To the Coal! (shorter route 2)

4 points of interest

• 

  

  History

  Maussac Gare

  It is hard to imagine when discovering Maussac that this site was a coal mining centre. Conceded to a company in 1809, this deposit was mined until 1924; At its peak around 1908, 30 tons were extracted per day. No slag heaps and shafts, but galleries sloping gently down. The station played a major role, the very rich coal was ideal for feeding the forges and the Tulle arms factory consumed almost all the production.

• 

  

  Heritage site

  Mining habitat

  For the workers employed at the mine, there was no question of returning to their homes every day. The mining company built houses for them, often more comfortable than their peasant dwellings. The engineer, the manager and the mine foremen also had to be accommodated and their rank ensured their residences were more opulent.
  The number of miners was always modest, ranging from 60 in 1902 to 20 in 1923, when it closed. The memory of the mine is retained in these dwellings with their very particular architecture.

• 

  

  River

  The Soudeillette

  The Soudeillette is a tributary of the Luzège river which has its source in the peaty bottoms of the Millevaches plateau. The good water quality of the river favours populations of brown trout. The valley is home to many remarkable species, both plants and animals, which is why it has been classified as a Natural Zone of Fauna and Flora Interest. It has also been used by humans to power mills like the one in Pézareix.

• 

  

  Panorama

  Mont Bessou

  In the distance, easily identifiable thanks to its television and telephone broadcasting antenna, stands Mont Bessou. At 976 metres, it is the highest point in the Limousin. When you return from your walk, make a detour to discover a magnificent viewpoint overlooking the Monts d'Auvergne from the top of its panoramic tower.