4.0
(68)
628
riders
20
rides
Touring cycling around Lac De Saint Pardoux offers a variety of routes set within the preserved natural site of the Limousin region. The area features a 330-hectare man-made lake, surrounded by diverse landscapes including wooded areas and dense forests. Cyclists can expect panoramic views of the Limousin countryside, with routes encompassing both paved surfaces and unpaved segments. The terrain varies from gentle lake circuits to paths with moderate elevation gains.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
4.3
(4)
80
riders
22.2km
01:29
260m
260m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.0
(2)
28
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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2.3
(3)
15
riders
9.91km
00:53
90m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(3)
17
riders
24.6km
01:58
230m
230m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
13
riders
49.6km
04:19
750m
750m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Most people don't realize that this lake is actually made up of three different basins, each with its own unique character: Santrop, Chabannes, and Fréaudour. This makes it feel like you're passing through multiple landscapes along the way: beaches, cliffs, forests, hidden coves… An interesting detail: when the lake was created in the 1970s, some villages were afraid it would become "too big" and swallow up the valley. Now, it's precisely that expansive, winding landscape that makes it such a perfect hiking spot.
4
0
Beautiful place. Tour of the lake in August. Pleasant undergrowth. Calm and beautiful.
0
0
Magnificent undergrowth, some roots present difficulties.
0
0
Lac de Saint-Pardoux is a popular mountain biking destination, offering scenic routes through lush forest trails and along the lakeshore. The lake, located in the heart of the Limousin region, covers over 330 hectares and is surrounded by wooded hills, making it ideal for exploring the diverse terrain.
1
0
A rocky mound with a "Lookout Chair" and a beautiful 360° view.
0
0
magnificent view of the lake! keep your cap on, in clear weather
0
0
Great outing
0
0
There are 19 touring cycling routes available around Lac de Saint-Pardoux, offering a diverse range of experiences. These include 3 easy routes, 10 moderate routes, and 6 more challenging options.
Yes, Lac de Saint-Pardoux offers several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. One such route is the Saint-Pardoux Lake Circuit – Lac de Saint-Pardoux loop from L'Île aux Enfants, which is 13.4 km long and features gentle terrain. Another accessible option is the Pond viewpoint – Lake Footbridge loop from L'Île aux Enfants, covering 9.5 km.
The terrain around Lac de Saint-Pardoux is varied, ranging from mostly paved surfaces suitable for all fitness levels to routes with unpaved segments, dirt tracks, and some steep uphill sections. You'll find gentle lake circuits, as well as paths with moderate elevation gains, often under the shelter of pine trees and through dense forests. Some sections might even feel like mountain bike routes with single tracks and roots, especially on less-trafficked paths.
For those looking for a longer ride, the Tour of Béthines – Daumart Viewpoint loop from L'Île aux Enfants is a challenging 49.6 km route with significant elevation gain. Additionally, a dedicated cycle route, the Véloroute Limoges - Lac de Saint-Pardoux, connects Limoges to the lake, offering a scenic 27.5 km journey through the picturesque Limousin countryside. You can find more details about this route on the Visit Limousin website.
Yes, circular routes around the lake are very popular. The Saint-Pardoux Lake Circuit – Lac de Saint-Pardoux loop from Les Versannes is a moderate 24.1 km path that offers extensive views of the lake and surrounding forests. Another option is the St Maurice arboretum – Lac de Saint-Pardoux loop from Site de Chabanne, a 22.6 km route with varied terrain around the lake.
The area around Lac de Saint-Pardoux is beautiful throughout the year, but touring cycling is particularly enjoyable in spring, summer, and autumn. Autumn is especially stunning when the foliage transforms into vibrant colors, creating a picturesque backdrop for your rides. The wooded areas and dense forests provide pleasant shade during warmer months.
Lac de Saint-Pardoux is well-equipped with recreational facilities. There are three main activity sites: Santrop, Chabannes, and Fréaudour, offering amenities such as sandy beaches for swimming, a large swimming pool with waterslides, a high ropes course, playgrounds, picnic areas, and restaurants. You'll also find opportunities for water-based activities like sailing, canoeing, and paddle boarding.
Cycling routes around Lac de Saint-Pardoux offer panoramic views of the surrounding Limousin countryside. You'll ride through wooded areas and dense forests, with the lake itself providing beautiful reflections, especially in the morning mist. The area is a preserved natural site, ensuring a tranquil and scenic experience.
The touring cycling routes in Lac de Saint-Pardoux are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.92 stars from over 70 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, the tranquility of the lake circuits, and the well-maintained paths that cater to various skill levels.
Yes, in addition to touring cycling, Lac de Saint-Pardoux offers designated VTT (Vélo Tout-Terrain) courses. These trails, some developed in partnership with the FFC (Fédération Française de Cyclisme), provide a mix of narrow but technically easy paths and forest tracks. Examples include Circuit n°19 "Le pont de la Breuilhe" and courses at the Site de Chabannes, suitable for both muscular and electric mountain bikes.
Absolutely! There is a dedicated Véloroute connecting Limoges to Lac de Saint-Pardoux. This scenic route spans approximately 27.5 km and passes through charming Limousin villages like Chaptelat and Compreignac, making it an excellent option for touring cyclists to access the lake. More information can be found on the Visit Limousin website.


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