recommended route
Stage 4
Tour de Creuse : Aubusson > Chambon sur Voueize
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Photo: JDamase
Over 400km of signposted cycle paths crossing the Creuse from east to west and from north to south are yours to explore!
The Tour de Creuse allows you to discover the truly remarkable, often little-known, natural and cultural heritage of a French county packed with surprising, exceptional sights.
From the Creuse Artists’ Valley route to Vassivière Lake, going via the tapestry town of Aubusson, the Natural Reserve of the Étang des Landes, the medieval towns of La Souterraine, Bénévent l’Abbaye and Bourganeuf, the Abbey of Chambon sur Voueize and the thermal spa town of Évaux les Bains, you follow quiet country roads, the landscapes ceaselessly changing as you cycle along.
The Tour de Creuse à Vélo is all about great discoveries – you’ll never get bored, with such variety on offer. The route is suitable for all types of cyclists, from the most sporty to those out on a gentle family outing.
This stage starts at Aubusson, French Capital of Tapestry. Cycling beside the waters of La Naute and Les Landes lakes is a joy for nature lovers. Also explore the village of Chambon sur Voueize, its imposing 11th-century abbey church, dedicated to St Valery, boasting exceptional Romanesque art.
Track types
Safety information
Emergency number: 112Tips and hints
’Aubusson-Felletin Tourist offices
Aubusson office
63 rue Vieille
23200 AUBUSSON
Phonel : +33 (0)5 55 66 32 12
Creuse Confluence Tourist offices
Chambon sur Voueize office
Place Aubergier
23170 CHAMBON SUR VOUEIZE
Phone : + 33 (0)5 55 82 15 89
Don't miss
- Aubusson: the historic town, with the contemporary Cité Internationale de la Tapisserie beside it, is part of the association Les Plus Beaux Détours de France. Since 2009, Aubusson´s exceptional tapestry-making traditions have featured on UNESCO’s list of immaterial World Heritage.
- Étang des Landes: the largest natural lake in the Limousin (covering 100 hectares), a veritable nature reserve, where 600 species of animals and 430 species of plants have been identified. Make the most of the observation posts here.
- Étang de la Naute: this lake has facilities for both swimmers and anglers.
- Chambon sur Voueize: the French public voted this village 3rd in the popular TV show ‘Le Village Préféré des Francais’ in 2014, its remarkable Romanesque abbey church playing its part.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Following quiet country roads, this 49km stage, with c.360m of cumulative elevation, is relatively short, with some nice descents and few difficulties. However, be aware of the gentle slope lasting 8km, going from Aubusson to the village of Saint Amand. All along the way, the cycle route is indicated by green and white signage.
Link to Chambonchard (13km, 185m cumulative elevation)
You can take the 13km link from Chambon sur Voueize, via Évaux les Bains, to the village of Chambonchard, on the border with the county of Allier.
Coordinates
Equipment
A bike in good condition and well equipped helps to ensure your safety and that of other road users.
Before you leave:
- Make sure that the bike is in perfect mechanical condition, not to mention the tires and brakes.
- Make sure that the bike is correctly adjusted to your body shape
- Wearing a helmet is strongly recommended
- Take a repair kit with you
- Remember that the Highway Traffic Act applies to cyclists in all circumstances
- Never drive more than two lanes at a time and pull into a single lane when traffic conditions require.
- Respect other users as you would like them to respect you
- Choose a route adapted to your physical abilities
- Inform your family and friends of your itineraryFind out about the weather conditions
- A first aid kit is not essential, but can be very useful
- Be informed and keep the emergency numbers.
- Respect the environment by not throwing your waste on the side of the road
- If you have to return at nightfall, make sure you see and also be seen.
Weather at the route's trailhead
Statistics
- 18 Waypoints
- 18 Waypoints
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