Châtelus-le-Marcheix / Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat

Even if your panniers are weighing you down by now, you just need to tackle the last hills of the Béraude Valley and you’re soon on the final stretch towards Limoges. Make the most of a halt at Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat, set between the capital of the old province of Limousin and the extensive Vassivière Lake. The town’s collegiate church is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage ways through France. The historic centre constitutes a remarkable heritage area, its well-preserved buildings protected and highlighted. The town was home to Raymond Poulidor, a legend in French cycling history, very popular in the Tour de France, which he may not have won, but all other cyclists come second to him in local people’s hearts! Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat is a member of Les 100 Plus Beaux Détours de France thanks to its heritage riches, and is proud of its gastronomic specialities, including Massepain (with marzipan) and Limousin beef.

Cycle route from Châtelus-le-Marcheix to Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat

Leaving Châtelus-le-Marcheix, you follow the D5 road, then the D19. Approaching Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat, the main route forks to the north, avoiding the historic town of Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat. So, pay attention and make sure to join the Véloroute 93 (not wholly laid out at time of writing) to reach the historic centre of Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat.

Link

The Véloroute 93 is a cycle route still being completed at time of writing. You’ll encounter it to the north of Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat. For the time being, its eastern portion heading towards Vassivière Lake isn’t laid out. The western portion leads cyclists to Limoges.

Don't miss

• Châtelus-le-Marcheix: Barrage de l’Étroit Dam, with a 25-hectare lake beside it dedicated to leisure activities in summer. 
• Saint-Léonard de Noblat: the collegiate church, first designed in the early 11th century as something of an immense reliquary to protect the relics of St Leonard, founder of the town, was added to down the centuries, reflecting the growing number of pilgrims and increasing prosperity of the place and it is now listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage ways through France. Saint-Léonard de Noblat historic centre: enter the town’s historic heart via Rue de la Révolution and Rue de la Liberté, the main shopping streets, and admire the medieval and Gothic facades, plus the round tower and the square tower as well as the ramparts.