1. The Greenway
The Greenway comprises over 17 km of paths specially created along the riverbanks for outdoor activities. This route allows you to enjoy walking, running or mountain biking in complete safety.
The Greenway passes through Brive-la-Gaillarde, running alongside the River Corrèze, and features numerous points of interest, including:
- La Halle Brassens, where Brive’s famous market takes place every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
- The Pont Cardinal, built under the supervision of Joseph Dubois, brother of Cardinal Guillaume Dubois, a minister during the Regency
- The Île du Roi, named after Gondovald
The paths also extend along the banks of the Vézère, allowing you to enjoy:
- The Saillant Bridge, a 16th-century medieval structure
- The Saillant hydroelectric dam, standing 28 metres high
- The Saint-Viance Bridge, with its three arches built entirely from local stone, as well as its Romanesque church, listed as a Historic Monument
2. A section of the Way of St James from Collonges-la-Rouge to Turenne
On the route to Rocamadour through Limousin and Haut-Quercy, the cliff-top path is a variant of the Way of St James leading to Martel via the former Viscounty of Turenne.
The pilgrimage route thus passes through the unique village of Collonges-la-Rouge, which has been designated one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in France’. Let yourself be charmed by the colourful palette of this little village. Admire the reddish hues of the sandstone used in the buildings and the blue-grey of the slate roofs. The village also boasts several remarkable buildings, notably the Church of Saint-Pierre with its Romanesque bell tower and the Chapel of the Black Penitents.
Once in Turenne, the Château is an exceptional site that showcases the beauty of medieval architecture, whilst the Tour César offers a breathtaking view. Located 20 minutes from Brive-la-Gaillarde, the village is criss-crossed by several walking trails.
3. The walking trails around Lake du Causse
Situated in the Couze Valley, 15 minutes from Brive, Lac du Causse is a 200-hectare developed natural area. Whilst the lake itself is ideal for a range of water sports, the surrounding area offers numerous walking trails for those who enjoy walking, cycling or trail running.
The route around the lake forms a 7 km loop that takes 2 hours or more to complete at a leisurely pace. Other trails, with varying levels of difficulty, are included in the Departmental Plan for Walking and Hiking Routes.
Good to know: the Grande Randonnée de Pays du Causse Corrézien, a 48 km loop in the Corrèze department, also passes by the shores of Lac du Causse.
4. Les Diligences, a trail of less than 6 km
Starting from the Objat lake, on the banks of the Loyre, this trail, which is less than 6 km long, is ideal for a stroll through wooded countryside.
Along the way, you can admire the old houses and narrow streets of the villages of La Roche and Charrieras, as well as the red sandstone houses of Saint-Cyr-la-Roche. As you head back towards Objat via Rue des Diligences, you’ll follow a path overlooking the valley of the Mayne stream.
On a Sunday morning, this walk can be combined with a visit to Objat market to sample some of Corrèze’s local specialities.
5. Planchetorte – Chevrecujols, a trail over 6 km long
In the Pays de Brive, this 8 km trail of moderate difficulty takes you on a journey of discovery through the Planchetorte valley. This listed and protected site, set in the heart of the countryside, features numerous caves carved into sandstone cliffs.
As well as these Palaeolithic remains, the Planchetorte Valley also boasts incredible biodiversity, notably a rich and abundant variety of flora.
6. Les Coteaux de Brignac, a 12 km trail
Starting from Brignac-la-Plaine, this 12 km walking trail forms a loop of moderate difficulty, taking around 4 hours to complete. The walking and hiking route through the Brignac hills invites you to first explore the altarpiece, the round dovecote and the crosses before setting off along the path towards Pauillac.
Highlights along the way include the view of Perpezac Castle and the Puy d’Yssandon. You’ll also cross the Mansac plain and the Bois des Ages, both of which offer splendid views.
7. The Limestone Hills Loop, one of the Grand Itinéraires (GR) around Brive-la-Gaillarde
This 48 km route can be completed on foot, by bike or on horseback and takes you on a journey of discovery through the exceptional landscapes of western Corrèze.
Admire the remarkable historic sites in the five villages you’ll pass through, where manor houses and castles form a rich heritage. Stroll through the streets of the medieval town of Saint-Robert, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Don’t miss the local specialities that are the pride of the region: Périgord walnuts, Limousin apples and suckling veal…
Image: Freepik