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Hiking Trails to Discover in Noth and La Souterraine

2022-10-10 | Things to do in Limousin

Photo by Ceci Bravo on Unsplash

Hiking has become one of the world’s most popular outdoor activities and makes for a great day out as part of your holiday at the Wyndham Halcyon Retreat Golf and Spa resort. Although enjoyable any time of year, we have a particular fondness for hiking during May and October because of the dramatic seasonal colours we find here at the retreat. Our arboretum and surroundings light up a brilliant fiery orange in autumn and you’ll find in the springtime all the shades of green dotted with vibrant blossoms.

There are hundreds of hiking trails to discover all over the Creuse region. Now more than ever, they are easier to find due to the ever-growing number of helpful websites and apps providing routes via GPS, information and even free audio guides that will teach you the history and some interesting facts about places of interest as you walk.

Here are just a few of our local favourites to get you started. We have included links so that you have access to the fantastic route maps online.

La Faille des 3 Provinces

The Rift of Three Provinces

Distance: 8.3 km

The Rift of 3 Provinces

Starting Point:

The Town Hall (Mairie) of Saint-Agnant-de-Versillat

Description:

140-4012 lanterne des morts IMG This 8 Kilometre loop will take you on a journey along the banks of the Sedelle river and through woodland, along the rocky formations of the Marche Fault (which during the 100 years war with England became a battle frontier). You’ll meander through the tiny village of L’Aumône. Continue on to discover the Font Saint Martin, the fountain believed even until very recently to hold magical healing powers. Next, pass the cemetery where you will find one of the Limousin region’s famous “Lanterns of the Dead” until you finally reach back around to the tiny and charming Bourg (town).

For some alternative smaller routes, perfect for young families, there are lovely trails with gorgeous printable maps specifically designed with children in mind from the Saint-Agnant Information Website.

 

De l’Eau et des Hommes

Of Water and Men

Distance: 8.64 km

De l'Eau et des Hommes

Starting Point:

The school car park across the road from the Cazinoth Restaurant. You’ll find the dedicated signpost with information for two trail options entitled “Etangs de la Cazine”.

Description:

Noth étang Grande Cazine (8)This trail will take you on a route that eventually passes by our resort and the majestic three lakes. You’ll pass by what used to be an old farming estate, Puy Merlin. During medieval times, the estate would have covered vast swathes of the countryside, including several natural springs. A little further on, you will come by an ancient washhouse and old granite curb, which was most probably once used as a hand grindstone. One of the most beautiful sights of this trail is the Grande Cazine Pond; hardly a “pond”, it is the second-largest lake in the Creuse area and spans over 50 hectares. You’ll take a stroll through the tiny but pretty hamlet of Serriers whose name originates from Cherry Tree.

You’ll be almost back at the resort a little further on, but don’t hurry on too quickly before you take in the fantastic views from The Barde, where you’ll see the entire Cazine Estate and its two Chateaux, standing proudly with a backdrop of the Grande Cazine Lake. If you decide to continue the loop back to where you started, you’ll enjoy walking along the Petite Cazine, the smallest of the three lakes teeming with wildlife. We recommend bringing some binoculars with you because the area is perfect for birdwatching!

Étang du Cheix et château de Bridiers

The Lake and Bridiers Castle

Distance: 3 km

The Lake and Bridiers Castle

Starting Point:

The car park of Étang du Cheix

Description

This well-marked and peaceful 1-hour loop is ideal for a leisurely stroll. It will take you alongside the Étang du Cheix, through some woodland and passes by the historic site of Bridiers Castle. Keep a look out for the ancient fountain where Caesar supposedly once watered his horse! Back at the lake, you’ll come by The Brasserie, a waterside restaurant that is a perfect spot to end the trail, rest your legs and sip a coffee.
The Tower of Bridiers - Visorando If you would prefer a longer trail, there is a 9.4Km route available on the Visorando app; (scan this QR code).

…And something special for little hikers!

Check out the geocaching site Terra Aventura where you can download the mobile app which will give you access to trail instructions, fun and quirky quizzes and treasure hunts for little adventurers. There is even a cool treasure hunt to discover right in our very own arboretum!

Don’t forget, you can ask at reception for recommendations and advice as well as printed maps and information in English too.

Testimonials

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Five stars

"Recently purchased an apartment at Halcyon Retreat. Very pleased with our contact Romina, who guided us and answered all our investment questions in a swift and professional way. Will highly recommend this."

Iwan and Tanja - Netherlands

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Five stars

"My recent experience with the team particularly Ms. Tracey Wheatley has been nothing short of exceptional. From start to finish, they answer all of my investment questions, and provide me with detailed information about the property offering and plans. I never felt rushed or pressured to make the right decision. Once I had decided to proceed, their team executed all documentation flawlessly. The team members were prompt, efficient, and professional, and they kept me informed every step of the way. Overall I was left feeling completely satisfied and impressed with the level of transparency in transaction and ease of contract sign off process. Will definitely recommend it"

Mahesh and Sowmya, Ireland

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Five stars

"It was great to work with the Halcyon team. They have a great product, excellent rates of return, and an engagement strategy that at once informs and reassures investors of the Halcyon value proposition. After sales support, and payment, have been fast and efficient. The Halcyon team is doing a great job and I have recommended to them to both my friends and professional colleagues."

David A. - Purchased full studio Halcyon Retreat Golf & Spa - France

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Five stars

"Serkan and Halcyon have been an absolute pleasure to work with. Not only extremely fair, but also providing an excellent path to help getting engaged with real estate investment."

Purchased 2 four bed Villas Halcyon Palms - Florida

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Five stars

"We have just finalized our purchase with Halcyon and I must say that this would not have been possible without the professionalism and the quality of service of their sales department. Having only one contact from start to finish was a big plus for us. Our contact, Serkan, was able to answer all our questions and uncertainties and was able to show extreme flexibility in the choice of the final product. He never tried to pressure us and was very understanding."

Michelle et Franck

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Five stars

"Nous venons de finaliser notre achat avec Halcyon et je dois dire que cela n'aurait pas été possible sans le professionalisme et la qualité de service de leur service commercial. Le fait d'avoir à faire qu'à un seul et même contact du début à la fin a été un gros plus pour nous. Notre contact, Serkan, a su répondre à toutes nos questions, incertitudes et a su faire preuve d'extrème flexibilté dans le choix du produit final. Il n'a jamais essayé de nous mettre la pression et a été très compréhensif."

Michelle et Franck