Gentioux-Pigerolles: Hiking Trails and Heritage

Gentioux-Pigerolles offers a range of starting points for planning a trip: hiking, natural features and cultural sites. Since 2004, the commune has been part of the Parc Naturel Régional de Millevaches en Limousin. The entire commune is also within a bird protection area, the Zone de Protection Spéciale (ZPS). Since January 2022, the Ruisseau du Cubaynes has held the “Rivières Sauvages” label. The park designation applies to the commune, the ZPS covers the entire commune, and the label applies to the stream.

Hiking

The commune provides four downloadable hiking routes; check the files before planning. One specifically named option is the Circuit des éoliennes, an easy 13.3-kilometre circular hiking trail in Gentioux-Pigerolles. The distance, circular format and easy rating describe different aspects of the same route: its length, shape and level of difficulty. Check local conditions before setting out.

Churches and Historic Buildings

The Église Sainte-Madeleine de Pallier is a rural granite sanctuary. It was built in the 13th century, altered in the 16th century, and formerly belonged to the Order of Malta. The Eglise Saint Martial is a 12th-century church and was a former dependency of the Order of Malta; it was rebuilt in 1425. Their former connection to the Order links the two churches, while their building histories have different chronological reference points. Notre Dame du Bâtiment offers a different focus: the 7.5-metre-high statue stands at the summit of Condreau, is dedicated to emigrants and was inaugurated in 1901. The Pont de Senoueix is a dry-stone bridge over the Thaurion, probably dating from the 17th century, and has been listed as a historic monument since 1990.

Remembrance and an Annual Event

The Monument aux Morts in Gentioux-Pigerolles is a pacifist war memorial. By decree of 9 February 1990, it was added to the register of historic monuments. The “marche pour la paix” also takes place every year in early August, commemorating the victims of nuclear weapons. The exact date may vary from year to year; check event dates when planning your trip. A permanent monument and a recurring commemoration are thus two different forms of remembrance.

Seasonal Outings and Skiing

Outdoor activities also depend on different conditions. During the season, guided outings to discover the peat bogs are organised at the Tourbière de l’Espinassou. When there is snowfall, the Gentioux-Pigerolles ski area offers slopes in hilly terrain, with flat sections, climbs and descents. The peat bog outings are organised seasonally, while skiing depends on snowfall. Check the dates of the guided outings and snow conditions when planning.

Discover more destinations: Masbaraud-Mérignat, Marsac, Glénic, Saint-Priest-La-Feuille, Saint-Pardoux-Le-Neuf, Moutier-Malcard, Bonnat, Aubusson

For the broader travel overview: Creuse.