What is there to do nearby?

What to do around Lake Vassivière and in Peyrat-le-Château?

Nature, cultural and family activities near the Motel Les Tilleuls

The Motel Les Tilleuls is located in Peyrat-le-Château, in the heart of the Millevaches Regional Natural Park in Limousin, just 7 kilometers from Lake Vassivière .

From the property, you can explore the heritage of Peyrat-le-Château on foot, enjoy the beaches and water sports on the lake, explore the many hiking trails in the area or organize an excursion to the main tourist sites of the Limousin.

Whether you are travelling as a couple, with family, with friends, by motorcycle, by bicycle or for a hiking holiday, the surrounding area offers enough sightseeing and activities to fill several days.

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What is there to do on foot from the motel?

The Resistance Museum

Located approximately 200 meters from the Motel Les TilleulsThe Peyrat-le-Château Resistance Museum is dedicated to the history of the local Resistance and to the men and women of the Georges Guingouin maquis.

As a member of the network of National Resistance Museums, it presents the daily life of the resistance fighters, their organization and the events that marked the territory during the Second World War.

Its opening times and periods may vary depending on the season. It is recommended to check them before your visit.

Discover the Museum of the Resistance

The Peyrat-le-Château pond

The pond is also about 200 meters from the hotel .

A path allows you to walk around it or enjoy a stroll along the water's edge. During the summer season, the municipality organizes supervised swimming and makes pedal boats available according to the days and times announced for the summer.

The pond is also popular for fishing, provided that the applicable local regulations are respected.

View the activities offered at the pond

The Square Tower and the heritage of Peyrat-le-Château

A few minutes' walk from the establishment, the Square Tower is one of the main witnesses to the medieval history of Peyrat-le-Château.

A walk through the village also allows you to discover:

• Saint-Martin church;

• the old wash houses;

• the Mill House and its old millstones;

• the Moulin de la Tour;

• the streets and elements of local heritage.

To further your discovery, consult the website of the municipality or the information offered by the Tourist Office of the Portes de Vassivière.

Lake Vassivière is only 7 kilometers away.

With approximately 1,000 hectares of water and 45 kilometers of shoreline , Lake Vassivière is one of the largest artificial lakes in France and one of the main natural destinations in the Limousin.

Its beaches, trails, ports and activities make it possible to organize both a relaxing day and a sporting or cultural stay.

Beaches and swimming

The lake has five supervised beaches during the summer season :

• Auphelle;

• Broussas;

• Nergout;

• Pierrefitte;

• Vauveix.

Surveillance periods and times change every year. Check official information before you travel.

Discover the beaches of Lake Vassivière

Water sports

Depending on the season and which providers are open, you can, in particular, participate in:

• canoeing and kayaking;

• paddleboarding;

• sailing and windsurfing;

• the pedal boat;

• the electric boat or the boat without a license;

• water skiing and towed activities;

• guided excursions on the lake.

Offers, conditions of practice and reservations must be checked directly with the water sports centers.

See the lake's water sports activities

Discover the lake by shuttle boat

Shuttle boats operate seasonally between several sites on the lake, including Auphelle, Vassivière Island, Broussas and Masgrangeas.

They allow you to reach the island, discover the lake from the water or combine a crossing with a section of the shoreline trail.

The service is seasonal: dates, routes and times should be checked before your departure.

Check the shuttle boat schedules

Hiking, cycling and the great outdoors

250 kilometers of marked trails

The Vassivière lake area offers approximately 250 kilometers of marked short hiking trails , as well as a long-distance hiking route.

These routes allow you to discover the forests, moors, valleys, villages and panoramas of the Millevaches en Limousin Regional Natural Park. The routes can be consulted at the Tourist Office or on the Rando Millevaches application.

Find a hike around Vassivière

The riverside path

The shoreline path allows you to travel approximately 30 kilometers around Lake Vassivière .

It crosses woods, moors, beaches and wilder areas, with footbridges on stilts, bridges made of granite planks and numerous viewpoints overlooking the lake.

It can be hiked in its entirety or in sections. During the season, shuttle boats allow you to combine hiking with a lake crossing. A map and GPX track are available on the official tourist website.

Download the riverside trail map

Hiking, mountain biking and cycling

Numerous trails around the lake and Peyrat-le-Château are accessible on foot or by mountain bike.

The area is also crossed by cycle routes allowing access to the towns and landscapes of the Millevaches Regional Natural Park.

Before setting off, check the difficulty, distance, elevation gain and any restrictions of the chosen route.

Tèrra Aventura and geocaching

Several Tèrra Aventura routes allow you to discover the lake and surrounding villages in the form of a digital treasure hunt.

This free activity combines walking, puzzles and heritage discovery. It is particularly suitable for families and groups of friends.

Discover the Tèrra Aventura trails

Fishing in Peyrat-le-Château and Lake Vassivière

Fishing at the Peyrat-le-Château pond

The pond located near the motel offers a fishing opportunity in the village.

Before you settle in, find out about the necessary permits, permitted periods and local regulations in force.

Fishing at Lake Vassivière

Lake Vassivière is classified as a second category fishing area and is particularly known for predator fishing, especially pike, zander and perch.

Fishing can be practiced from the banks or by boat, in compliance with regulations, opening periods and authorized areas.

Guide-instructors can also accompany anglers wishing to learn more about the lake or improve their technique.

Consult the information on fishing in Vassivière

Family activities and sports leisure

Around the lake, families and groups can find different activities depending on the season:

• treetop adventure course;

• water park;

• all-terrain electric scooters;

• guided quad or buggy tours;

• equestrian activities;

• artistic skatepark on the island;

• geocaching;

• games and activities organised around the beaches;

• guided nature outings.

Service providers, opening periods, minimum age requirements, and booking conditions are subject to change. Please consult the official tourism information before your stay.

See sports and family activities

Art, culture and heritage around the lake

Vassivière Island

Accessible by footbridge or shuttle boat depending on the season, Vassivière Island combines nature, heritage and contemporary creation.

You can discover the wood carvings, stroll around the island or enjoy the cultural program offered throughout the year.

The International Centre for Art and Landscape

Located on Vassivière Island, the International Centre for Art and Landscape presents exhibitions, outdoor works, artist residencies and various cultural activities.

Exhibitions and opening hours change throughout the year: check the schedule before your visit.

Discover the programming of the International Centre for Art and Landscape

The dam and the hydroelectric power station

The Vassivière dam supplies the underground hydroelectric plant of Mazet, located in Peyrat-le-Château.

EDF organizes tours each year to discover how the site works, its history, and the role of hydroelectricity. These tours are offered on specific dates and generally require prior registration.

View the EDF tours offered in Vassivière

What to do when it rains?

Even when the weather is less favorable, several visits are still possible:

• the Resistance Museum in Peyrat-le-Château;
• the International Centre for Art and Landscape;
• the exhibitions and cultural events in the sector;
• EDF visits when they are scheduled;
• the International Tapestry Centre in Aubusson;
• museums and places dedicated to porcelain and enamels in Limoges;
• the Oradour-sur-Glane Memorial Centre.

Remember to check opening days and book when required.

Where to eat during your stay?

At Peyrat-le-Château

The Auberge du Bois de l'Étang

Located just opposite the Motel Les Tilleuls, the Auberge du Bois de l'Étang offers brasserie-style cuisine with dishes prepared on site, to order and from raw products.

Discover the Auberge du Bois de l'Étang and its menu

On the shores of Lake Vassivière

The Caravel

In Auphelle, La Caravelle offers traditional and regional cuisine in a dining room and on a terrace offering panoramic views of the lake.

The Cara'Bar

Between the beach and the port of Auphelle, the Cara'Bar offers a seasonal selection of crêperie, brasserie, ice cream parlor and lounge bar by the water.

The Sableira

Located on Auphelle beach, La Sableira offers burgers, pizzas, salads, ice cream and a range of fast food options to eat in or take away.

The Parenthesis

Located in the heart of Vassivière Island, La Parenthèse welcomes visitors to the island's former castle, with a terrace overlooking the lake.

The opening hours of these establishments may vary depending on the season. It is recommended to check their updated information or make a reservation before traveling.

Ideas for half-day or full-day excursions

Eymoutiers

Discover this city located at the gateway to the Millevaches plateau, its old center, its landscapes and the hiking trails of the Portes de Vassivière.

Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat

This medieval city has a well-preserved historic center and a Romanesque collegiate church listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela.

Mount Gargan

A natural site and place of remembrance, Mont Gargan rises to 731 meters and offers a panorama of the landscapes of the Millevaches plateau and the Limousin.

Bourganeuf

The city is particularly known for its medieval citadel and the Zizim Tower, built in the 15th century to house an Ottoman prince under forced residence.

Aubusson

The International Tapestry City allows visitors to discover nearly six centuries of know-how related to Aubusson weaving, through ancient, modern and contemporary works.

Limoges

Limoges is particularly known for its porcelain, enamels, cathedral, historic districts and museums.

Oradour-sur-Glane

The Memorial Centre accompanies the discovery of the martyred village and helps to understand the context and course of the massacre of June 10, 1944.

Tourist information and events calendar

Some tourist information is available at the reception of the Motel Les Tilleuls.

A QR code also provides access to the agenda of events organised around Peyrat-le-Château and Lake Vassivière.

For more maps, brochures or advice on activities, you can contact the Tourist Office located in Auphelle.

Consult the Vassivière Lake calendar
Contact the Tourist Office

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you visit on foot from the Motel Les Tilleuls?

The Peyrat-le-Château pond, the Resistance Museum, the Square Tower and the village centre are all within a few minutes' walk of the property.

How far away is Lake Vassivière?

Lake Vassivière is located approximately 7 kilometers from the Motel Les Tilleuls.

Is it possible to swim near the motel?

Supervised swimming is offered at the Peyrat-le-Château pond during the summer season, according to the town's schedule. Lake Vassivière also has five supervised beaches in the summer.

What activities can be done at Lake Vassivière?

Depending on the season, it is possible to enjoy swimming, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, pedal boating, fishing, hiking, mountain biking and various other sports or family activities.

Is it possible to walk around the lake?

Yes. The riverside trail is approximately 30 kilometers long. It is also possible to hike only a portion of it and, in season, to combine hiking with shuttle boats.

Are there shorter hikes available?

Yes. The area has approximately 250 kilometers of marked short hiking trails, with routes of varying distances and levels.

Is fishing allowed nearby?

Yes. It is possible to fish at the Peyrat-le-Château pond, according to local regulations, as well as at Lake Vassivière with the necessary card and permits.

What to do with children?

The beaches, pedal boats, Tèrra Aventura trails, water sports, tree climbing, water park and various family activities make it possible to organize outings with children.

What should I do if it rains?

You can visit the Resistance Museum, the International Centre for Art and Landscape, the International City of Tapestry in Aubusson, the museums of Limoges or the Oradour-sur-Glane Memorial Centre.

Where can I find the updated schedules for activities?

Opening times and periods should be checked on the official websites of the activities, with the Tourist Office or using the QR code available at reception.

Plan your stay near Lake Vassivière

Between heritage, swimming, fishing, hiking, water sports, family leisure and cultural excursions, several days are often needed to discover Peyrat-le-Château, Lake Vassivière and the Limousin.

The Motel Les Tilleuls allows you to stay in a quiet environment, close to the village and only 7 kilometers from the lake.

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Discover the Auberge du Bois de l'Étang