Randonneuse au bord d'un lac de Haute Charente
Max Coquard - Bestjobers
Lacs de Haute-Charente
Charentes Tourisme

The lakes of Haute-Charente

For a refreshing pause along the Scandibérique

They may have unassuming country names, Lavaud and Mas Chaban, but the lakes of Haute-Charente have a major role to play, helping regulating the flow of the Charente River during periods when water levels are low. In the heart of the Charente Limousine, an area characterized by hedge-divided fields and chestnut forests, this lakes area is a joy for those seeking green holidays and for cyclists after a peaceful haven along the Scandibérique. Choose from fishing, sailing, canoeing and windsurfing, or simply sunbathe on La Guerlie’s fine sandy beach.

Beside Lavaud Lake, La Foucherie Observatory, built on posts, has binoculars for observing the ballet of migrating birds and birds permanently based in the Charente, plus there are themed trails along the shore. A few minutes from the lakes, Cassinomagus archaeological park plunges visitors into a completely different era – Roman Gaul! Visiting the best-preserved Roman baths in France comes highly recommended for passing cyclists!

Custom route

Accommodation Useful information Leasure Restauration

Accommodation Useful information Leasure Restauration

Check all Uncheck all

Filtres

Map options

Caption
J'ai l'habitude
Je débute
Ça grimpe

Custom route

Confolens / Massignac

30 Confolens / Massignac

38 km
2 h 31 min
I cycle often
Leaving Confolens’s medieval bridge behind, the route takes you beside the Vienne River up to Exideuil, the way revealing more and more of the Charente area’s character, the Château de la Chétardie even being the seat of a Confrérie du Cognac, a fraternity for the famed brandy spirit! In this eastern part of the county, or département, of Charente, the lakes of Lavaud and Mas Chaban were created to help regulate the lack of water in the Charente River certain summers; they also offer nautical activities and places for bird-watching, nice ways to take a break before riding on to Massignac, just a few kilometres on, and a place for a stopover on the route.
Massignac / Marthon

31 Massignac / Marthon

35 km
2 h 19 min
I cycle often
This stage takes you along minor county roads offering lovely views, but steep climbs too! Along the way, the valleys are deep, as you’re riding along the western foothills of the Massif Central Range. The Tardoire River can rise suddenly in heavy rain. At Montbron, though, there’s a lovely watersports centre from which you can launch onto the waters in a canoe. Marthon is where the Scandibérique and La Flow vélo cycle routes connect. It’s a village that has preserved its covered market and an historic keep known as the Tour du Breuil. There are shops here, so you can stock up here before continuing along the route.