Folles reveals itself through landscapes, routes and structures from different perspectives. At Lac du Pont-à-l’Âge, the terrain and wooded slopes shape the lake’s outline. In the Gartempe Valley, a cycling route and a walking trail pass through the commune; the Viaduc de Rocherolles is both a striking structure and part of the cycling route. The Dolmen des Goudours offers a very different impression of construction. You can therefore plan your visit around the landscape, outdoor activities or cultural heritage.
Lac du Pont-à-l’Âge and its landscape
Lac du Pont-à-l’Âge has a curved shape due to the pronounced terrain. Wooded slopes accentuate its course and make the landscape’s contours a defining feature of the lake. The terrain explains the curved outline, while the slopes emphasize its course. Lac du Pont-à-l’Âge is also a designated and protected landscape area. Its landscape and protected status set it apart from the structures in Folles. If you are interested in the landscape, you can appreciate the lake not only for its shape but also for its designated protected status.
Cycling and walking in the Gartempe Valley
Folles has a 30-kilometre cycling route through the upper Gartempe Valley, which passes the Viaduc de Rocherolles. The Val de Gartempe walking trail near Fursac also passes through Folles. This puts two different ways of getting around in focus: a designated cycling route and a walking trail. The cycling route connects the valley with the viaduct as a striking structure; the walking trail offers a separate option for those who want to explore on foot.
The Viaduc de Rocherolles in detail
The Viaduc de Rocherolles spans the Gartempe Valley and is located in a natural area designated as both a Natura 2000 site and a ZNIEFF. The structure was built from blue granite between 1852 and 1854. Its twelve arches are arranged on two levels; the viaduct is 187 metres long and rises 54.60 metres above the river. These details reveal two aspects of its construction: the arches and levels describe its design, while its length and height convey its scale. Together with the granite used and the period in which it was built, the viaduct serves as a tangible point of reference for the history and landscape of the Gartempe Valley.
Dolmen des Goudours: structure and route
The Dolmen des Goudours showcases a different kind of construction: a capstone weighing approximately 20 tonnes rests on three supports. The weight is an estimate. Unlike the viaduct with its arches, here you can see a single heavy slab supported by three uprights. From the centre of Folles, follow the D63 towards Le Cluzeau; the drive is 5.4 kilometres. Parking is available in the village, followed by a 1-kilometre walk along the track. As road and parking conditions may change, check them before your visit. In 2026, the dolmen is open to the public year-round; guided tours are available. Check the opening arrangements and availability of guided tours before travelling, as these may change.
An annual event in Folles
Folles Burlesques holds a themed meal in Folles every year on the second weekend of March. If you would like to include this event in your travel plans, check the specific dates in advance. The meal adds a recurring date in the local events calendar to the area’s landscapes and architectural attractions.
Discover more destinations: Thiat, Panazol, Chaleix, Bussière-Galant, Beaumont-Du-Lac, Bellac, Saint-Martin-le-Vieux, Darnac.
For the broader travel overview: Haute-Vienne.
