The best traffic-free bike rides around Barrage des Bariousses

The trails around Barrage des Bariousses offer a diverse mix of terrain ideal for gravel biking. You'll encounter unpaved segments, forest tracks, and small, quiet country roads. The area is situated in the heart of the Millevaches plateau, known for its natural beauty, which means varied surfaces and undulating paths through deep forests and woodlands.

Yes, for a more moderate and shorter option, consider the Lac de Viam – Viam Lake Dam loop from Viam. This 15.8 km route is suitable for those looking for a less strenuous ride with beautiful lake views, making it a good choice for families or beginners seeking quiet paths.

For experienced gravel bikers seeking a challenge, two difficult routes stand out. The Treignac – Lac de Viam loop from Treignac covers 42.6 km with significant elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Abandoned Village of Clédat – Col de Lestards loop from Église Saint-Martial, which is 32 km long and also features considerable climbing, taking you through scenic and quiet landscapes.

The routes often weave through beautiful pine forests and offer stunning views of Lac des Bariousses itself. The area is part of the Millevaches plateau, providing diverse natural scenery. You might also encounter the historic Treignac dam, an impressive arch dam offering panoramic views of the reservoir. Further afield, the unique thatched-roof church of Lestards is a notable architectural sight.

Spring and autumn are generally ideal for gravel biking in this region. The weather is typically milder, and the natural landscapes are particularly vibrant with spring blooms or autumn colors. These seasons also tend to have fewer visitors compared to the peak summer months, ensuring a more tranquil, no-traffic experience on the trails.

Yes, all the featured routes are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point without needing to arrange transport back. Examples include the Treignac – Lac de Viam loop from Treignac and the Lac de Viam – Viam Lake Dam loop from Viam.

Given the varied and sometimes rugged nature of the paths, including unpaved segments and forest tracks, a gravel bike with tires between 40mm and 47mm is recommended. This setup provides a good balance of comfort, grip, and efficiency across different surfaces.

Barrage des Bariousses is a Nature Sports Station offering a range of activities. The lake features a Blue Flag-awarded shaded beach with supervised swimming, picnic areas, and children's games. The Vézère-Monédières Nature Sports Centre provides options for an Aqua Park, canoe and kayak hire, stand-up paddleboarding, pedalos, and electric fishing boats.

Parking is generally available in the towns and villages near the starting points of the routes, such as Treignac or Viam. For routes around the dam, there are often designated parking areas for visitors to the lake and its facilities.

The komoot community highly rates the Barrage des Bariousses area for its outdoor activities, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, natural beauty of the trails, the diverse terrain, and the scenic views of the lake and surrounding forests, making it an excellent destination for traffic-free gravel biking.

While the routes focus on natural landscapes, the historic Treignac dam itself is a significant man-made structure from the mid-20th century. Additionally, the Abandoned Village of Clédat – Col de Lestards loop from Église Saint-Martial passes near the Col de Lestards, and the wider region includes the unique 15th-century granite church of Lestards with its thatched roof, offering a glimpse into local heritage.