Camps-Saint-Mathurin-Léobazel: Hiking, Water and Cultural Heritage

Hiking, water and sacred cultural heritage showcase different sides of Camps-Saint-Mathurin-Léobazel. When planning your trip, you can first decide which aspect interests you most: the Gorges de la Cère, the seasonal activities at Étang du Moulin, or the architecture and pilgrimage sites of Saint-Mathurin and Belpeuch. If you are looking for a hotel, this can help you consider your travel dates and the kind of days you would like to plan together.

Hiking in the Gorges de la Cère

The GR 652 long-distance hiking trail passes through the Gorges de la Cère, which are suitable for hiking. A hiking trail brings to life the gorge’s past activities and the rich variety of wildlife and plant life in this still relatively unspoilt place. A hike here therefore combines nature with the area’s past use as distinct themes.

Camps-Saint-Mathurin-Léobazel also has several short hiking routes of varying lengths and difficulty levels. You can consider these two criteria separately when choosing: How long is the route, and what difficulty level is listed for it? The “Entre terre et eaux” hike can start in Camps. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Water and activities at Étang du Moulin

Étang du Moulin is a two-hectare pond near the centre of Camps. In July and August, part of the water is open for swimming and monitored daily. Swimming is therefore available seasonally; check current bathing conditions before your visit.

Pedal boats, stand-up paddleboards and yoga kayaks can be rented at Étang du Moulin. This rental service is also seasonal, so it is advisable to check current availability. For planning purposes, swimming and rental equipment are two separate considerations: swimming is permitted in part of the pond and is limited to July and August, while the equipment offers an additional activity.

Cycling circuit and horse-riding route

The “Xaintrie Noire” cycling circuit starts in Camps-Saint-Mathurin-Léobazel. The “Entre terre et eaux” hike can also start in Camps, while the “Boucle équestre Camps par le Rocher du peintre” horse-riding route is listed as 28 kilometres long. On foot, by bike or on horseback, the different types of routes offer different ways to plan your day. Check the current conditions for each route in advance.

Romanesque church and Xaintrie architecture

The centre of Saint-Mathurin is laid out around a 12th-century Romanesque church. The typical architecture of the Xaintrie region includes imposing slate roofs supported by granite walls. The church and the local building style offer different perspectives on the area: the layout of the centre around a historic building, and the use of slate and granite in regional architecture.

Belpeuch: pilgrimage site and work of art

The Marian pilgrimage site of Belpeuch includes a Stations of the Cross route that climbs to the sanctuary. There is also an outdoor stone altar. Belpeuch is also home to the Chapelle Notre-Dame, known as the Chapelle de Belpeuch. Inside is the “Vierge de Pitié dite Notre-Dame de Belpeuch,” a 16th-century work. The Stations of the Cross, outdoor altar and artwork offer different points of interest if you are interested in the religious history and cultural heritage of the area.

Hemp from Ferme de la Bitarelle

Ferme de la Bitarelle grows hemp and sells it at the farm. Its products include organic virgin hemp oil. This offers a concrete glimpse of farming to complement the hiking, water and cultural experiences that can shape your trip to Camps-Saint-Mathurin-Léobazel.

Discover more destinations: Egletons, Altillac, Saint-Cyr-La-Roche, Gros-Chastang, La Chapelle-Saint-Géraud, Varetz, Laval-Sur-Luzège, Noailhac.

For the wider travel overview: Corrèze.