Exploring the delights of Banize, Creuse, Limousin

Let yourself be surprised by the natural site of the Gour de Vaux, this granite chaos crossed by the Thaurion, a small river that rises on the Plateau de Millevaches and flows through rugged terrain. But before that, you'll discover exceptional panoramic views of the authentic, unspoilt Creus countryside, where the imprint of the Creus stonemasons punctuates your walk. Start: cross the hamlet of La Chaise and its stone bridge and take the track to the right, 11 km, 3h, yellow markings.

Come and discover the secrets of the legendary Devil's Rock and the unspoilt nature of the Thaurion; flowing and cascading here into a huge "gully".From the car park, go towards the road by taking the track leading to the car park. Cross it and take the small staircase that leads down the slope.Turn left and follow the course of the Thaurion. After crossing the damp ground, the path climbs upwards, turning to the left.At the top, turn right, leave the stone staircase (with metal railings) that goes down to the left. Take care, awkward passage. Slip straight between the rocks to go down to the viewpoint overlooking the valley (secured by a guardrail). Once you have enjoyed the panorama, turn around, go up to the top of the staircase you left previously and take it.At the bottom of the stairs, on the left, continue following the river and, after trying to see the hidden waterfall, go up to the left to observe a huge rocky outcrop, then return to the river.Go along the riverbank to a waterfall; the path goes up on the left to bypass a rocky outcrop, then goes down again (watch out for slips).Slip between the rocks and follow the bank until the next waterfall.Go down the metal staircase and take the footbridge. Take a break before leaving the river and take the wide path that climbs (very steep) to the road.Cross the road at the small stone staircase in the embankment opposite. Climb these few steps and then turn right diagonally to cross the abandoned road and head towards the road opposite.Take the path that runs along the road in the woods until you reach the top of a wooden staircase.The tarmac track climbs on the left and thus begins the return to the car park. Follow this wide track that crosses meadows and then enters a large coniferous forest.Continue straight on this track through the communal forest until you reach the foot of the Devil's Rock and the car park.

Come and explore a large peat bog classified as a Natura 2000 site, rich in a remarkable heritage that is preserved.From the car park, head towards the footbridge over the stream, pass the barrier and follow the wide track to the next intersection.Turn right, go through the woods up to a viewpoint with a bench. Continue a little in the woods, then go down towards the river to the ruins of a mill.Follow the old headrace to the footbridges that allow the stream to be crossed.Take the duckboards and continue straight on the path for a good distance.At the intersection, take the left-hand path, which then branches off to the left at a footbridge and passes over the dike of an old pond.Cross the river again and remember to close the gate. Climb the steep path that goes off to the right to reach a panoramic view.Descend onto the heath to a turtle-shaped rocky outcrop.Just past this rock, there are two options. The one presented here is the option of the large loop (another sheet presents a smaller loop: "Discovery trail of the moors and peat bogs of Mazure n°22: Small loop"). Take the path that goes straight down and then goes up towards the rocky outcrop that offers a beautiful view.Go down to the bottom of the valley. Once you reach the peat bog, the path branches off to the right. The landscaping allows you to cross the wettest areas and reach a stone bridge (known as a "plank bridge").Cross the river, turn left to reach a coniferous forest.Continue straight through this forest for a long distance until you reach the intersection of four paths.Turn left, go through the woods and then continue alongside the peat bog on a path lined with old low walls.At the intersection with another trail, continue straight ahead until you reach some duckboards, then a small stone bridge that allows you to cross the river again.Just after a small round trip to the right you can explore the remains of mills. Turn left, continue straight on a path that runs along the edge of the peat bog near the heather moors.A large duckboard allows you to cross a very wet area (caution). The path continues straight ahead on the edge and then branches off to the right into a shrubby area and climbs up into a fenced meadow.A fenced corridor makes it possible to cross this meadow in complete safety (beware, however, of apiary). At the end of the meadow, take the path opposite (slightly to the left) in a coniferous forest.The path then continues through a leafy forest, branching off to the right to an old fishery.Continue on the right, following the watercourse, until the next intersection with a wide path.Take this path on the left, go on alongside the fenced pasture and continue straight on the path (taken on the outward journey) to return to the car park.

The trail passes through a variety of ecological settings, guaranteeing a rich biodiversity. In the past, moors and peat bogs were used for a variety of purposes; today, it is important to enhance the value of these landscapes, which have been forgotten for too long? This site combines an exceptional natural heritage with a vernacular heritage that bears witness to the evolution of local life.

The trail passes through a variety of ecological settings, guaranteeing a rich biodiversity. In the past, moors and peat bogs were used for a variety of purposes; today, it is important to enhance the value of these landscapes, which have been forgotten for too long? This site combines an exceptional natural heritage with a vernacular heritage that bears witness to the evolution of local life.

Start / Finish : Parking de la Rigole du Diable, D3, 23460 LE MONTEIL AU VICOMTE Communes crossed : Le Monteil au Vicomte, Royère de Vassivière

Discover Puy Beaumont, which offers a unique panoramic view of the peaty valleys and wooded puys, another area covered with heather moors.From the Beauvais reception area, take the earth path straight down between the meadows.Take the path on the right between the dry stone walls. Cross the Beauvais stream on a plank bridge, then cross the bog and forest plots to point 2.Take the path opposite, still between the dry stone walls, to the top of Puy Beaumont. Take some the time to admire the 300° landscape and enjoy a rest on the earth bench. Begin the descent by walking around a number of bends, through leafy plots, passing in front of an old shepherd's hut.At the bottom of the slope, turn left and walk along the edge of the Mazure peat bog to point 4. (this section is in common with the discovery trail of the moors and peat bogs of Mazure, so you could extend your route).At the crossroads, go straight ahead until you reach point 5.Turn left into the forest plantation to reach the boardwalks. Walk through them to the stream, the Beauvais, then cross the footbridge to reach an old pond dyke. Below, explore the ruins of the old Beauvais mill, then take the path on the left that leads to point 6.Continue straight ahead to return to the reception area.

Discover this artificial lake, created in 1944. Since 1950, it has fed Lac de Vassivière via an underground aqueduct for hydroelectric generation. The lake has swallowed up the Lavaud-Gelade mill, which once featured on the Etat-Major map. The site is listed as a Natura 2000 zone and a natural zone of ecological, faunistic and floristic interest. The landscape is changing, with moorland gradually giving way to conifer plantations. Start: Place de l'église, 23 km, 6h, yellow markers.

This trail takes in the rocky chaos of the Pierres Fades and the traditional organization of a village through the example of Chertrain. The natural and built heritage along the way enables you to understand the relationship between man and his environment, and to observe the changes that have transformed the face of the countryside. Trail starts in the village of Chertrain. Trail 3 kilometers long, approx. 1h30 walking time. Guide booklet available from the Saint Marc à Loubaud town hall, the Maison du PNR or the Felletin and Aubusson Tourist Office.

On the Chateau de Mémanat estate, slightly removed from the rest of the property, stay in this luxurious treehouse. Hand-built by Andy and Natalie, after many years of dedication and a few splinters, this perched treehouse rises 3 meters high and features a large terrace overlooking horse fields, a private wood-fired spa and a cozy hidden mezzanine. The open double-height interior includes a huge handmade king-size bed and adorable bunk beds for the kids if you decide to bring them along! You won't skimp on luxury: the luxurious bathroom is equipped with a massive shower and double sink. There's also a real little kitchen for all your culinary needs.

A stay in the countryside at Guytou. 100% nature. In front of the house, the hens roam free, no nuisance, on the contrary, it's fun for the children. We've also discovered the rabbits on the property! Behind the house, enclosed grounds for the gîte. Nearby, another field for lambs and sheep. A pond 800m away is available for guests. The road in front of the gîte is a dead end.

All shops and services in Pontarion (11Km). Aubusson, capital of Tapestry, is only 30km away, and is an ideal place to visit. Swimming at Lac de Vassivière (23Km).

Stone house located in a small hamlet in Royère de Vassivière.

Detached 4-bedroom house on large, shady, enclosed plot. ground floor: large entrance hall (children's play area). Living room (with French windows opening onto the garden), sitting room with TV and pellet stove. A few steps (90cm) lead up to the kitchen (oven, MO. fridge and freezer), which opens directly onto the garden. A 15m² bedroom "espace repos" (only a small window at the top) with shower room and washbasin ? accessible from the entrance. 1 separate toilet with washbasin. Laundry room (washing machine) with miscellaneous storage space. Upstairs, CH1 with 2 beds 80*200 (twin 160*200) and CH2 with 1 bed 160*200 (mezzanine with sofa-bed) Bathroom with shower. The bathtub is set into the floor. Shower 80*80. Attic: CH3 with 1 bed 90*190. CH4 with 1 bed 140/190 and 1 bed 90*190, 1 WC not partitioned (curtain) is in the room. WIFI. By

The gîte is just a few meters from the village of Ars and only 9 km from Lavaveix-les-mines, where you'll find all shops and services. The world capital of tapestry is 13km away. Cycling and hiking trails start from the gîte. For fishermen, the river Creuse is only 6 km away.

Nestled in a beautiful rural setting, this huge two-storey house with indoor pool, Jacuzzi and sauna will provide you with a superb vacation. Rustic details such as natural wood beams and exposed stone walls are just some of the features of this large house. On the first floor, there's a large kitchen, a living room with an old-fashioned fireplace, and an entertainment area with TV, table soccer, sauna and jacuzzi. Second floor - Bedroom with 160x200 bed and en-suite bathroom - Bedroom with flexible 180*200 bed - Bedroom with 140*190 bed and single bed. - En-suite shower room - Separate WC Above the entertainment area - bedroom with double bed - Dormitory with 2 beds 160*200, bed 140x190 and single bed. A relaxation net allows you to relax in peace and quiet. - Shower room Petanque court, terrace.

Welcome to Gîte Les Jonquilles, the ideal site for hikers and nature lovers. Situated 4km from the Etang de Roudersas, 15km from Lac de Vassivière (Broussas) and 16km from Lac de Lavaud-Gelade, it's easy to explore the Millevaches Regional Nature Park during your stay in this gîte. You'll be enchanted by the landscape in every season. The capital of Tapestry is only 20km away, so discover this pretty town on the banks of the Creuse river. Aubusson is also home to the AQUASUD aquatic center, where you and your family can enjoy the pleasures of the water. Gîte connected, WIFI available. Rentals possible from Sunday to Sunday in July and August.

Cross the narrow streets of the Creuse to discover this picturesque accommodation in the heights of Aubusson. This town house is located in the most beautiful neighborhood, "La Terrade", in the center of Aubusson, just a few steps from the Cité Internationale de la Tapisserie d'Aubusson. Close to all amenities: shops, restaurants, cinema, markets, aquatic center, train station... And for fishing enthusiasts: Street fishing in the heart of Aubusson: A 500 m course accessible to beginners and open to all. All techniques permitted. Open from the 2nd Saturday in March to the 3rd Sunday in September inclusive. 6 catches per day per angler. Catch size 23cm. Access: Bus station parking lot.

For fishing and nature lovers, set off on foot from the gîte and a few yards away discover the commune's Fishing and Nature area, which extends over more than 4 hectares. A site set up for fishing along the Thaurion, with pontoons. 1st category river Disabled access, picnic table, play area, parking. In a verdant setting dominated by the 15th-century château, the Pontarion fishing and nature area is designed for strolling, discovery and relaxation. The environment is an invitation to stroll, discover and relax on the banks of the Thaurion.

The church of Saint-Sulpice de Banize dates back to the end of the 13th century. With its simple rectangular plan, it has changed little over time. The interior walls contain a veritable treasure trove, which was discovered and restored in 2021. The earliest decoration, from the 15th century, imitates a faux stonework, red on a white background. A few years later, a second decoration appears to have been painted directly onto the first. It depicts a variety of scenes, mainly from the New Testament, with the Virgin Mary and the Passion of Christ as the main themes. The Saints Protectors and Apostles also feature prominently in this wall decoration. What a fine example of late medieval painting! Church open weekends in June and September, and daily in July and August, from 2pm to 6pm. Guided tours by prior arrangement.

Carte disponible sur place.

Maps available on site

Several picnic tables set up at the foot of the Château de Pierre d'Aubusson ruins. An ideal spot for a quiet picnic Access on foot only.

Several picnic tables overlooking a meadow. An ideal spot for a quiet picnic. Petanque court and children's play area. Garbage garbage cans and parking on site.

Birds, butterflies, dragonflies, lizards... all find refuge on the Mazure site. They are often very shy and difficult to observe. The European nightjar, for example, is a migratory bird with a "dead leaf" colour plumage, and it nests on the ground. The marsh fritillary is a brown, orange and pale yellow butterfly that lays its eggs only on the small scabious plant. The sand lizard is insectivorous and lives in colonies in burrows. The black darter is a dragonfly characteristic of bogs.

Pour les géologues, la Rigole du Diable est un chaos de boules résultant de l'écroulement de Tors (tours puzzle de granit), dont le Rocher du Diable est un spécimen.Selon les diverses légendes, le Rocher est l'objet du travail du diable.

Many plant species thrive only in acidic, stagnant, shallow freshwater environments. As the abundance of habitats containing all these characteristics is decreasing, the areas where these plants develop are generally areas where biodiversity is protected. The Mazure peat bog meets these different criteria and thus we see various rare plants evolving within it, such as the floating water plantain, the American shoreweed and the spiny-spored quillwort.

This site largely belonged to the private company, EDF, which planned to make a hydroelectric reservoir. As early as 1996, aware of the ecological potential of the site, the Conservatoire d'Espaces Naturels began negotiations to buy the land. In 2005, the Community of Communes became the owner for a symbolic one Euro and arrived at an agreement with the Conservatory and the National Forestry Office to entrust them with its management. It is thanks to this partnership that the site now receives so much attention and is open to the public.

The partnership set up aims to restore and maintain the site's biodiversity. Open environments (moors, grassland, peat bogs) have a natural tendency to become wooded. In order to preserve the mosaic of environments, which guarantees the diversity of the animal and plant species hosted, an action programme is being implemented in particular through Natura 2000: logging and extensive grazing.

Le Métier is a bar/restaurant for cultural associations (concerts, exhibitions and film screenings), a fast-food outlet and a "renouvellerie", i.e. a place where used objects are recycled and given a new lease of life.

The young chef, Timothy Henoque, offers fresh, seasonal cuisine, prepared like a small bistro, with beautiful, colorful plates to make your mouth water and awaken your taste buds. The menu is renewed

Pizza Pop is coming! ? Hey pizza lovers! The new Pizza Pop food truck is coming to the Vassivière area! To order, call 06 41 93 62 96 from 4.30pm To be found at : Saint Martin Château: Tuesdays July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 and Tuesdays August 6, 13, 20 and 27 Royère de Vassivière: Thursdays July 4 and 18, August 1, 15 and 29 Le Monteil au Vicomte: Fridays, July 5 and 19; Fridays, August 2, 16 and 30 Saint Hilaire Château: Fridays July 12 and 26, August 9 and 23 Bourganeuf: Saturday July 27 and Saturday August 31

Homemade traditional Limousin specialties

What a pleasure to meet up in this beautiful stone room or on the terrace after discovering the village of Masgot. You can relax, quench your thirst (hot or cold drinks), eat an ice-cream or a waffle, and even sample the delicious local produce (charcuterie, cheese) and regional dishes, also available in the store.

Bar, brocante, boutique, galerie, bibliothèque, café, concert, restauration, projection, internet. L'atelier est devenu en Creuse un lieu incontournable. Il est en effet le rendez-vous des mélomanes, des passionnés d'art, des internautes... Il constitue ainsi un pôle attractif aux multiples activités . Restauration avec les produits du terroir, plat du jour. En juillet et août : Soirées thématiques . De septembre à juin : 3 manifestations par mois. le programme détaillé est disponible sur internet : www.latelier23.com. Abonnement au mail d'information hebdomadaire disponible sur le site.

In September, pizza pop is available in St Martin Château (Tuesdays 3, 17 and 24), Faux la Montagne (Wednesdays 4, 18 and 25), Royère de Vassivière (Thursday 19), Vallière ( Thursday 5 and 26), Le Monteil au Vicomte (Friday 20) , St Hilaire Le Château (Friday 6 and 27), Bourganeuf ( Saturday 28)

New! La rencontre, a four-in-one venue! Bar, restaurant, grocery store and thrift shop! Located between Bourganeuf and Lac de Vassivière, it's the place for a refreshing, gourmet or shopping break! You can also enjoy an artisanal ice cream, a cocktail or take advantage of the tea room! Traditional homemade cuisine. Takeaway meals. Reservations recommended. Open Sunday evenings by reservation only, for more than 6 people.

Beautiful address with terrace on the banks of the Creuse. Gourmet French cuisine... Fondu creusois, galettes, crêpes, fondue savoyarde, fondue bourguignonne. OPEN - tuesday to Saturday - 12pm to 2pm and 7pm to 8:30pm

Gourmet dining with typical Creuse recipes. Our restaurant has a prestigious "Table gastronomique remarquable" label in « Tables & Auberges de France » magazine.

Aire naturelle de 25 emplacements située au bord du Lac de Lavaud Gelade, réputé pour la pêche. Classé en 2ème catégorie, le lac est riche en poissons : brochets, sandres, perches, carpes... Ouvert de mi-juin à mi-septembre, l'aire est idéale pour le repos, la randonnée, le canoë ou encore la pêche. Accueil camping-car. Bloc sanitaire : douche, lavabo, wc.

On the Chateau de Mémanat estate, slightly removed from the rest of the property, stay in this luxurious treehouse. Hand-built by Andy and Natalie, after many years of dedication and a few splinters, this perched treehouse rises 3 meters high and features a large terrace overlooking horse fields, a private wood-fired spa and a cozy hidden mezzanine. The open double-height interior includes a huge handmade king-size bed and adorable bunk beds for the kids if you decide to bring them along! You won't skimp on luxury: the luxurious bathroom is equipped with a massive shower and double sink. There's also a real little kitchen for all your culinary needs.

The Limousin plateaux can accommodate up to 34 people, with a 6-8 pers "prairie" family gîte, a 3-4 pers "chemin" family gîte and a 22 pers collective gîte, two sanitary areas and a convivial area with a fully-equipped kitchen.

Martine welcomes you to "Le Mazot", a small 30m2 wooden chalet-studio with terrace, in the heart of nature, in a peaceful setting ideal for resting, recharging your batteries and discovering this beautiful Creuse region. The châlet is equipped with a kitchenette, a bathroom with shower, vanity unit and toilet, a comfortable 2-person clic clac bed and garden furniture. It is located 7km from Royère de Vassivière, 12km from Lac de Vassivière and 24km from Aubusson. Linen provided. Housework included.

Ground floor - fitted kitchen (5-burner piano with 2 ovens, microwave, coffee maker, fridge, freezer) opening onto a large living room with 2 3-seater sofas and 2 original armchairs, television and box for connection in this living room, and a pantry at the rear of these 2 rooms. 1st floor - 3 bedrooms each equipped with walk-in wardrobes, bedside tables, lamps and a 2-person bed, including an almost 30 m2 master suite with a 160x200 bed, library in the back bedroom (multiple reading choices), bathroom with shower, sink and bathtub, dressing room at the end of the hallway. 2nd floor - very large room with exposed beams that can be used as a 4th bedroom, equipped with 2 convertible sofas, one for 2 people and the other for 1, also serving as a reading room and board games for children. Table tennis - canoe kayak - table soccer...

Pleasant little house located in a hamlet near Aubusson. - possibility of meal tray 15?/pers. - possibility of breakfast 7?/pers. (basket) - small pets accepted

A stay in the countryside at Guytou. 100% nature. In front of the house, the hens roam free, no nuisance, on the contrary, it's fun for the children. We've also discovered the rabbits on the property! Behind the house, enclosed grounds for the gîte. Nearby, another field for lambs and sheep. A pond 800m away is available for guests. The road in front of the gîte is a dead end.

All shops and services in Pontarion (11Km). Aubusson, capital of Tapestry, is only 30km away, and is an ideal place to visit. Swimming at Lac de Vassivière (23Km).

Aire naturelle de 25 emplacements située au bord du Lac de Lavaud Gelade, réputé pour la pêche. Classé en 2ème catégorie, le lac est riche en poissons : brochets, sandres, perches, carpes... Ouvert de mi-juin à mi-septembre, l'aire est idéale pour le repos, la randonnée, le canoë ou encore la pêche. Accueil camping-car. Bloc sanitaire : douche, lavabo, wc.

Marie-Ange et Manuel vous reçoivent dans une maison de ville sur 3 niveaux, alliant l'ancien et le moderne à deux pas de la Cité de la tapisserie (prix dégressif dès la 3e nuit). Rez-de-chaussée: cuisine salle à manger. 1er étage: salon, salle d'eau (douche à l'italienne), WC, buanderie avec lave linge et sèche linge. 2ème étage: grande chambre mansardée, cabinet de toilette avec WC. Capacité d'accueil : 5 personnes - 2 chambres. Tarif : 90 à 105 €. Ouvert toute l'année.