Discover La Courtine

La Courtine offers different ways to plan a stay: nature at the Étang du Grattadour, trails and places connected with the history of the town. La Courtine is part of the Parc Naturel Régional de Millevaches en Limousin. Check local notices about possible access restrictions before setting out on excursions.

Nature and Trails in La Courtine

The Étang du Grattadour is classified as a ZNIEFF and is bordered by a quaking bog that is important for flora and fauna. Small pools, known as gouilles, are home to bladderworts—carnivorous aquatic plants. This brings together several aspects of nature: the pond landscape, the bog and its distinctive plant life.

The Étang du Grattadour covers 5 hectares, and a 1.3 km path circles it. If you plan to take this circular route, note that its availability and trail conditions may change. Check the current situation in advance.

Another way to explore the surrounding area on foot is the Route Saint-Denis. It passes a centuries-old beech tree that shelters the Mariette Cross, descends to the village of St-Denis and its old church, and ends with a circuit around the Étang du Grattadour. At 25 km, the Chamina Trail offers a different distance: it loops around the Forêt de Châteauvert and the Agriers. Local changes may affect the route; check its current course before setting out.

Fishing is also a possible activity at both ponds. At the Étang du Grattadour, you can fish for trout, tench, carp and pike. At the 2-hectare Étang de La Peyrouse, you can fish for trout, tench, roach and carp. Trout, tench and carp are available for fishing at both ponds; pike are found at Grattadour, and roach at La Peyrouse. Before fishing, check the applicable permits, seasons and regulations.

Places of Remembrance and History

The Chemin de mémoire is a historic walking trail that interprets La Courtine’s history in 1917. Steel silhouettes mark the way; QR codes let you access eyewitness accounts, texts from the period and soundscapes on your smartphone. If the digital stops are important to your visit, check in advance whether they are working.

The Maison du Souvenir traces the history of La Courtine. Visits are arranged by appointment; admission is free and photography is permitted. As arrangements may change, confirm your appointment locally before visiting.

Churches and Historical Traces

The Church of Notre-Dame de La Courtine was built from 1742 onward using the portico and stones from the earlier church, as well as materials from the castle ruins. The church has two chapels: one houses a statue of the Virgin Mary, while the other is dedicated to Saint John. The building’s history and its two chapels give the church a range of historical and religious associations.

The Chapelle Saint Denis was restored in 1744. After the roof collapsed in 1954, only the square-built bell tower was left standing for safety reasons. Once a year, an open-air mass is held there on the Sunday in October closest to the feast day of Saint Denis. Confirm the exact date locally in advance.

The military camp at La Courtine is also part of the town’s history: it was established in 1901 as part of the modernisation of the French army following the defeat of 1870. The ruins of the Church of Saint-Gilles at Le Trucq are currently in very poor condition. As this may change, check the current situation before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Bourganeuf, Anzême, Le Grand-Bourg, Saint-Agnant-Près-Crocq, Bénévent-L'abbaye, Saint-Agnant-de-Versillat, Linard, Ahun.

For the broader travel overview: Creuse.