Royère-de-Vassivière / Bujaleuf

The Vélidéale cycle route starts at Royère de Vassivière in the département (French county) of Creuse and also in the midst of the Parc Naturel Régional de Millevaches en Limousin. In the early part of this stage, the Lac de Vassivière, a vast, many-branched stretch of water covering over 1,000 hectares, provides dreamy spots at which to stop for a refreshing break. Those who appreciate contemplative outdoor contemporary art should visit the Centre International d’Art et du Paysage on Vassivière Island. Then, continue riding alongside the Maulde River and, just before the stage ends, make the most of the Lac de Saint-Hélène with its beach just north of Bujaleuf.

The route

Leaving Royère de Vassivière, take the D3 road in the direction of the Lac de Vassivière. At the round-about, take the D3a2 road to the right, riding towards Auphelle, before continuing along the D222 road in the direction Limoges / St Léonard de Noblat. Then, at a junction, take the D13 road towards Peyrat-le-Château. Leaving Peyrat-le-Château, after the SPAR store, turn left onto the D68 road, keeping on towards Bujaleuf. The stage route gets narrower and becomes much more winding, presenting quite some shifts in altitude up to Bujaleuf, but there are wonderful views down on the Maulde Valley and the Plateau de Millevaches.

Link with La Vagabonde cycle route

From Royère-de-Vassivière, these two cycle routes both follow the D3 road for a time, but La Vagabonde then leads cyclists further along the D3, in the direction of Faux-la-Montagne.

Practical information

• Office de tourisme de Lac de Vassivière
  Lieu dit Auphelle 87470 Peyrat-le-Château - 05 55 69 76 70
  https://www.lelacdevassiviere.com
• Office de Tourisme des Portes de Vassivière
  17 avenue de la Paix, 87120 EYMOUTIERS - 05 55 69 27 81
  https://www.visitlimousin.com/portes-de-vassiviere/

SNCF

Closest railway station : Aubusson

Don't miss

• Royère de Vassivière: the Rigole du Diable, gorges along the Thaurion Valley; the Landes du Puy de La Croix, with a walking trail explaining flora, fauna and local legends 
• Lac de Vassivière: the île de Vassivière, an island on the lake that is home to a substantial art and heritage centre, the Centre International d'Art et du Patrimoine; the Jardin des Simples, a herb garden; water sports of many kinds. 
• Peyrat-le-Château : Vassiviera at Auphelle (providing local activities and food).
• Natura 2000 protected nature areas close to the cycle route: 
  • Tourbières de Quenouille (peatbogs)
  • Bois de Crozat and Roches Brunagères: woods and massive rocks to view, at the highest laid-out point in the département (French county) of Haute-Vienne.
• Les ânes de Vassivière: tourist outings with donkeys. Plus unusual accommodation and a gîte.
• Bujaleuf: Lac de Saint- Hélène (a lake with a beach, water sports and angling); the Maulde River.

Good to know: on this stage you cross through the midst of the PNR MILLESVACHES, a large protected, unspoilt natural area.