Royère-de-Vassivière / Bugeat

At the Lac du Chammet, you reach the département, or county, of Corrèze and can explore some of the Plateau de Millevaches, a major northern upland of Massif Central (France’s central-southern mountainous zone), reaching almost 1,000m in altitude. This area has been nicknamed ‘‘France’s water tower’’; not only is it covered in lakes and peatbogs, but many significant rivers also rise here, notably the Vézère, Vienne, Corrèze and Creuse. This distinctive area is great for cycling adventures, riders able to enjoy both unspoilt landscapes and the feeling of freedom they impart. The way is dotted with small heritage delights, such as plank-bridges, Gallo-Roman vestiges and carved stone Christian crosses, as well as the low stone walls dividing up many fields. There are dense forests of deciduous trees and pines, and moors, peatbogs and prairies, making for varied landscapes. Many migrating birds appreciate these parts. Looking skywards, you may even spot a short-toed snake eagle!

The Route

You ride along quiet country roads leading you across the Plateau de Millevaches. The way is steep along this stage.

Link
Link to the Tour du Lac de Vassivière cycling circuit

Don't miss 

• Peyrelevade: Lac du Chammet, an unspoilt, wild lake covering 87 hectares, set in heathery lands in the heart of the Plateau de Millevaches.
• Site gallo-romains des Cars: this archaeological site boasts some of the most remarkable ancient vestiges in the Limousin Region, going back almost 2,000 years.
• Peyrol sur Vézère: the Tourbière du Longeyroux, a peatbog typical of the wider area here, known as the plateau of a thousand springs and declared of European biological interest, hence its classification as a Natura 2000 site.