Faux-La-Montagne: Reservoir, Church and Forest

Faux-La-Montagne brings together different travel interests: architectural heritage at the Barrage de Faux and the Church of Saint Etienne sit alongside walking and nature themes. When planning your trip, you can consider architectural heritage, walks, and scenery as separate focal points.

Reservoir and structure at the Barrage de Faux

The Barrage de Faux on the Dorat connects the reservoir with a distinctive structure. The reservoir covers 45 hectares; the dam was commissioned in 1953. Its thin multiple-arch design is considered one of only two examples of its kind in Europe. The expanse of water and the engineering architecture offer two different ways to appreciate this structure. If you are interested in civil engineering, you can focus on the arch design as a separate feature alongside the reservoir.

An easy walking trail around the lake starts at the car park in front of the bridge on the road towards Gentioux and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. The Circuit du lac de Faux is an easy 6.1-kilometre loop that you can walk or ride by mountain bike; local trail conditions may change. When planning, you can compare the approximate duration of the walk with the length of the Circuit. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

Church of Saint Etienne: Romanesque and Gothic features

The Church of Saint Etienne dates from the 12th century and is dedicated to Saint Stephen. Its architecture includes a bell gable with a triangular pediment, a Romanesque section, and a Gothic nave. Carved capitals and medallions add to its design. The church was restored in 2010 and 2018. You can also discover a painted work by Gabriel Chabrat at the church. Compare the Romanesque section with the Gothic nave, and look at the carved details on the capitals and medallions.

Forest, rocks, and landscape

Faux-La-Montagne offers an open landscape that brings water and forest together. The Rochers de Clamouzat is a protected area of notable botanical and geological interest. The Forêt domaniale de la Feuillade covers 800 hectares and is considered one of the oldest and largest coniferous forest areas in the Limousin. The Le chemin de l’eau circular trail connects remarkable architectural and natural heritage. Peat bogs are among the characteristic landscape features of the Plateau de Millevaches. When planning your trip, you can focus separately on nature, forest scenery, and architectural heritage.

Pastries, tea, and other offerings

The Biscuiterie du Plateau and its tea room, Le Volubilis, welcome visitors year-round. Offerings include biscuits, drinks, conversation, exhibitions, and workshops. The Biscuiterie makes sablés, cookies, navettes, coconut macaroons, Siennois, Toscans, and savoury aperitif biscuits. This means sweet and savoury pastries are available alongside offerings that include conversation and exhibitions. If you are coming for a particular product or workshop, please check the current offerings in advance; opening arrangements and the selection may change.

Discover more destinations: Jarnages, Saint-Vaury, Chamborand, Châtelus-Malvaleix, Thauron, Mazeirat, Ajain, Saint-Bard

For the broader travel overview: Creuse.