1. Walk around Lake du Causse
Located about 15 minutes from Brive, Lac du Causse is one of the region’s top sports destinations. For first-time visitors, the trail around the lake offers a loop of about 7 km. Allow 1 hour and 15 minutes at a brisk pace, or 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours for a more leisurely walk.
The trail is perfect for both a morning outing and a half-day hike with a break by the water. In the summer, set out early, bring water, and be sure to wear sunscreen.
2. Try stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, or rowing
Lake Causse also offers opportunities to enjoy several 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. Life jackets are required for these activities.
Rental rates and time slots may vary depending on the season. It’s best to check the operating hours and make a reservation before you go, especially in July and August. For an even more thrilling experience, the Vézère recreational centers also offer canoeing and kayaking and, depending on the location and conditions, whitewater activities.
3. Explore the mountain bike trails on the Causse
Mountain bike enthusiasts have 14 trails to choose from around Lake Causse. The area offers routes of varying difficulty, ranging from limestone paths to wooded trails and scenic overlooks of the Corrèze countryside. Mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, and electric bikes are available for rent during the summer season.
Before you set out, choose a route that’s appropriate for the group’s skill level, download the route map, and check the weather forecast. After heavy rain, some sections can become very slippery.
4. Explore Brive along the greenway
If you want to go for a bike ride without immediately tackling steep hills, head to the greenway. It’s 17 km long, runs through Brive, and features several picnic areas. The route takes about two hours by bike or four hours on foot.
This walk is ideal for a family outing or exploring the area without a car. A tire-inflation station is available at the Bouriottes playground. You can also choose to walk just part of the route before heading back to downtown.
5. Hike or run in the Planchetorte Valley
Just outside the city, the Planchetorte Valley quickly gives you the feeling of being out in the countryside. Its trails wind through an unspoiled landscape of woods, sandstone cliffs, and caves that were once used as shelters. The Planchetorte-Chèvrecujols trail is one of the most popular routes for hiking and trail running.
The terrain is more challenging than that of the greenway. Sturdy shoes are recommended, as are a GPS track or a map. In the summer, be sure to bring enough water.
6. Play golf in a lush, green setting
The Brive-Planchetorte Municipal Golf Course features an 18-hole course located near downtown, Lake Causse, and the airport. Undulating and crossed by a stream, the course demands both precision and power. Two driving ranges and several practice areas also provide opportunities to work on your swing.
Be sure to make a reservation and review the admission policies. Rates vary depending on the season, age, and place of residence, among other factors.
7. Go swimming, ice skating, or enjoy the free facilities
When the weather is unpredictable, the Brive Aquatic Center lets you go swimming while enjoying a fitness and wellness area. The city also has an ice rink and many facilities open to the public: a skatepark, a pump track, basketball, volleyball, and soccer courts, an orienteering course, and jogging trails.
Parc des Perrières deserves a special mention as a great spot for a family outing. It features 3.3 km of trails, an orienteering course with 41 markers, a bike park, various play areas, and an 18-basket disc golf course.
What sports activities are available in Brive?
- With children: Parc des Perrières, a section of the greenway, or the aquatic center.
- For a half-day nature outing: a walk around Lake Causse or a hike at Planchetorte.
- For a more active outing: a mountain bike trail, a trail running route, or the Planchetorte Golf Course.
- When it rains: the pool or the ice rink, after checking the schedules.
Schedules, rates, rentals, and activity guidelines change with the seasons. Always check the official websites before you go. To plan your trip and book a flight, visit our page dedicated to Brive-Vallée de la Dordogne, as well as all of our other destinations. All that’s left is to choose between sneakers, a bike, and a paddle—or bring all three.
See also:
5 Places to Visit in Brive's Historic Center
7 Exceptional Places to Discover Around Brive
5 Must-See Museums in Brive and the Surrounding Area
7 Beautiful Walks and Hikes Around Brive