Rochechouart / Confolens

Between Rochechouart and Confolens, our cycle route takes you through an unusual area marked by the impact made by a meteorite smashing into Earth some 214 million years ago. This geological event is even reflected in the local architecture, which has made use down the centuries of the impact breccia, or fragments of rock fused together as a result of the cataclysmic event. The Vélidéale takes you close to Lac de Lavaud (where it also joins up with the Scandibérique cycle route), one of two lakes in the Haute Charente area where you can enjoy both bird-watching (notably at the Observatoire de Foucherie) and outdoor leisure activities. Note that a few kilometres away from the cycle route itself, at Chassenon, you can go and visit some of the largest and best-preserved vestiges of Gallo-Roman thermal baths in France. Next, you continue to ride along the charming Vienne Valley, crossing the river at Exideuil, a village whose little Romanesque church is a listed historic monument.

The route

This stage takes you riding along minor roads and involves a few slopes. Take care crossing the N141 trunk road before Exideuil sur Vienne – although you get a clear view of the road, it’s often very busy. From Ansac up to Confolens, road markings do ensure that motorized traffic is aware that it is sharing the way with cyclists. Once you’ve entered the département (French county) of Charente, the way is shared with the EV3 cycle route.

Practical information

Office de Tourisme Porte Océanne du Limousin - bureau d’information de Rochechouart
6 rue Victor Hugo 87600 Rochechouart - 05 55 03 72 73
https://www.visitlimousin.com/porte-oceane-du-limousin/

Don't miss

• Pressignac : the Plage de La Guerlie, a beach on Lavaud Lake
• Massignac : the adventure park