A protected Natura 2000 wetland, walking trails with views of Lac de Vassivière, and art on Île de Vassivière give Beaumont-Du-Lac its distinct facets. The village itself also offers cultural traces and a seasonal culinary highlight. When planning your visit, you can choose between scenery, outdoor activities, art and local history.

Wetland, walking trails and Lac de Vassivière

The Tourbière de la route élevée is a protected Natura 2000 wetland. It can be seen from the lakeside road at the junction of the D222 and D43. This makes the wetland a useful landmark in the landscape. The Circuit de Nergout offers something different: this walking trail provides numerous views of Lac de Vassivière. How clearly the lake can be seen depends on conditions.

The Utopia Land Art walking trail begins in Beaumont-Du-Lac. Unlike the Circuit, where views of the lake are a defining feature, its name links walking with land art. Trail conditions can vary, so check them before setting out. This lets you distinguish the two routes by their respective features rather than treating them as interchangeable trails.

At Plage de Nergout, there is another way to spend time by the water: it is a supervised beach in Beaumont-du-Lac. Supervision may vary by season, so it is advisable to check before your visit. The beach also has a family fishing trail. Beach supervision and fishing are different reasons to visit; plan according to which offering matters to you.

Art and gardens on Île de Vassivière

Île de Vassivière is accessible on foot year-round; specific conditions may vary. In the Bois de Sculptures, land art works stand among centuries-old trees. The outdoor art and old trees give this place a different character from the Centre International d’Art et du Paysage, whose building has its own architectural history.

The Centre was designed by architects Aldo Rossi and Xavier Fabre from 1987 to 1991. Its building has been awarded the “Architecture Contemporaine Remarquable” designation. At the same time, Île de Vassivière is an important site for contemporary art and is connected to the former Vassivière estate. The Centre presents three different temporary exhibitions each year; its programme may change. Events, workshops and visits are also among its offerings, and their availability may vary. If you have a particular programme in mind for your visit, check the current dates.

Another facet of the island is the Jardin des Simples, an organically farmed garden. It was created by the growers of aromatic and medicinal plants belonging to the Syndicat Simples en Limousin. Here, plants take centre stage, while the Centre and the sculpture garden showcase different forms of contemporary art.

Village history and seasonal tradition

Beaumont-Du-Lac is known as a granite village and has a pond. Works by sculptor Pierre Digan adorn the village square. The Église Saint Pierre houses a 14th-century altar cross that is shown in exhibitions of Limousin art; the exhibition programme may vary. These places add works and history in the village to the art on the Île.

The seasonal offering includes the historic “Pierre à pain” oven, where traditional breads baked over a wood fire are available. The offering is seasonal and may vary; check before your visit whether it will be available on your chosen date.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Auvent, Bonnac-La-Côté, Le Buis, Saint-Pardoux, Saint-Amand-Le-Petit, Saint-Hilaire-la-Treille, La Châtre, Berneuil.

Return to the regional travel overview: Haute-Vienne.