Champagnac-La-Rivière: Hiking and Heritage

Champagnac-La-Rivière lies in the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park and is characterised by a rural, village setting. Several circular routes, a non-motorised trail, devotional fountains and historic buildings offer different points of reference for planning your trip. You can plan your stay based on both trail length and walking time, as well as the nature and cultural themes that interest you.

Circular routes and their destinations

The Sentier les biches starts in Champagnac-La-Rivière and is an easy 10-kilometre circular hiking trail, with a stated walking time of 2 hours and 30 minutes. The route goes around the village centre and offers the chance to see the 12th-century church and the 17th-century rectory. The Sentier Les Ecureuils also starts in Champagnac-La-Rivière. It is a moderately difficult 7.2-kilometre circular trail, with a stated walking time of 1 hour and 30 minutes. The two routes differ by 2.8 kilometres and one hour of walking time; they are also rated easy and moderately difficult, respectively. When choosing, you can compare these details with the destinations along each route. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

Voie Verte and other destinations

The Sentier Les Ecureuils runs along the Voie Verte des Hauts de Tardoire between Châlus and Oradour-sur-Vayres. It also leads to a botanical educational trail with two masonry water basins known in the region as “ris”. The route destinations thus offer a choice between the village centre and historic buildings on the one hand, and the educational trail and water basins on the other.

The Voie Verte itself is 13 kilometres long and passes through Champagnac-La-Rivière. As a non-motorised route between Châlus and Oradour-sur-Vayres, it is suitable for roller skaters, people with reduced mobility, walkers and cyclists. The section passing through the village may also be used by people out for a stroll. Unlike the two circular trails, it connects two towns and therefore provides a different route option for planning. Check local conditions for the route you intend to take before setting out.

Fountains, buildings and cultural visits

The Sentier Les Hérissons leads to a fountain at Les Jarosses with a monolithic well surround, meaning one made from a single block of stone. Three devotional fountains in Champagnac-La-Rivière continue to be venerated for religious reasons: Saint Pierre et Saint Paul, Le Font du Caillou and Le Font Couvé. They have been restored and reopened to the public. Visits to fountains on private property are subject to local conditions.

The Château de Brie was built in 1484, is listed as a historic monument and is fully furnished. Together with the 12th-century church and the 17th-century rectory, it offers another dated point of reference for the history of local architecture. Âne et Carotte welcomes visitors to cultural events and offers farm stays. Confirm activities and accommodation in advance.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Martin-le-Vieux, Pensol, Saint-Junien, Pierrefitte, Magnac-Laval, Châteauneuf-La-Forêt, Bussière-Poitevine, Le Chalard

For the regional travel overview: Haute-Vienne.