Bujaleuf / Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat

Between Bujaleuf and Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat, the Vélidéale cycle route runs beside the Maulde River (passing the Moulin de l'Artige, an historic mill), followed by the Vienne River. You ride through parts where France’s most popular cyclists of all time, Raymond Poulidor, used to train. In the town of Saint-Léonard de Noblat, explore shopping streets that Poupou, as he was nicknamed, loved so much. You’ll arrive at the foot of the collegiate church that forms part of the wider UNESCO World Heritage Site singling out fine monuments along the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route. Also taste a massepain, an almond marzipan speciality made here, a sweet top-up that should give you an energy boost!

The route

From Bujaleuf, ride along the D115 road towards St Denis des Murs. At an intersection, leave St Denis des Murs to your left to follow the D39 road towards Saint-Léonard de Noblat. Keep to the road running beside the Vienne River and towards Beaufort campsite. Reaching Saint-Léonard de Noblat, take caring crossing the D941 Route de Limoges (after the parcours de santé, or fitness trail, at Beaufort). Then ride along Avenue du Général de Gaulle into the town centre.

Practical information

• 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/
• Office du Tourisme de Noblat
  4 Pl. du Champ de Mars, 87400 Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat - 05 55 56 25 06
  https://www.visitlimousin.com/saint-leonard-de-noblat/

SNCF

The station (or gare) at Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat has connections to the major Limoges Bénédictins station.

Don't miss

• Just outside Bujaleuf: the Ferme de Fantouillet (part of the Bienvenue à la Ferme scheme, set up to receive visitors on farms).
• The Vienne River, which the cycle route runs beside up to Saint-Léonard (note the fitness trail, or parcours de santé, at the Camping de Beaufort, a campsite).
• Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat: the Pont de Noblat bridge; the collegiate church forming part of the wider UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to fine monuments along the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route; the historic town centre with its shops, including those selling sweet almond massepains; the statue of great French cyclist Raymond Poulidor, proudly from the area; the Moulin du Got, an old-fashioned paper-making mill and printer, with museum and shop.