Linard between hiking trails and cultural heritage

For a stay in Linard, you can focus on a longer hike or on history and architecture. The “Les Moulins” circular trail passes through a green, very hilly landscape; historic features also include buildings in Malval and Linard. If you are looking for a hotel in Linard, it may help to first decide what kind of trip you want: hiking and scenery or architectural history.

Hiking in hilly countryside

The “Les Moulins” circular trail is a 17 km, moderately difficult route that takes about four hours on foot. The route uses, among other things, paths and the Gallo-Roman road. It passes through a green, very hilly landscape with peaceful and restorative scenery. The combination of difficulty level, walking time and terrain gives a more concrete picture of the trail than the distance alone. The route thus combines the impression of green countryside with a historic road feature. Actual trail conditions may vary; check them before setting out.

Waterways and landscape

The Fayolle stream runs through the municipality of Linard and flows into the Petite Creuse, which borders the lower part of the municipality. Near Malval, a steep gorge separates the village from the river; the small Châtrains stream flows through it. This distinguishes three different landscape features: the stream crossing the municipality, the river bordering its lower part and the watercourse in the gorge.

Malval: Priory and Château

The Priory of Malval was founded in 1038, and the Château de Malval was built in the 12th century. The dates refer to two different buildings: 1038 to the priory and the 12th century to the château. Du Guesclin took possession of the château during the Hundred Years’ War. Today, the ruins consist only of the fortified eastern gate, remains of the watchtower to the south, the keep and a small guardhouse open at the back. A keep is the main tower of a castle.

Churches and architectural history

The churches also differ in their architectural history and form. Construction of the Église Sainte-Valérie de Malval began in the 12th century; it was never completed because the nave is missing. The Église Saint-Martin de Tours in Linard was rebuilt around 1875. It has two chapels, to the north and south, a pentagonal apse and a western bell tower. The combination of chapels on either side, a five-sided apse and a bell tower on the western side gives the building a clearly articulated form. At Sainte-Valérie, by contrast, the missing nave defines its unfinished state.

Picnic area and hiking trail access

Trail access points and a Terra Aventura activity are located near a picnic area in Linard. Facilities and activities may change; check before your visit whether the activity is currently available.

Discover more destinations: Lourdoueix-Saint-Pierre, La Souterraine, Pontarion, Jarnages, Saint-Pardoux-Le-Neuf, Saint-Agnant-Près-Crocq, Châtelard, Saint-Pardoux-Morterolles.

For the main travel overview: Creuse.