

Cécile and Laurent welcome you to their converted barn for a stay of discovery and change of scenery "au-VERT-gnat". Stopover evenings for weekday sales representatives or seminars.

Located in the Nord Cantal on the border with Corrèze, surrounded by wooded hills and just a stone's throw from the Dordogne river, we offer our vacation home for weekly rental. With a capacity of 6 people, the house comprises on the ground floor a living room/kitchen opening onto a large covered terrace with a breathtaking view over the valley, a large bedroom (double bed), a shower room, a separate toilet and a small games room, and on the first floor 3 bedrooms (double bed/double bed/2 single beds), a shower room and a toilet. There are also deckchairs and hammocks in the shade, and a barbecue. Shops in Bort-les-Orgues 6km away.

Imagine blue, green, forests, a river, a hill and a meadow dotted with 5 self-contained wooden chalets, set in a plot of over 1 hectare. The estate is located in the heart of the countryside, close to the Gorges de la Dordogne, a remarkable natural area that is home to a bird sanctuary and much more! The site has been awarded the ‘Accueil Pêche’ and ‘Accueil Vélo’ labels. This means you can spend days relaxing, swimming in the pool, paddling on the lakes of Neuvic or Bort-les-Orgues, going for a jog, taking a bike to discover the Gorges de la Haute-Dordogne along the Route des Ajustants, strolling along the footpaths and marvelling at the wealth of the surrounding area. The freshly renovated TILIA chalet has a living room/kitchen opening onto a pretty terrace, 1 bedroom (1 double bed, bench made up of 2 single beds), a shower room and a separate WC.

The latest addition to the Maisons de Coline range, the tiny house offers a new experience of living in the heart of nature. From the large bay windows, you can observe the landscape and animals without being seen. The bedroom is upstairs, and a second double bed can be quickly and easily set up in the living room. The kitchen is equipped with oven, hood and fridge. The bathroom has a large walk-in shower and dry toilet. Life outside the tiny house takes place in the shade of the fir and oak trees. Our tiny house offers top-of-the-range comfort and is built from healthy materials. It's designed with the environment in mind: untreated Douglas fir cladding from the forests of Correze, recycled absorbent cotton insulation, natural paint and stain.

Close to the exceptional site of Gratte-Bruyère, overlooking the gorges of the Haute-Dordogne, between forests and meadows, the 5 pretty chalets of Les Maisons de Coline are located in the heart of the Dordogne Basin Biosphere Reserve. Lovers of wide open spaces will have a great time swimming in the large lakes of Neuvic or Bort-les-Orgues, running on the trails or cycling along the small country roads and discovering the hidden treasures of this discreet corner of the Corrèze. They can also gaze at the horizon from the shelter of the terrace! Coline has created a bucolic atmosphere for this gîte, renovated in 2022. It comprises a fully-equipped kitchen, two bedrooms (1 bed 140, 3 beds 90), a shower room and separate toilet. The estate has been awarded the "Clef Verte" label for sustainable tourism, as well as the "Accueil Pêche" and "Accueil Vélo" labels. Very quiet site.

Romanesque church. Year of construction: 12th century. Listed as a historical monument since 2019. The Church of Notre-Dame in Champagnac testifies to the influence of Romanesque art in the region. It was remodeled several times, notably in the 15th and 19th centuries, during the major restoration and expansion campaign led by the architect Louis Bonnay. Built of local stone, it retains a characteristic Romanesque chancel and a western bell tower dating from the 15th century. The 19th-century Neo-Romanesque extension added a four-bay nave and side aisles, harmoniously integrated into the original structure. The church features an apse and tower of Romanesque origin, as well as remarkable stained-glass windows restored in 2022. One can also admire the 80 corbels sculpted by the Mauriac artist Jean Ribes, who also created the holy water font, altar, and capitals in the typical Mauriac style during the 19th century. An earlier sculptor, Geraldus Clericus, also left his mark on the building: he is responsible for several Romanesque capitals, one of which depicts Saint Michael slaying the dragon. Inside, the nave is covered with a plaster vault, while the chancel retains Romanesque elements and restored paintings. The furnishings include a baptismal font, confessionals, and beautiful grisaille stained-glass windows created by the master glassmaker Gaudin, contributing to the building's peaceful atmosphere. Visit and access: Self-guided tours are possible; keys can be obtained from the Champagnac town hall (04 71 69 61 55).

Two exhibition rooms allow you to discover more than a century of history and the life of the miners through numerous documents, plans, sketches, photos, several models including the 10m2 Mine Tile, tools and accessories. (lamps, helmets, picks,...) as well as a testimonial video. Open in July and August, Monday to Friday, 2pm to 5:30pm by prior arrangement, and off-season too.

Panoramic view of the Marèges dam, Dordogne gorges, Lac de Saint-Pierre, Bort-les-Orgues organs, Monts Dore and Monts du Cantal. On-site orientation table and picnic area. Les roches grandes is located on the puy de Collange. Accessible by following the blue signs from Lac de Saint-Pierre (PR27 hiking trail).

The deep gorges of the Dordogne, with their dams and reservoirs, offer superb backdrops such as the Gratte-Bruyère and Roc du Busatier lookouts, and are of major ecological interest. Gabare trips combining history and nature invite you to discover the gorges of the Haute Dordogne on the Chastang dam reservoir.

A look back at the mining past of Ydes and Champagnac. Presentation of the different mining sites, the shafts and the major events that marked the basin.

A 17 km green trail linking Cheyssac (commune of Vebret) to Bort-les-Orgues via Ydes. It is built on a former railroad line. It can be used on foot, by bike or on rollerblades without too much effort, and the gradient is not too steep... It's very safe, so you can take your children for a walk. The path is unrestricted, and you can start anywhere, in any direction. At the center of the trail in Ydes is a rental area. Adult bikes (electric or mechanical), children's bikes (mechanical) and rollerblades are available for hire.

Beyond offering the leisure of circulating and discovering the landscapes of Sumène Artense, the Piste Verte has offered an open-air exhibition project every year since 2014. The Piste des Arts is open to the public in three exhibition areas, open all year round, along the Piste Verte: at Parensol (Bassignac), Ydes and Verchalles (Vebret).

Permanent exhibition of butterflies and other insects from around the world. The exhibition introduces visitors to the world's most prestigious species of insects and butterflies. More than 3,500 specimens are on display, accompanied by documents accessible to all. In addition to a fantastic variety of butterflies from every continent, you'll be able to admire the magnificent golden beetle from Costa Rica, gleaming buprestes, the giants of the night, as well as mygales and scorpions. The exhibition also gives pride of place to the discovery of local and French fauna. With its wealth of species and strange beauty of form, its enchanting colors and original evocation of exoticism, the exhibition will touch the sensibilities of everyone and arouse their admiration. The exhibition is complemented by an educational display of 20 panels explaining the importance of biodiversity.

A 7-hectare lake for a relaxing stroll accessible to all.

This hike will offer you a remarkable view of the highest volcano in metropolitan France, the Puy de Sancy. At 1885 metres above sea level, this summit is the highest point of the Massif Central. The two streams, the Dore and the Dogne, originate there, and their confluence forms the Dordogne.    

Restaurant for up to 46 people in the dining room and 30 on the terrace, offering traditional cuisine. Bar - takeaway - caterer.

On site or to take away, La Galinette offers pizzas and artisanal burgers, including foie gras and veal sweetbreads, made with fresh, local produce, as well as its tenderloin with blue cheese sauce, fries and salad. Drinks and desserts are also available. Don't hesitate to make a reservation. Fresh "smart pizza" and cold drinks vending machines, open 24/7.

Reception in the heart of the village of Sérandon, around a traditional cuisine and pizzas cooked on wood fire. Theme evenings and concerts, all in a family and friendly atmosphere.

Café, Brasserie, Pizzéria de la Poste located in the heart of the beautiful village of Saignes, near the church on route du Monteil. Workman's lunch every weekday, à la carte menu and pizzas in the evening, made with fresh produce. Friendly welcome.

Lakeside bar-restaurant overlooking Val Castle.

Open from early May to late September, this lakeside restaurant boasts a shaded terrace and breathtaking sunset views. Home-cooked cuisine based on fresh, local produce. In July and August, "Le Petit Canada" cocktail bar with outdoor terrace. Cultural program.

We offer regional and family cuisine, to be enjoyed on the terrace by the lake or in the warm and friendly restaurant.

Located on the main square, close to the Dordogne river. Pleasant setting and terrace. Family kitchen.

Why not try "La Guinguette"? Situated on the lake, with your feet in the water, we will serve you pizzas, salads and grilled meats on our beautiful terrace or in our cosy room. All this in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere Bar, snack bar, pizzas, ice cream, sandwich shop on the shores of the Triouzoune lake.

Family-style cuisine based on local produce, served in a warm and welcoming setting.

In Champagnac, in the Nord Cantal, former presbytery renovated into a group gîte for 12 people for stays with family or friends. Close to the Dordogne gorges. Numerous hiking trails, "Territoire Vélo" label, local shops. A former and beautifully restored presbytery, transformed into a 3 ears group gîte for 12 people (Gîte de France label). Sitting in the middle of a small garden full of trees and flowers, the gîte will accommodate you for a wonderful stay in Cantal. Large living-room with dining area - fully-equipped kitchen - lounge area with TV - DTT - DVD player - 6 bedrooms: 1 bedroom (1 single bed) - 2 bedrooms (2 single beds) - 1 bedroom (3 single beds) - 2 bedrooms (2 pull-out beds) private shower room and private toilet in every bedroom - washing-machine - dryer - dishwasher - refrigerator - 10 mountain bikes - closed shed - sheets and towels are provided - natural gas central heating - open year round. Shops nearby. Free WIFI access

Beautiful village house in the heart of the village. 160 m2 house on 2 levels with rear garden and attached garage. 2 bedrooms upstairs with 140cm beds and possibility of additional single beds. 1 sofa bed in the living room. Equipped kitchen, living room, dining room and 2 bathrooms. Close to all village shops and amenities. Various leisure activities nearby.

Semi-detached house comprising a living room and two bedrooms, one of which is a children's bedroom with 2 bunk beds and possibly a bed for a child under 4, plus a bathroom with toilet and walk-in shower. A garden on either side of the house, facing the Bois de Lempre lake.

Large detached house set in 2850m2 of wooded grounds. Situated between the Dordogne gorges and the Cantal mountains, this beautiful home welcomes you to a peaceful setting at the entrance to the village of Ydes. You can share a convivial moment on a covered terrace, but also on a second south-facing terrace equipped with 2 garden furniture sets, deckchairs, a barbecue and a ping-pong table. All shops and services in Ydes 500m away.

Detached house with character. It has a terrace, an unenclosed courtyard and unenclosed land to the rear. First floor: fitted kitchen, living room with fireplace, flat-screen TV, 1 bedroom with 1 double bed, bathroom and separate WC. 1st floor: 2 bedrooms with 1 double bed and 1 bedroom with 2 single beds, bathroom and separate WC.

Situated near the Dordogne gorges, this gîte with its own entrance is on the first floor of a house. Shaded, unenclosed grounds shared with the other gîte, with garden furniture and barbecue. Fitted kitchenette, living room with flat-screen TV, internet access and telephone, 1 bedroom with 1 double bed, 1 bedroom with 2 single beds, shower room with WC.

Located on the border of the Cantal and Corrèze departments, close to the Monts du Cantal and the Massif du Sancy, separate entrance on 1st floor. You'll benefit from a shared courtyard and enclosed grounds with garden furniture and barbecue. Living room with internet access and telephone, kitchenette, 1 bedroom with 1 double bed, 1 bedroom with 2 single beds, shower room, separate WC. Cot available on request.

Detached house with garage, small terrace and 800m2 enclosed grounds with garden furniture and barbecue. First floor: kitchenette, 1 bedroom with 1 double bed, bathroom, separate WC. Upstairs, 3 bedrooms with 1 double bed, 1 bedroom with 2 single beds, mezzanine with 1 single bed, bathroom with WC. Oil-fired heating included. All charges included.

Quiet, comfortable self-contained gîte located between the Dordogne Valley and the Monts du Cantal. Close to a lovely watering hole. A games room equipped for leisure activities. Two steps from a multi-activity trail.