The Lestrange site
Lapleau
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The Lestrange site
Easy
2h
5,3km
+125m
-124m
Loop
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In the 11th century, the Lestrange family built their chateau on a rocky promontory above the Luzège valley. Today, it is the lords of the air, the birds of prey, who occupy the area. Don't forget your binoculars: many birds can be observed along the way.
3 points of interest
Vestige de chaudron de Charbonnier - CC VEM 
Heritage siteCharcoal Cauldron
A remnant of the activity of the charcoal burners of the Gorges de la Luzège, this kiln was used for the production of charcoal. This activity grew considerably in the 18th and 19th centuries with the growing demand from large cities, particularly Bordeaux. This production resumed during the Second World War with the use of diesel engines and was modernised with the use of metal cauldrons to carbonise wood.
Le site de Lestranges, Milan royal - C.Blanchon - CC VEM 
FaunaRed Kite
The steep and wooded gorges of the Luzège offer a privileged place for the birds of prey to breed. The Red Kite (Milvus Milvus) is the Lord of Lestrange nowadays. This large bird can be identified by its red, indented tail and two white spots under the wings. Opportunistic, it feeds on voles, insects, earthworms and dead animals. Corrèze and the neighbouring Cantal have the chance to welcome representatives of this threatened species to France.
Vue sur la motte féodale de Lestrange - CC VEM Heritage siteThe site of Lestrange
Only the footprint on the ground betrays the presence of a fortification in these places because all the good materials were reused to build the village of Laborie. This chateau, built in the 11th century, belonged to the Lestrange family. The lords of Lestrange held many religious and royal appointments. In the 14th century, William of Lestrange, one of the most famous, was the emissary of two Corrèze popes (Clement VI and Gregory XI).
Description
- Take the path between two hedges, leave the path to the right and cross the wet valley. Go up between the opaque and diversified hedges (ash, hornbeam, holly, hawthorn, oak and fossilised charcoal mix, and provide an ideal shelter for many nesting birds). Continue along the path on the left and go through Valeix. Continue by road, passing in front of a bakery and a former charcoal burner's kiln. Take the track on the right for 30 m.
- At the junction, go straight down the track. It leads to the site of Lestrange (a rocky promontory where a chateau once stood; Today, a few stones and the protective ditch testify to the lordly building). Continue by the small trail that leads to the viewpoint overlooking the gorges of the Luzège (take care: no safety barrier).
- Return to the junction and turn right onto the path between two meadows.
- Go down towards the valley and continue along the path straight ahead, leaving many trails to the left and right.
- Take the track to the left.
- Take the road on the left, enter Laborie (leaving the track on the right) and then follow the road on the right. Continue straight ahead, pass the crossing, then take the road towards La Charlanne on the left to reach the starting point again.
- Departure : Roadside at Charlanne, Laborie
- Arrival : Roadside at Charlanne, Laborie
- Towns crossed : Lapleau
Forecast
Altimetric profile
Recommandations
Be careful at the Lestrange viewpoint (no security barrier).
Information desks
Carrefour de l’Epinette, 19550 Lapleau
1 rue Joseph Vialaneix, 19300 Egletons
Access and parking
16km southeast of Egletons on the D16 (left before Lapleau). After the village of Laborie, take the road towards Charlanne for 200 m.
Parking :
Roadside at Charlanne, Laborie
More information
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