From leaves to needles

The 13th-century parish church, dedicated to Saint Salvi and Saint Martin, has also experienced the tumult of architectural fashions. The portal was replaced in the 16th century, and its sublime wall-belfry with three arched bays was almost transformed into a porch-belfry, which was more fashionable in the 19th century. 

One of the first resistance fighters in the Haute Corrèze, André Dasassis, was born in Ambrugeat. In 1941, he set up the first Francs-Tireurs Partisans Maquis and took part in numerous operations, his clandestine action striking blows at the occupying forces. He was arrested in September 1943 and sent to prison in Tulle, then tortured by the Gestapo.
Clément Laguerite, born in Laubard, also a member of the Resistance, was a victim of the massacre on 10 June 1944 following false information that the occupying troops in Ussel wished to surrender. Forty-seven young people, including Clément, went to collect their weapons and were massacred.

The first château was built in the 12th century. Completely destroyed for unknown reasons, it was rebuilt in the 16th century and redesigned in the 17th century to protect itself during the Wars of Religion. It has retained its character as a château with its defensive crown (machicolation, a place for pouring down boiling oil or rocks) and its two pepperpots, of which there were four in the 16th century. Nevertheless, its interior layout brings it closer to the architecture of a "Maison forte” or fortified house. Its spiral staircase in the gable wall is more common in the regional farmhouse than in the large feudal castles. The addition of window frames in the 19th century contributed to the vernacular appearance of the building. 

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 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.

Separated from the Sancy by the Cézallier Plateau, the Monts du Cantal lie to the west. This massif is, in fact, the remnant of a stratovolcano born 13 million years ago, the largest in Europe, eroded by collapse and glacial erosion.

The forest covers 150 ha and is 95% deciduous, with a good proportion of beech, oak and other trees. You will come across both larger game and the tiny stag beetle, which, together with the European nightjar and the short-toed snake eagle, has made this site part of the Européen Natura 2000 ecological network. Its objectives are to maintain forest habitats and the remarkable plant and animal species that live there. This forest is also part of one of the three ZNIEFF (Natural Zone of Interest for its Ecology, Flora and Fauna) present in the commune. 

The villages of Haute-Corrèze have all been involved in agriculture. Walking through these hamlets always produces interesting discoveries during a hike: barns, large country houses, crosses and monuments, traditional local architecture, etc. When you arrive at La Gautherie, on the right, don't miss the bread oven.

In the heart of Ambrugeat, the former Paulette’s café-grocery, closed since the beginning of 2000, has been contributing to the life of the village and its surroundings since 2021. The "La Maison sur la Place" association is working to give it second wind. A bistro, sometimes a restaurant, a place to meet and hang out, a space for shows, debates or mutual help, the establishment is driven by the desire to mix generations, cultures and aspirations.