Sussac: Lake and history around Mont Gargan

When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the lake in the village and the nature and history around Mont Gargan. Some activities are tied to the summer season or specific anniversaries; others describe enduring landscape features and built heritage.

Water and leisure at the lake

The Plan d’eau de Sussac covers four hectares. It is 200 metres from the village centre, on the edge of the forest, and has a sandy beach. Water, beach and forest edge define the character of this place; the distance from the centre is also clearly specified.

There are pedal boats, a mini-golf course and a children’s playground for children aged two to eleven by the lake. As facilities can change, check what is available before you travel. Supervised swimming is offered during the summer season; check in advance for the current swimming season.

Fishing is also possible at the lake. Restrictions on bait apply. Check the current rules before fishing, as regulations may change.

Mont Gargan: nature and Resistance history

The Chemin de Sussac au Mont Gargan passes through landscapes associated with the Resistance and offers the chance to discover the local flora and fauna. The route therefore combines nature watching with a historical theme that is important to the area. The ruins of the Notre-Dame-de-Bon Secours chapel remain on the summit of Mont Gargan.

During the Second World War, Mont Gargan was an important Resistance site; the Battle of Mont Gargan took place there in July 1944. Château de la Villa, on the route near Sussac, also served as a command post for Colonel Georges Guingouin, leader of the local Resistance.

Church and memorial sites

The parish church of Sussac is the Eglise Saint-Pardoux, Saint-Martin. It was rebuilt in the Neo-Romanesque style around 1889. Its masonry is made of granite, rubble stone and plaster; the roof is covered with slate. Details of its construction date and materials give the church a distinctive architectural profile among the things you can discover in Sussac.

A symbolic Allied airdrop of weapons took place in broad daylight at Clos de Sussac on 14 July 1944. A memorial stele honouring Violette Szabo was erected at Le Clos. These memorial sites add other specific events and commemorative markers to the history of Mont Gargan.

Horse riding and dates throughout the year

Nahani Ranch in Sussac offers a Mountain Trail course, a 20-by-40-metre riding arena and a 20-metre round pen for horse training. The activities also include self-guided rides around the estate and Mont Gargan, with GPS routes provided. Check current availability before travelling.

If you are planning your trip around a date, note two recurring events: a memorial ceremony is held every year at Clos, near Sussac, on 6 June. The Festival du Mont Gargan is held in the surrounding area every year around 15 August. If you would like to plan your trip around either event, check the programme and this year’s arrangements in advance.

Getting to the Chemin de Sussac au Mont Gargan

Take exit 35 from the A20 towards Eymoutiers. From La Croix Lattée, continue along the D15 and then the D39 to Sussac and the lake. Check current road conditions before setting off.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Saint-Julien-Le-Petit, Le Chalard, Thouron, Nantiat, Mortemart, Peyrat-Le-Château, Bussière-Poitevine, Blond.

Back to the regional travel overview: Haute-Vienne.