Creuse: Nature, Cycling Routes and Culture

In Creuse, nature watching at the Étang des Landes, longer cycling and hiking routes, and textile culture in Aubusson offer different ways to explore the area. If you’re looking for a hotel in Creuse, use these themes as a starting point to decide what kind of trip you want.

Nature and birdwatching

The Étang des Landes National Nature Reserve covers more than 100 hectares; the Étang des Landes is the largest pond in Limousin. The protected area is home to more than 230 bird species and more than 400 plant varieties. A signposted 7 km trail runs around the area, and four observatories by the pond offer opportunities to watch birds. Make your visit about observing nature and walking a circular route.

Another trail is just under 3 km long, is accessible to people with reduced mobility, and leads to the Affût des Trois Bouleaux. Before exploring, get information at the Maison de la Réserve, the main visitor information point. Compare the two trails by length and destination: one runs around the protected area, while the other leads to the Affût des Trois Bouleaux.

The Millevaches en Limousin Regional Natural Park extends across the départements of Creuse, Haute-Vienne and Corrèze. Its landscape includes wetlands, lakes, rivers, forests and meadows. If you’re planning outdoor sports and leisure activities in Creuse, its landscapes, heritage and preserved environment provide the setting.

Cycling and hiking

Several route options of different lengths are available to help you plan cycling trips. The western cycling route runs for 83 km between Crozant and Saint-Martin-Sainte-Catherine, passing through La Souterraine. The eastern cycling route runs for 174 km from Boussac-Chambonchard to Vassivière, passing through Aubusson. Northern and southern connections make it possible to cycle a 426 km loop through the département.

The Tour de la Creuse à vélo is 327 km long and offers additional connections towards neighbouring areas. It is fully signposted in both directions. Its rural route has limited services, so it is intended for experienced cyclists or people using an e-bike. Check local services and route conditions before setting off. If there is construction work along the route, also check the signposting on site.

Creuse maintains and marks around 660 km of GR trails and around 570 km of GRP trails. When planning your trip, you can therefore consider an extensive hiking network as well as the cycling routes. Trail lengths, routes and network information may be updated; check the latest route information before setting out.

Water sports and culture

There are two zones for motorised water sports at Vassivière. Water skiing, rides on towable inflatables and wakeboarding are available there. Availability and safety rules may change seasonally; check the details before your visit. On the FFCK Sentiers Nautiques® trails, you can go canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding at Vassivière, accompanied by a certified guide or using a topo guide. Check water conditions and available providers before setting off.

In Aubusson, the Cité internationale de la tapisserie brings together a museum, a centre for contemporary creation and the transmission of textile know-how. Creuse’s museums also cover local history, traditional skills, artistic heritage and rural life. Museum listings and programmes may change; check the latest information if you’re planning a specific visit.

Regional produce can also play a part in your travel plans: red fruits, goat’s cheese and Limousin beef are associated with Creuse. Producer locations and market dates may change. If you have specific plans, check the relevant locations and dates.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Anzême, Beissat, Châtelus-Malvaleix, Cressat, Glénic, Lépinas, Parsac, Pionnat, Saint-Bard, Saint-Georges-Nigremont, Saint-Pardoux-Le-Neuf, Saint-Priest-La-Feuille, Sardent, Sermur, Viersat, La Cellette, Saint-Agnant-Près-Crocq, Saint-Domet, Chamborand, Pontarion, Guéret, Évaux-Les-Bains, Châtel-Guyon, Aubusson, Nouzerines, Bénévent-L'abbaye, Flayat, Saint-Georges-La-Pouge, Lioux-Les-Monges, La Celle-Sous-Gouzon, Mazeirat, Bonnat, Vareilles, La Souterraine, Clugnat, Bétête, Ahun, Crocq, Le Grand-Bourg, Chambon-Sur-Voueize, Savennes, Noth, Saint-Hilaire-Le-Château, Lussat, Moutier-Malcard, Saint-Martin-Sainte-Catherine, Linard, Azerables, Felletin, Bord-Saint-Georges, Ajain, Thauron, Saint-Silvain-Bellegarde, Mérinchal, Faux-La-Montagne, Genouillac, Fresselines, Gouzon, Saint-Vaury, Saint-Oradoux-De-Chirouze, Saint-Avit-De-Tardes, Saint-Dizier-Leyrenne, Saint-Étienne-De-Fursac, Bourganeuf, Masbaraud-Mérignat, Auzances, Saint-Dizier-La-Tour, Gentioux-Pigerolles, Saint-Amand-Jartoudeix, Janaillat, Champagnat, Roches, Saint-Pardoux-Morterolles, Peyrat-la-Nonière, Clairavaux, Vigeville, Châtelard, Royère-de-Vassivière, Saint-Merd-la-Breuille, Marsac, La Courtine, Saint-Agnant-de-Versillat, Saint-Sébastien, Malleret-Boussac, Saint-Sulpice-le-Dunois, Lourdoueix-Saint-Pierre, Jarnages, Saint-Marc-à-Frongier, Dun-le-Palestel, Châtelus-le-Marcheix, Tercillat, Naillat.

Go to the main travel overview: Limousin.