Genouillac: Viaduct, Church and Petite Creuse

Explore Genouillac through its architectural history and the landscape of the Petite Creuse. The Viaduc de Genouillac stands out in particular: it connects the history of a former railway line with a viewpoint. Other highlights include the medieval church of Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens, traces of a former castle, and opportunities for hiking and fishing. These themes give you different starting points for planning a stay that suits your interests.

The viaduct and the former railway line

The Viaduc de Genouillac is one of four structures on the former, approximately 70-kilometre-long Guéret–La Châtre railway line. It consists of 16 arches, each with a span of 10 metres. The viaduct was built in three phases between 1902 and 1904. Its arches, span and construction period give the structure a clear architectural scale. At the same time, it crosses the Petite Creuse and offers an impressive viewpoint. In Genouillac, you can take in both the technical history of the former railway and the river landscape.

The church and traces of former fortifications

The medieval church of Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens dates from the 13th and 14th centuries. A fragment of a machicolation survives on its west façade, the last visible remnant of the fortifications. The church’s chapels are fitted with stained-glass windows by Françis Chigot. A limestone statue of Saint Sebastian completes the furnishings: it dates from the late 16th or early 17th century and was protected as a historic monument in 2006. The church, windows and statue thus reflect different aspects of art and architectural history.

Another historic landmark is the former site of the Ligondes family castle. Today, only the moat is visible there.

Hiking and fishing along the Petite Creuse

In Genouillac, the De Nature et d’Eau trail is a 13.9-kilometre circular walking route. It takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete. The distance and approximate duration provide a practical basis for planning your time; check trail conditions before setting out. The stated duration is only a guide, while the length of the circular route provides another point of reference for planning.

For fishing, the Bêtête/Genouillac “La Petite Creuse” route is designated as a 3.5-kilometre, second-category trout fishing water. Check the regulations in force before fishing. In the wider area around Genouillac, anglers also use the winding courses of the Petite Creuse and its streams. The fishing route and this description of the wider area offer different points of reference: the former identifies a specific watercourse, its length and classification, while the latter describes the use of the rivers and streams in the surrounding area.

Discover more destinations: Malleret-Boussac, Saint-Amand-Jartoudeix, Saint-Agnant-de-Versillat, Fresselines, Saint-Sébastien, Peyrat-la-Nonière, Lussat, Gentioux-Pigerolles

For the broader travel overview: Creuse.