Folles: Landscape, Routes and Structures

There are different ways to plan a trip to Folles: enjoy the scenery around Lac du Pont-à-l’Âge, cycle a route through the upper Gartempe Valley, take the Val de Gartempe walking trail near Fursac, or visit the Viaduc de Rocherolles and the Dolmen des Goudours. If you are looking for hotels for a trip to Folles, these differences can help you decide which interests to prioritise. The cycling route passes a named structure; when visiting the dolmen, you can plan the drive, parking and walk separately.

Scenery around the lake and in the Gartempe Valley

The pronounced relief gives Lac du Pont-à-l’Âge its winding shape, emphasised by wooded slopes. As a designated and protected landscape area, it offers a distinctive feature alongside the structures. The Viaduc de Rocherolles overlooks the Gartempe Valley and is situated in a natural area designated as both a Natura 2000 site and a ZNIEFF. The landscape has different features to focus on: the lake’s winding shape and wooded slopes, and the viaduct’s setting in the valley and the area’s nature designations.

Cycling and walking

The 30-kilometre cycling route runs through the upper Gartempe Valley and passes the Viaduc de Rocherolles. It combines a specific route length with a named structure along the way. The Val de Gartempe walking trail near Fursac also passes through the commune of Folles. The cycling route and walking trail offer different points of reference for planning: the cycling route is defined by its length and connection to the viaduct, while the walking trail’s specific link is its route through Folles.

Viaduc de Rocherolles

The Viaduc de Rocherolles was built from blue granite between 1852 and 1854. Its structure comprises twelve arches on two levels. The structure is 187 metres long and rises 54.60 metres above the river. The arches and levels describe its design, while the length and height give different measurements of the structure. Together with the construction dates and material, these details give a vivid picture of the structure above the Gartempe Valley.

Dolmen des Goudours and practical planning

At the Dolmen des Goudours, a capstone weighing around 20 tonnes rests on three supports. From the centre of Folles, drive along the D63 towards Le Cluzeau; the distance is 5.4 kilometres. You can park in the village. From there, a 1-kilometre path leads on foot along the track to the dolmen. This sequence makes it easy to plan the drive, parking and walk separately. In 2026, the dolmen is open to the public year-round; guided tours are available. As opening arrangements may change, check them before your trip.

An annual event in March

Folles Burlesques holds a themed meal in Folles every year on the second weekend of March. If you plan your trip around recurring events, this weekend provides a specific date to consider. Check the event date for your travel year before making plans around it.

Discover more destinations: Coussac Bonneval, Saint-Junien-les-Combes, Royères, Sussac, Marval, Cussac, Saint-Martin-le-Vieux, Vaulry

For the broader travel overview: Haute-Vienne.