Beaumont-Du-Lac: Land Art and Landscape

Beaumont-Du-Lac brings together protected natural areas, hiking trails with views of Lac de Vassivière, and several art venues. The destination therefore focuses on both the landscape and contemporary art and regional history. When choosing where to stay, you can consider these highlights and decide whether you mainly want to hike, enjoy the views, or visit art venues.

Wetland and landscape

The Tourbière de la route élevée is a protected Natura 2000 wetland. The Tourbière de la route élevée can be seen from the lakeside road at the junction of the D222 and D43. Beaumont-Du-Lac is known as a granite village with a pond. Along with the trails and Lac de Vassivière, these features give the landscape its own distinct character.

Hiking and time by the lake

The Utopia Land Art trail begins in Beaumont-Du-Lac; conditions along the route may vary. The Circuit de Nergout is also a hiking trail and offers numerous views of Lac de Vassivière. Visibility depends on conditions. The two trails therefore have different focuses: the Utopia trail centers on Land Art and its starting point in Beaumont-Du-Lac, while the Circuit de Nergout is about views of the lake.

Île de Vassivière is accessible on foot year-round; conditions may vary. Plage de Nergout is a supervised beach in Beaumont-Du-Lac, with supervision available seasonally. Supervision is seasonal. There is also a family fishing area; availability may change.

Art and history

In the Bois de Sculptures on Île de Vassivière, Land Art works stand among centuries-old trees; individual works may change. The island is an important venue for contemporary art and is connected to the former Vassivière estate. Nature and art therefore meet here in an open-air setting, while the Centre International d’Art et du Paysage offers another way to engage with art through exhibitions and other activities.

The Centre International d’Art et du Paysage was designed by architects Aldo Rossi and Xavier Fabre between 1987 and 1991. Its building has been awarded the “Architecture Contemporaine Remarquable” designation. The Centre presents three different temporary exhibitions each year and also offers numerous events, workshops and tours. The programme and the availability of individual activities may vary.

Artworks can also be found in the village: Beaumont-Du-Lac’s village square is adorned with works by sculptor Pierre Digan. Église Saint Pierre houses a 14th-century altar cross, which is shown in exhibitions on art from Limousin. Exhibition programmes may vary. Together, these places offer different insights into public art, exhibitions and religious heritage.

Garden and seasonal tradition

Jardin des Simples on Île de Vassivière is farmed organically. It was created by growers of aromatic and medicinal plants from Syndicat Simples en Limousin. The garden thus combines a botanical focus with the island’s contemporary art venue.

Another local tradition is associated with the historic “Pierre à pain” oven. Traditional breads, baked over a wood fire, are offered there seasonally. The offering is seasonal and may vary.

Discover more destinations: Pierrefitte, Bellac, Nexon, Rouffignac, Saint-Junien, Pierre-Buffière, Le Châtenet-en-Dognon, Meilhac.

For the regional travel overview: Haute-Vienne.