The Plan d’eau de Sussac is on the edge of the forest, covers 4 hectares and is 200 metres from the village centre. Its sandy beach, pedal boats, mini-golf course and playground for children aged two to eleven bring several activities together in one place. If you’re planning to spend time by the water, you can combine it with a game of mini-golf or a visit to the playground.

During the summer season, supervised swimming is available at the lake. As facilities may change, check locally before travelling to see what is available and when swimming is supervised. Fishing is also possible at the Plan d’eau. Check the current rules in advance, including any restrictions on bait.

Church and history around Sussac

The parish church of Sussac is the Église Saint-Pardoux, Saint-Martin. The Neo-Romanesque building was rebuilt around 1889. Its masonry is made of granite, rubble stone and render; the roof is covered with slate. In addition to the activities by the lake, the church offers a separate focus on the village’s architectural history.

At Clos de Sussac, a symbolic Allied arms drop took place in daylight on 14 July 1944. A memorial stele honouring Violette Szabo was erected at Le Clos. During the Second World War, she was parachuted into the hamlet of Le Clos.

During the Second World War, Mont Gargan was an important Resistance site; the Battle of Mont Gargan took place there in July 1944. The ruins of the Notre-Dame-de-Bon Secours chapel remain at its summit. The Chemin de Sussac au Mont Gargan passes through landscapes associated with the Resistance and offers the opportunity to discover the local flora and fauna.

Another historical connection is the Château de la Villa: on the route near Sussac, it was one of the command posts of Colonel Georges Guingouin, leader of the local Resistance.

Events and activities

The Festival du Mont Gargan takes place near Sussac every year around 15 August. A memorial ceremony is held annually at Clos de Sussac on 6 June. These are two distinct dates in the annual calendar: the ceremony in early June and the festival in mid-August. If you’re planning your trip around either date, check the programme for the relevant year locally.

For equestrian activities, the Nahani Ranch in Sussac offers a mountain trail course, a 20 × 40-metre riding arena and a 20-metre round pen for horse training. It also offers self-guided rides around the estate and Mont Gargan, with GPS routes provided. Check current availability in advance.

Getting there

To reach the Chemin de Sussac au Mont Gargan, take exit 35 from the A20 towards Eymoutiers, then follow the D15 from La Croix Lattée and continue on the D39 to Sussac and the Plan d’eau. As road conditions can change, check them before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Sauviat-sur-Vige, La Porcherie, Gajoubert, Maisonnais-Sur-Tardoire, Saint-Sornin-Leulac, Darnac, Saint-Germain-Les-Belles, Dompierre-Les-Églises.

For the broader travel overview: Haute-Vienne.