Single centre. See the Creuse Department in bite sized rides. Each day a different route visiting chateaux, market towns, lakes, forests and rivers - taking in stunning views. Around 30 miles each day.
Day 1 - Collect from Limoges Airport/La Souteraine Train Station
1 hour drive from Limoges Airport ( approx 30 mins from La Souteraine )
To les Hirondelles where you will be allocated you room and have time to unpack before afternoon tea / welcome meeting
Equipment set up where we adjust your bikes and helmets,
Free time where you can take a map and walk or ride around the beatiful local countryside, or relax by the pool
7pm - Bienvenue BBQ where you will meet other members of your group
Day 2 - Chateau de Villemonteix
Breakfast from 8 am
Starting from Les Hirondelles ride through the countryside on rarely used back roads,
passing the beautiful lake at ponty and gradually climbing up to Les Monts the highest point on this ride where the views stretch to 30 miles in all directions. A gentle descent
through Cresat to the stunning Chateaux Villemonteix which is open to the public. After a break we cycle up through woodland to our picnic spot on a beach beside a woodland lake. After lunch we head to Chenerailles famouse for its twice annual Horse Fair, and onwards down hill to the pretty village of St Chabraix. Still on back roads we pass through many pretty villages on our way back to Les Hirondelles for Dinner
Day 3 - Etang de Landes
Breakfast from 8am
Starting from Les Hirondelles we head off downhill for 4km to the bottom of the valley and then start a gentle climb towards the bustling town of Gouzon. There is a choice of pavement cafes here for a refreshing elevenses. After which we cycle on flat little used roads across the countryside to the Nature Reserve at the Etang de Landes, Picnic beside the gorgeous lake, taking in a bit of bird watching from the numerouse hides or take a 5 mile stroll around the lake. The choice is now yours we can transport you back to base by minibus or for the fitter guests you can cycle back
Dinner at Les Hirondelles
Day 4 - Masgot Sculptures Village
Breakfast from 8am
From Les Hirondelles we head off through Jarnages using back roads we have a steady climb to the village of Pionnat, where you can see for miles across the Creuse Valley. Its now downhill into the valley to the river Creuse. We ride beside the river stopping at the Moulin de Breuil a delighfull little bar beside a fast flowing weir, an excellent photo opportunity, we now have a steep climb but well worth it for the views, we then descend back to the river crossing over the Roman bridge at Moutier d'Ahun where we lunch at our favourite bistro. The Plat de jour here costs 11 euro per person . After lunch a climb up the valley burns off our lunch and we cycle onto the village at Masgot famouse for its granite sculptures
Mini bus back to Les Hirondelles for dinner
Day 5 - Champsanglard
Using backroads we head across the countryside towards the tiny village of Ladapeyre by the lake. The road now undulates past woodland and through sleepy villages, with tiny churches and fabulose views. we pass through the village of Glenic which sits beside the river Creuse, After a short break for photos its on to Champsanglad beside one of the Trois Lacs, we picnic on the beach where you can swim, laze on the beach, take a walk, or enjoy a cold beer in the bar
We transport you back for you evening meal
Day 6 - Boussac
Breakfast from 8am
We aim to drop you off in the market town of Boussac by 10am, where the town is taken over by the weekly market, buy localy produced cheeses, honey and other goods, the chateau is well worth a visit - there are regular guided tours. Lunch is up to you there are plenty of cafes to choose from where you can practise your French or just get some bread and cheese and picnic by the river. After lunch we pick you up at about 2.30 and head up to Le Pierres Jaumatres, these are ancient rock formations and are a vantage point for stunning views across the countryside. There is also a ropes course for the more adventurous amongst you (costing 13 Euros per person for about 2 hours) for those who wish to relax there is a very pleasant coffee shop with beautiful views over the surrounding countryside. There is an option of cycling back to base about a 2 hour ride, mostly downhill.
On this evening we drop you at a local restaurant for an evening meal (prices normally start at about 20 Euros per head)
Day 7 - Aubusson
Breakfast at 8 am sharp This is a long day.
We head out along the now familiar lanes through the town of Cherailles, passing chateaux, woodland, stunning scenery, some of this route follows part of the 2008 Tour de France route, for about 35 miles to the medieval town of Aubusson, famous for its tapestries, here you can visit working tapisseries and museums, walk through the granite paved streets admiring the gargoyles on the ancient buildings, we can provide a packed lunch for this day or if you prefer there are plenty of small bistros for you to try in the town.
Minibus back to Les Hirondelles for the farewell BBQ.
Day 8
Breakfast
after breakfast depart for Airport/Train Station
This weeks riding is fully guided with a support vehicle in attendance, meals where stated are included in the price. Unlimited soft drinks also included at Les Hirondelles, also included in the price are airport/station transfers, accommodation, use of bike, safety helmets, water bottles.
This is a just a tiny taster of the many delights of this ancient and rugged part of France.