From leaves to needles, 11 km variant
Ambrugeat
From leaves to needles, 11 km variant
Medium
Difficulty3h
Duration11km
Distance+365m
Positive Elevation-365m
Negative ElevationLoop
Course typeYellow markers
NetworkEmbed this item to access it offline
A complete itinerary for exploring the rich cultural and natural heritage of the area!
7 points of interest
Heritage siteThe 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.
HistoryHistory 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. 
PanoramaViewpoint 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. 
Small patrimonyBread 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.
- 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.
- At the intersection, do not go up towards the village, but take the forest path opposite. When you reach the Le Las road, turn left twice, then just before the village fork right onto the forest track.
- Turn left, left, and right in succession.
- 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 D 76 and go straight on, then turn left. At the road, turn right and go straight to the village of Ambrugeat.
- Departure : Church Square, Ambrugeat
- Arrival : Church Square, Ambrugeat
- Towns crossed : Ambrugeat and Meymac
Altimetric profile
Recommandations
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.
A longer route (18 km) for this itinerary is described in a separate information sheet.
A longer route (18 km) for this itinerary is described in a separate information sheet.
Access and parking
4 km from Meymac, follow the D 76 towards Ambrugeat.
Parking :
Church Square, Ambrugeat
More information
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