Peyrat-De-Bellac: Hiking, Nature and Cultural Heritage

Peyrat-De-Bellac combines hiking trails and river landscapes with sacred art and architectural history. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, first consider what you want to focus on: outdoor activities, nature or historical heritage. The trails, rivers and buildings offer different points of interest.

Hiking Trails and Other Activities

The La Roche Vigeanne hiking trail leads to the La Roche Vigeanne rock and its cirque above the Vincou. Along the way, you can enjoy numerous panoramas, some of them wild in character. The trail is steep, narrow and may be slippery; sturdy footwear is recommended.

The Chemin de la croix de la Pile is primarily intended for hiking. Riders and mountain bikers can also use it, but do so at their own risk. It starts at a car park near Châtaignier; access is via the RD675 towards Bellac.

When planning a hike, different criteria are easy to distinguish: La Roche Vigeanne is defined by its scenic destination and trail conditions. The Chemin de la croix de la Pile, by contrast, is notable for its primary use, its shared use by riders and mountain bikers, and its starting point.

The Domaine de Gauchoux has four international courses for mounted archery. Courses for beginners and advanced participants are offered there throughout the year. If this sport is one of the reasons for your trip, the courses and the two skill levels are specific points to consider.

River Landscapes and Nature

Near Chélipeau, the loops of the Vincou are overlooked by the Cirque de Peyrat. The Vincou and Gartempe also influence the wildlife and plant life of Peyrat-De-Bellac. The natural setting can therefore be appreciated on two scales: a specific landscape feature near Chélipeau and the wildlife and plant life influenced by both rivers.

Sacred Art and Bridge Architecture

The Église Saint-Roch is a 17th-century church. It houses painted and gilded wooden statues of Saint Roch, Saint John the Baptist, the Virgin and Child, and a bishop. Retables and a painting depict the Resurrection of Christ and the Annunciation. Retables are altar pieces, a distinct form of sacred furnishing alongside statues and paintings. The church’s furnishings thus bring together religious figures in wooden statues and biblical scenes in retables and a painting.

The Pont de Beissat is a 13th-century Gothic bridge and has been listed as a historic monument since 1970. It has four arches: a semicircular central arch and three pointed arches. In the past, it connected Bellac with Le Dorat. A semicircular arch curves in a rounded shape, while a pointed arch rises to a peak; both forms stand side by side on the Pont de Beissat. The church represents sacred furnishings and architectural age; the bridge, arch forms and the former connection between Bellac and Le Dorat. Together, they reflect two distinct aspects of cultural heritage.

Discover more destinations: Mortemart, Aureil, Folles, La Jonchère-Saint-Maurice, Droux, Feytiat, Fromental, Rochechouart

For the regional travel overview: Haute-Vienne.