The best traffic-free bike rides around Lac de Saint-Pardoux
4.5
(29)
764
riders
14
rides
No traffic road cycling routes around Lac de Saint-Pardoux traverse a region characterized by its varied topography, encompassing three distinct lake basins, moorlands, and dense forests. The landscape features a mix of paved surfaces, sunken lanes, and rolling hills, with elevation changes providing a dynamic cycling experience. This area, situated north of Limoges, offers panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding Limousin countryside, including valleys and woodlands. The winding nature of the lake's shoreline, with its cliffs and coves, contributes to diverse route profiles.
Best no traffic road cycling routes around Lac de Saint-Pardoux
- The most popular no traffic road cycling route is Stone Building on Rural Road – Lantern of the Dead loop from Saint-Pardoux, a 69.1 miles (111.2 km) trail that takes 5 hours 46 minutes to complete. This difficult route features significant elevation gain through the Limousin countryside.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Lake Saint-Pardoux – Saint-Sylvestre Church loop from Bessines-sur-Gartempe, a moderate 30.7 miles (49.4 km) path. This route offers scenic views of Lac de Saint-Pardoux and passes through local villages.
- Local road cyclists also love the View of Châteauponsac loop from Bessines-sur-Gartempe, a 24.2 miles (38.9 km) trail leading through varied terrain with views towards Châteauponsac, often completed in about 1 hour 55 minutes.
- Road cycling around Lac de Saint-Pardoux is defined by its varied topography, including lake views, rolling hills, and forested sections. The network offers options for moderate to difficult ability levels, with 8 moderate and 3 difficult routes available.
- The routes in Lac de Saint-Pardoux are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 20 reviews. More than 500 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Lac de Saint-Pardoux's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
7
riders
111km
05:48
2,000m
2,000m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
3
riders
60.6km
03:06
1,020m
1,020m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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5.0
(1)
10
riders
23.3km
01:11
410m
410m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
3
riders
26.7km
01:15
360m
370m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
10
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Lac de Saint-Pardoux
Tips from the Community
Be careful, at about the 11th km, in the rue de la côte, get out your best legs 😉, the street is aptly named!!! Otherwise continue straight on the main street and at the crossroads turn left onto the main road for a longer but much less steep climb!!
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The lantern states that it’s by the cemetery but either it moved or it’s been wrong all along. The cemetery is across the village, heading toward Le Fieu.
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Dated from the 13th century, the lantern of the dead of Saint-Goussaud was moved at the beginning of the 19th century from the cemetery where it was initially located. Thanks to a pulley system, a light was hoisted there to guide the deceased.
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Fontaine Raby, built in the 13th century, in the village of La Jonchère Saint-Maurice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic road cycling routes are available around Lac de Saint-Pardoux?
There are 11 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Lac de Saint-Pardoux featured in this guide. These routes offer a variety of distances and elevation gains, ensuring options for different fitness levels.
What is the general difficulty level of no-traffic road cycling routes in this area?
The majority of no-traffic road cycling routes around Lac de Saint-Pardoux are rated as moderate, with 8 routes falling into this category. There are also 3 more challenging routes for experienced cyclists. The varied terrain includes picturesque Limousin countryside with some elevation changes.
Are there any longer, more challenging no-traffic road cycling routes?
Yes, for experienced cyclists seeking a significant challenge, consider the Stone Building on Rural Road – Lantern of the Dead loop from Saint-Pardoux. This difficult route spans over 111 km with nearly 2000 meters of elevation gain, offering an extensive exploration of the region's quiet roads.
What kind of scenery can I expect on these no-traffic road cycling routes?
The routes offer diverse and picturesque scenery, including panoramic views of Lac de Saint-Pardoux, charming Limousin countryside, and passages through villages. You'll encounter a mix of moorlands, sunken lanes, forests, and the winding nature of the lake with its beaches and cliffs.
Are there any circular no-traffic road cycling routes around Lac de Saint-Pardoux?
Yes, many routes are designed as loops. For example, the Lake Saint-Pardoux – Lac de Saint-Pardoux loop from Bessines-sur-Gartempe is a moderate 29.8 km circular route that takes you around the lake, offering beautiful views and a pleasant ride.
What do other road cyclists say about the no-traffic routes around Lac de Saint-Pardoux?
The komoot community highly rates the no-traffic road cycling experience around Lac de Saint-Pardoux, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 22 ratings. Reviewers often praise the serene environment, the beauty of the Limousin landscape, and the well-maintained, quiet roads.
What other activities are available near the no-traffic road cycling routes at Lac de Saint-Pardoux?
Beyond cycling, Lac de Saint-Pardoux is a hub for outdoor activities. You can enjoy various water sports like canoeing, paddleboarding, and swimming at designated beaches. There are also numerous hiking trails, an adventure park with treetop trails, and facilities for rock climbing and horse riding. For more information on activities, visit What to do at Lac de Saint-Pardoux.
Is there a moderate route that offers views of the surrounding area?
Absolutely. The View of Châteauponsac loop from Bessines-sur-Gartempe is a moderate 38.9 km route with over 500 meters of elevation gain, providing scenic vistas of the countryside and the charming village of Châteauponsac.
Are there any shorter, moderate no-traffic road cycling options?
Yes, for a shorter, moderate ride, consider the Étang de Pierre Millier loop from Razès. This route is approximately 23.3 km long with around 400 meters of elevation gain, offering a pleasant experience through the local landscape.
What is the best time of year for no-traffic road cycling around Lac de Saint-Pardoux?
The region is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions for road cycling. In autumn, the surrounding forests burst with color, creating stunning reflections in the lake. Summer is also popular, but be prepared for warmer temperatures, especially during midday.
Can I find accommodation and dining options near the cycling routes?
Yes, the area around Lac de Saint-Pardoux is well-equipped for tourists. You'll find various accommodation options, including gîtes, camping sites, and chalets. There are also bars and restaurants available to refuel after your ride.
Most popular routes around Lac de Saint-Pardoux
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