To the Coal! (shorter route 2)

Lakes and rivers

Landscape

Viewpoint

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This rural itinerary starts from an old mining "city".

During the 115 years of its operation, the Maussac coal seam allowed the village of Lapleau to experience unique economic growth. This trail allows you to compare the traditional architecture of the agricultural world with the mining and administrative structures associated with this "boom"; and to imagine the changing pattern of housing in a mining town.

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.

Description

Departure point on the square on the edge of the D36. Head for the old butcher's shop; turn right and then left on the Rue des Sources. Then turn right on the Rue du Château d'Eau. The latter rejoins the Rue des Sources, which we follow on the right.

100 m after leaving the village, follow the road to the left. At the crossroads with the Pézareix road, continue on the track straight ahead. At the next crossroads, go straight on (the big loop goes to the right).
At the next crossroads, turn left to reach Cisterne.
In the village, follow the road to the left for 1 km. Take a path to the left. Turn right at the road to reach the Pézareix mill. Take the road on the left which rises and becomes a track. Turn right when you reach the road.
At the crossroads, turn right: the road runs alongside the ralway line. Turn left at the railway crossing and then take the path on the left just after the crossing keeper's house. Turn left at the next crossroads; the path becomes a track.
Take the road to the left; go left at the next crossroads; cross the railway line. Turn right at the next crossroads to return to Maussac.

Departure : Car park, Place de Maussac Gare
Arrival : Car park, Place de Maussac Gare
Towns crossed : Maussac, Davignac, Ambrugeat, Meymac

Altimetric profile

Recommandations

The commune includes several villages. The hike sets off from Maussac-Gare. This hike has a longer route (16 km - marked trail 3, for which there is an information sheet) and a family-friendly loop (7 km - marked trail 1).

Information desks

1 place de L'Hôtel de ville, 19250 Meymac

05 19 60 00 30

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Access and parking

From Meymac, take the D36 towards Tulle. Maussac-Gare is 5 km from Meymac. Park in the school square on the right.

Parking :

Car park, Place de Maussac Gare

More information

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