Discover Saint-Hilaire-Les-Places

Saint-Hilaire-Les-Places brings together water activities, hiking trails and local history. Activities on the water take centre stage at Lac Plaisance, while the Chemin des collines offers a circular route with a specified distance. Other highlights include the Atelier-Musée de la Terre in the hamlet of Puycheny, as well as historic buildings and traces of former stone quarrying. When planning, you can decide whether to focus on time by the lake, a hike, or culture and craftsmanship.

Water activities at Lac Plaisance

The beach at Lac Plaisance is accessible to everyone. A Tiralo is available there for people with disabilities, and the beach is supervised in summer. Other water attractions include a diving tower and an 80 m waterslide. Pedal boats and stand-up paddleboarding are also available. If you are planning your visit around these activities, check their seasonal opening and summer beach supervision in advance.

Fishing is another option: Étang du Coucou is part of the Lac Plaisance grounds. Before setting out, check the access conditions and applicable fishing rules. This will help you plan your day by the water more effectively, whether you want to enjoy the beach activities or spend time at Étang du Coucou instead.

Circular trails, woodland and distinctive landscapes

The Chemin des collines is a 10.2 km interpretive circular trail starting in Saint-Hilaire-les-Places. It passes through woodland and showcases the architectural heritage of the villages of Drouille and Vialotte. The combination of woodland stretches and village history gives the route its distinctive character. Check the latest trail details before setting out, as they may be updated.

Former quarries can also be seen along the hiking trails—traces of past extraction to discover as you walk. The Lande à Serpentine de la Rousseille offers a different perspective on the landscape: the area is protected and recognised as a remarkable landscape site in Limousin. Serpentine outcrops are home to damp woodland and distinctive flora. As flowering varies by season, the timing of your visit can shape the nature experience.

Church, chapel and history

The hamlet of Saint-Hilaire is home to a Romanesque church that has been deconsecrated since 1936. Frescoes dating from the building’s construction were discovered during its restoration. The church hosts exhibitions and concerts during the summer season. If you are planning to attend an event, check the specific dates before your visit. The 17th-century Notre-Dame chapel is also located at the entrance to Saint-Hilaire-les-Places.

Brickmaking at the Atelier-Musée de la Terre

The Atelier-Musée de la Terre is located in the hamlet of Puycheny. It introduces visitors to traditional brickmaking and explores the materials and skills associated with clay. The museum includes a former brickworks that is open to visitors and listed in the register of historic monuments.

The Atelier-Musée offers tours, modelling workshops, demonstrations and courses throughout the year. The programme may change, so check the latest schedule in advance. You can choose between several different experiences: a circular walk through woodland and villages, a visit focused on brickmaking, or activities by the lake. What you include in your plans depends on what you want your stay to be centred around.

Exploring by bicycle

On the fourth stage of the Richard Coeur de Lion Ouest cycling loop, the route follows the Voie Verte des Hauts de Tardoire and cycling routes V56 and V93. Check the signage and route conditions before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Masléon, Ladignac-Le-Long, Couzeix, Saint-Sornin-Leulac, Sussac, Aixe-Sur-Vienne, Glandon, Blond.

For the regional travel overview: Haute-Vienne.