Attractions and Places To See around La Nouaille - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around La Nouaille include a blend of historical landmarks, natural beauty, and cultural sites in the Creuse department of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. This area is characterized by lakes, forestry, and farming, nestled in the valleys of the Thaurion and Banize rivers. Visitors can explore significant religious buildings, medieval structures, and expansive natural landscapes. The region offers diverse points of interest for those seeking outdoor activities and historical exploration.
Best attractions and places to see…
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Church of La Nouaille
Highlight • Religious Site
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Lake Vassivière
Highlight • Lake
On the developed banks there are several campsites and restaurants. The whole thing remains quite intimate.
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Roby bridge
Highlight • Other
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Lake Faux
Highlight • Lake
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Magnificent view of Lake Vassivière
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The Lac de Vassivière [vasivjɛʁ] (Occitan Vaciviéra) is one of the largest artificial lakes in France with an area of about 10 km². It is located on the Plateau de Millevaches in the departments of Creuse and Haute-Vienne. It is the largest body of water in the Limousin region of France and is used for water supply, hydroelectric power and recreation. It was built between 1947 and 1950 by Électricité de France.
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after 90km on the Tour de la Creuse a swim in the lake in the evening at the campsite is a plus
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Superb site, one of the largest artificial lakes in France
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Very nice hike, varied landscape and superb view of Lake Vassivière. have good closed shoes.
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This medieval bridge, known as the 'Soubre Bridge' and made up of four arches, those at the ends in a semi-circular arch, the other two in a pointed arch, bears the name of a tapestry manufacturer whose workshops were located nearby. In the 16th century, Felletin was a prosperous town which saw the development of a significant number of industries: flour milling, tanning, paper milling, dyeing, etc. The river provided the energy necessary for the operation of the numerous mills. Next to the bridge, we notice the toll terminal symbolizing the duty that had to be paid to bring certain goods and foodstuffs into the city. Listed as a Historic Monument in 1926. Source: https://www.tourisme-creuse.com/
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Artificial lake of 45 hectares created on Dorat. Its specificity is its multiple-arch dam, very original and rare (2 examples in Europe). Night carp fishing site. source: https://www.tourisme-creuse.com/
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The building from the end of the 12th century is composed of a nave with three bays, a transept and a choir with a flat apse. In the nave, the barrel vault with beams rests on broken arch arcades supported by capitals with crossettes and fluted bases. Four half-columns with capitals with foliage and heads decorate the transept and receive the arches of the pointed vault as well as that of the choir. The molding dates from the 14th century. The bedside window is decorated with a trefoil tracery. The chapel created between two buttresses to the north, vaulted in broken cradle, dates from the 14th century. 14th century door with tympanum carved with oak leaves. The door on the east facade dates from the 18th century. The isolated bell tower dates from the end of the 12th century. The four buttresses placed in the middle of the faces do not appear to have been added afterwards. The old arrow presents a regional type. Source: https://www.tourisme-creuse.com
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This dam was built between 1847 and 1851 and is actually one of only two examples of this type of dam built in Europe. Today, he offers you the opportunity to enjoy your run around the lake he created.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical landmarks can I explore in La Nouaille?
La Nouaille offers several significant historical sites. You can visit the 12th-century Church of La Nouaille, known for its isolated bell tower. The medieval Roby Bridge, a listed Historic Monument, is also worth seeing. Additionally, the iconic Templar Sheep Cross, depicting a ram, stands near the Vienne River. For a deeper dive into rural history, the 15th-century Domaine de Banizette, a national heritage site, offers a glimpse into past life with its mill, farm, dovecote, and gardens.
Are there natural attractions or scenic viewpoints around La Nouaille?
Yes, La Nouaille is situated within the beautiful Parc naturel régional de Millevaches en Limousin, offering authentic nature and breathtaking landscapes. A prominent natural attraction is Lake Vassivière, one of France's largest artificial lakes, often called an 'inland sea.' You can also find a magnificent view of Lake Vassivière from various points around its shores.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near La Nouaille's attractions?
The region around La Nouaille is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for mountain biking, cycling, and hiking. For example, there are challenging MTB trails around Lake Vassivière, scenic cycling routes like the 'Lac de Vassivière et Faux-la-Montagne - loop in the Millevaches Regional Natural Park,' and hiking trails such as the 'Tour of Lac de Lavaud-Gelade Trail.' You can explore more options on the dedicated guides for MTB Trails around La Nouaille, Cycling around La Nouaille, and Hiking around La Nouaille.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the La Nouaille area?
Absolutely. Lake Vassivière is a fantastic family-friendly destination. Its developed banks offer various recreational opportunities, including swimming, boating, and picnicking. The Domaine de Banizette, with its gardens and forest park, also provides a pleasant outing for families to explore and enjoy nature.
What is the best time to visit La Nouaille for outdoor activities and sightseeing?
The warmer months, generally from June to September, are ideal for visiting La Nouaille. During this period, attractions like the Domaine de Banizette are typically open, and the weather is pleasant for enjoying outdoor activities around Lake Vassivière and exploring the natural park.
What is the terrain like for hiking and cycling around La Nouaille?
The terrain around La Nouaille is diverse, characterized by lakes, forestry, and farming. It is nestled in the valleys of the Thaurion and Banize rivers. You can expect a mix of gentle paths along riverbanks and lake shores, as well as more challenging routes with varied elevations within the Parc naturel régional de Millevaches en Limousin. Many routes offer superb views, especially around Lake Vassivière.
Are there any cultural sites or towns of interest near La Nouaille?
Yes, beyond La Nouaille itself, several nearby towns offer cultural points of interest. Aubusson, about 15 km away, is globally renowned for its tapestries and rugs. Felletin, approximately 9 km from La Nouaille, is known for its Friday market and is recognized as the birthplace of tapestry, an art form classified as intangible UNESCO heritage.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around La Nouaille?
Visitors particularly appreciate the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. Many highlight the vastness and recreational opportunities of Lake Vassivière, often describing it as an 'inland sea' with beautiful views. The historical significance of sites like the Church of La Nouaille and the unique Templar Sheep Cross also receive positive feedback for their historical charm.
Can I find long-distance hiking trails near La Nouaille?
Yes, the region offers longer hiking opportunities, particularly around the large lakes. For instance, the 'Tour of Lac de Lavaud-Gelade Trail' is a difficult 21 km route. Many other trails, ranging from easy to difficult, can be found within the Parc naturel régional de Millevaches en Limousin, providing options for various distances and skill levels. Check the Hiking around La Nouaille guide for more details.
Are there any unique architectural features to look out for in La Nouaille?
The Church of La Nouaille features a distinctive isolated bell tower dating from the late 12th century, which stands apart from the main church building, reminiscent of Italian campaniles. The church also boasts 14th-century molding and a chapel created between two buttresses from the same period. The medieval Roby Bridge, with its four arches, is another notable architectural landmark.
What kind of wildlife can be spotted around La Nouaille?
Situated within the Parc naturel régional de Millevaches en Limousin, La Nouaille is part of an area rich in biodiversity. While specific wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, the park's forests, lakes, and natural reserves provide habitats for various species of birds, mammals, and aquatic life typical of the Limousin region. Exploring the trails around Lake Vassivière or within the Domaine de Banizette's forest park could offer opportunities for wildlife observation.
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