Cycling from one valley to the next, enjoy halts in the lovely Creusois villages en route. As pilgrims have done for so long, stop at the little chapels along the way. The route begins in the Vallée des Peintres (Artists’ Valley), at Crozant, its medieval fort dominating the confluence of the Creuse and Sédelle Rivers. Having passed through St Germain Beaupré, head on to the medieval town of La Souterraine, the way signalled by scallop shell signs right up to St Jean Gate and Nôtre Dame Church. The next portion of the route follows the Gartempe Valley, guiding you to Le Grand Bourg, then to Bénévent l’Abbaye, the only parish in the Limousin Region awarded the prestigious Petite Cité de Caractère label. Admire the town’s imposing 12th-century abbey church.

This stage starts at Bénévent l’Abbaye, the only parish in the Creuse awarded the prestigious label of a Petite Cité de Caractère. Then cycle through Châtelus le Marcheix, a pretty village hidden in the Thaurion Gorges. Continue to Bourganeuf, with its unusual history, its medieval roots going back to the 12th century. After that, the route takes you along the southerly Tour de Creuse link, to Royère de Vassivière.

This stage starts at Royère de Vassivière, overlooking Vassivière Lake. The route takes you beside the Lac du Barrage up to Vauveix, passing via Masgrangeas and Broussas Headland. Now you follow the tapestry trail between the towns of Felletin and Aubusson, the latter at the end of the route.

This stage starts at Aubusson, French Capital of Tapestry. Cycling beside the waters of La Naute and Les Landes lakes is a joy for nature lovers. Also explore the village of Chambon sur Voueize, its imposing 11th-century abbey church, dedicated to St Valery, boasting exceptional Romanesque art.

This stage begins at Chambon sur Voueize, with Its imposing 11th-century abbey church dedicated to St Valery and boasting exceptional Romanesque art. Follow in the literary footsteps of George Sand at Boussac, a majestic château atop its cliff. Then follow the northern link of the Tour de Creuse cycle route, to the village of Châtelus Malvaleix.

Leaving Châtelus Malvaleix, head for Le Bourg d’Hem, where you can admire the church and the views of Les Chazelles Lake. Then cycle along the Artists’ Route that follows the Creuse from La Celle Dunoise to Crozant, passing via Fresselines.