4.6
(643)
2,656
hikers
14
hikes
Bus station hiking trails around Lac De Saint Pardoux offer access to a diverse landscape centered around the 330-hectare man-made lake. The region features a network of paths through forests, along beaches, and past hidden coves. Hikers can explore a green land of valleys, with terrain ranging from gentle lakeside paths to routes through hamlets and historical sites. The area is characterized by its varied natural features, including the three distinct basins of Santrop, Chabannes, and Fréaudour.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
4.7
(37)
167
hikers
9.23km
02:26
90m
90m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(32)
169
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
5.0
(5)
6
hikers
9.40km
02:32
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
11
hikers
6.05km
01:35
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(3)
12
hikers
16.8km
04:25
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
This metal bridge at the Baie de Santrop may look modern, but it's built on the same principle as a lightweight suspension bridge. A fun detail: it connects two parts of the lake that were once only accessible by boat. For hikers, it's now the shortcut that suddenly takes you through a completely different landscape—from beach to forest in a minute. And even better: from the center, you have a fantastic view of the bend in the lake.
5
0
Most people don't realize that this lake is actually made up of three different basins, each with its own unique character: Santrop, Chabannes, and Fréaudour. This makes it feel like you're passing through multiple landscapes along the way: beaches, cliffs, forests, hidden coves… An interesting detail: when the lake was created in the 1970s, some villages were afraid it would become "too big" and swallow up the valley. Now, it's precisely that expansive, winding landscape that makes it such a perfect hiking spot.
4
0
Lac du St. Pardoux great lake in good weather a dream👍🏻
0
0
Beautiful place. Tour of the lake in August. Pleasant undergrowth. Calm and beautiful.
0
0
Magnificent undergrowth, some roots present difficulties.
0
0
Lac de Saint-Pardoux is a popular mountain biking destination, offering scenic routes through lush forest trails and along the lakeshore. The lake, located in the heart of the Limousin region, covers over 330 hectares and is surrounded by wooded hills, making it ideal for exploring the diverse terrain.
1
0
The military truck is located at the start, below on the right going down
0
0
There are over 45 hiking trails around Lac De Saint Pardoux that are easily accessible from bus stations, offering a variety of experiences for all skill levels. This includes 12 easy routes, 33 moderate routes, and 2 more challenging options.
The primary bus line serving the Lac de Saint-Pardoux area is Bus line 194. This line connects various points around the lake, including stops that provide direct access to numerous trailheads. It's advisable to check the latest timetable for specific stop locations like Montimbert, Santrop, Chabannes, and Fréaudour.
Hikes around Lac De Saint Pardoux offer diverse landscapes, from sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs to dense forests and hidden coves. The lake itself is divided into three distinct basins—Santrop, Chabannes, and Fréaudour—each providing unique scenery. You'll experience the serene Limousin countryside, characterized by green valleys, forests, and the expansive lake views.
Yes, there are several easy hiking routes accessible from bus stops. For instance, the Saint-Pardoux Church – Saint-Pardoux Fountain loop from Saint-Pardoux is an easy 3.8 km route, perfect for a shorter, relaxed walk.
Many of the trails accessible from bus stations around Lac De Saint Pardoux are circular, allowing you to start and end your hike at the same point. A great example is the Lac de Saint-Pardoux – Saint-Pardoux Lake Circuit loop from Saint-Pardoux, which offers a comprehensive tour of the lake's surroundings.
You can discover several interesting landmarks and viewpoints. The modern Passerelle du lac de Saint-Pardoux at Baie de Santrop offers fantastic lake views. Some trails also pass by historical sites like 11th and 13th-century Romanesque churches, the Maison Berry, and the Chapel of Saint-Jean Baptiste de Grandmont.
Absolutely! Many trails are suitable for families. The region offers a variety of shorter loops and relatively flat paths. Beyond hiking, families can enjoy activities like the Terra Aventura geocaching game or the Parcours de Santé with its balancing exercises and climbing walls, often located near trailheads.
Generally, dogs are welcome on the hiking trails around Lac De Saint Pardoux. However, it's always recommended to keep them on a leash, especially in more populated areas or near wildlife. Please be mindful of local regulations and clean up after your pet.
While hiking is enjoyable year-round, spring and autumn are particularly beautiful. In spring, the landscape bursts with new growth, and in autumn, the surrounding forests display spectacular colors reflected in the lake. Summer offers pleasant conditions for combining hiking with water activities, while winter can provide a serene, quiet experience, though some amenities might have reduced hours.
Yes, there are many moderate options. The Pond viewpoint – Lake Saint-Pardoux loop from L'Île aux Enfants is a moderate 9.2 km route with some elevation, offering great views. Another good choice is the Saint-Pardoux Fountain – Saint-Pardoux Church loop from Saint-Pardoux, which is 9.3 km long.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, the well-maintained paths, and the tranquility of the lake and surrounding forests. The accessibility via public transport and the variety of trails for different fitness levels are also frequently highlighted.


Browse the best Hikes in other regions.