1. Walk round Lac du Causse
About 15 minutes from Brive, Lac du Causse is one of the region’s main sporting destinations. For a first visit, the walk around the lake forms a loop of about 7 km. Allow 1 hour 15 minutes at a brisk pace, or 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours for a more leisurely stroll.
The route is ideal for a morning walk or a half-day outing with a break by the water’s edge. In summer, set off early, take water with you and make sure you have sun protection.
2. Try stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing or rowing
Lake Causse also offers a range of water sports, including stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing and rowing. It’s a great way to alternate between physical activity and cooling off on sunny days. A life jacket must be worn for these activities.
Rental options and availability may vary depending on the season. It’s best to check opening times and book in advance, especially in July and August. For a more adrenaline-fuelled experience, the Vézère leisure centres also offer canoeing and kayaking and, depending on the site and conditions, white-water activities.
3. Explore the Causse’s mountain bike trails
Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy 14 mountain bike trails around Lake Causse. The area offers routes of varying difficulty, ranging from limestone tracks and woodland trails to viewpoints overlooking the Corrèze countryside. Mountain bikes, hybrid bikes and electric bikes are available for hire during the summer season.
Before setting off, choose a route suited to your group’s ability, download the route map and check the weather forecast. After heavy rain, some sections can become very slippery.
4. Explore Brive on the greenway
If you want to cycle without tackling steep climbs straight away, head for the greenway. Stretching 17 km, it runs through Brive and features several picnic areas. The route takes around two hours by bike or four hours on foot.
This route is ideal for a family outing or exploring the area without a car. A tyre-inflation station is available at the Bouriottes playground. You can also choose to cycle just part of the route before heading back to the town centre.
5. Go for a walk or a run in the Planchetorte Valley
On the outskirts of the town, the Planchetorte Valley quickly gives the impression of being in the heart of the countryside. Its paths wind through an unspoilt landscape of woods, sandstone cliffs and caves once used as shelters. The Planchetorte–Chèvrecujols route is a popular choice for hiking and trail running.
The terrain is more challenging than that of the greenway. Sturdy footwear is recommended, as is a GPS track or a map. In summer, make sure you take plenty of water with you.
6. Play golf in lush green surroundings
The Brive-Planchetorte municipal golf course features an 18-hole course close to the town centre, Lake Causse and the airport. Undulating and criss-crossed by a stream, it demands both precision and power. Two driving ranges and several practice areas also allow you to work on your swing.
Remember to book in advance and check the terms and conditions of access. Prices vary depending on the season, age and place of residence.
7. Go for a swim, have a skate or make the most of the free facilities
When the weather’s a bit iffy, Brive’s aquatic centre is the perfect place to go for a swim whilst enjoying the fitness and wellness facilities. The town also has an ice rink and plenty of facilities that are free to use: a skatepark, a pump track, basketball, volleyball and football pitches, an orienteering course and jogging trails.
The Parc des Perrières deserves a special mention for a family day out. It features 3.3 km of paths, an orienteering course with 41 markers, a bike park, various sports pitches and an 18-basket disc golf course.
What sporting activities are available in Brive?
- With children: Parc des Perrières, a section of the greenway or the aquatic centre.
- For a half-day in the countryside: a walk around Lac du Causse or a hike at Planchetorte.
- For a more active outing: a mountain bike circuit, a trail run or the Planchetorte golf course.
- When it’s raining: the swimming pool or the ice rink, after checking opening times.
Opening times, prices, hire options and terms and conditions vary with the seasons. Always check the official websites before you set off. To organise your stay and book a flight, visit our page dedicated to Brive-Vallée de la Dordogne as well as all our other destinations. All that’s left is to choose between trainers, a bike and a paddle, or to pack all three.
See also:
5 places to visit in Brive’s historic centre
7 exceptional places to discover around Brive
5 must-see museums in and around Brive
7 superb walks and hikes around Brive