From leaves to needles
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From leaves to needles
Ambrugeat

From leaves to needles

Heritage site and architecture
Viewpoint
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Which do you prefer? The softness of the leafy hardwood forests, the mysteries of the coniferous undergrowth, the rough landscape of the heaths and moors or the coolness of the water's edge?
Follow our "From Leaves to Needles" circuit to refine your opinion. Between small hamlets, rivers and forests you can decide which you like best!

8 points of interest

  • Heritage site

    The Ambrugeat church

    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. 
  • History

    History and resistance

    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.
  • Heritage site

    Ambrugeat

    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. 
  • Panorama

    Viewpoint overlooking 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 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.
  • Panorama

    Viewpoint overlooking the Monts du Cantal.

    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.
  • Flora

    Cubesse Forest

    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. 
  • Small patrimony

    Bread oven at La Gautherie

    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.
  • History

    Café on the square

    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.

Description

Opposite the church, take the road to the left and turn at the first road on the left, continuing to the village of Laubard.
  1. At the entrance to Laubard, at the cross, turn onto the path on the right. When you reach the track (FR44), turn left, cross the railway line and at the crossroads, take the second trackway on the left to reach the first houses in Matrillat.
  2. At the intersection, do not go up towards the village, but take the forest path opposite. When you reach the Le Las road, continue on the path opposite, which leads to Beynat.
  3. In the hamlet, veer left for 100 m, then right (the path alongside the house is not very obvious) and, finally, right to reach the D 123. At this road, turn left and then immediately go down the path on the right. Cross the railway line and continue straight on.
  4. Take the second path on the left, cross the watercourse and go straight up for quite a long time until you reach the track.
  5. Turn left, and immediately after the stream, turn left again, following the GR 440, which leads to the D 123. At the departmental road, go straight ahead. Go left at the track: go up, past a house and continue to the crossroads.
  6. Turn right, left and right again through the narrow lane to the track.
  7. At the forest track, go right and then take a path on the right that leads to La Gautherie. Go through the village; at the D76 go straight on and turn left immediately. At the road, go to the right to go straight to the village of Ambrugeat.
  • Departure : Church Square, Ambrugeat
  • Towns crossed : Ambrugeat, Meymac, and Pérols-sur-Vézère

Altimetric profile

Recommandations

During very wet periods, there is a tricky ford on the descent from the Cubesse forest.
You can also start from the Sèchemailles holiday village. Head towards the edge of the lake and turn right. Walk alongside the lake, crossing the beach, the fitness trail and two bridges. At the car park, opposite the Château d’Ambrugeat, you reach the road, turn left and right to reach the church.
There is a shorter route (11 km) which is described in a separate information sheet.

Information desks

1 place de L'Hôtel de ville, 19250 Meymac

05 19 60 00 30

Access and parking

4 km from Meymac, follow the D 76 towards Ambrugeat

Parking :

Church Square, Ambrugeat

More information

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