Bugeat is a commune of Corrèze, in the region of 39; New Aquitaine, 40 km northwest of Ussel.
The territory of the locality which ranges from 667 to 844 m above sea level belongs at the same time to the foothills of the Massif Central and the natural region of the Plateau de Millevaches, famous for its sources, its peat bogs, its varied and singular ecosystems and its cattle farms (the etymology of the term "Millevaches" referring at once to its very rich hydrography - the Vézère and two of its tributaries cross Bugeat - and to the secular presence of cattle).
Historically, the municipality has always lived on agriculture and the exploitation of its wooded parcels and has made a reputation in the development of the granite extracted from its basement, and which constitutes the first of its materials in term of architecture. Mecca of the Resistance during the Second War, Bugeat, which now has nearly 840 inhabitants, has since the last quarter of the twentieth century become a capital of green tourism, highlighting its environment and offering visitors an expanded panel of cultural leisure.
Romanesque building, the Saint-Pardoux church is the major element of heritage of the town. Remodeled in the 15th century, it houses a 13th century granite baptismal basin and a tabernacle by the master sculptor Bertrand Buxeraud (17th century). The singular silhouette of the aisles is explained by additions that were made to meet the growing population. The church is protected as historical monuments.
A walk in the village (and in the hamlets) makes it possible to notice the omnipresence of the granite which confers to the houses, farms and small elements of heritage (crosses, fountains) a typical or even picturesque style.
This is why a visit is required at the granite house housed in the Tourist Office. We discover all the aspects of this magmatic rock which is one of the symbols of the Plateau de Millevaches and which is composed of quartz and mica, among others. Sometimes other minerals give it a particular color, ocher or pink.
Geological presentation, explanation of extraction and size, use of granite in sculpture: all these aspects are explained and highlighted in a pleasant and educational way. Advice is given to the visitor to observe, at the level of the town or the surrounding area, some buildings or sites highlighting this material. Open Monday to Saturday from September to June and every day in July and August. Free entry. Information on +33 5 55 95 18 68.
In another area, but also symbolizing the richness of the local nature, "Objectif Loutres" is an observatory founded by a passionate photographer where one can observe this emblematic animal closely. For amateur wildlife photographers, positions are dedicated and workshops organized regularly. Information on +33 6 78 99 38 85.
In terms of sports and "nature" recreation, the Espace 1000 sources Alain Mimoun is a national training center dependent on the County Council and has high quality equipment (football fields, rugby, basketball etc.) and accommodation in a green environment where national teams and clubs are hosted for training courses. But individuals can access it conditionally. Information on +33 5 55 95 58 58.
Moreover, besides its areas dedicated to its customers holidaymakers, the campsite "At the doors of a thousand sources" has a tennis court and a water with bathing that can be used conditionally by visitors. Information on +33 5 55 94 32 12.
For hikers, many circuits allow to explore the territory and its charms, in terms of landscapes and preserved natural sites. Marked trails have been designed for walkers, and more than 150 km of trails await mountain bikers. Maps and information on +33 5 55 95 18 68 or +33 6 42 62 62 72.
In this region renowned for its rivers, fishing in the Vézère or its tributaries is another way to enjoy nature: contact +33 5 55 95 63 84 for the sites and regulations.
Finally, it is advisable to join the House of the Regional Natural Park of Millevaches which program regularly hikes and animations (exhibitions, workshops) on the themes of the environment and the inheritance. Contact at +33 5 55 96 97 00.
The last weekend of April, trail (running in nature).
The first Sunday of August, collectors' fair.
The second weekend of August, communal festival with fun and musical entertainment.
During the first half of August, Week of Taste with gourmet events and local markets.
The second weekend of September, National Modeling Show.
The last Sunday before December 25, Christmas market.
Finally, the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month, the market organized in the morning is a good opportunity to apprehend the rich soil of Limousin. The following Thursdays on July 14 and August 15, it takes place in the evening and ends with a fireworks display.
Trail Millevaches Monédières 13ème Édition
- On 20 april 2024
- For the 13th edition, the Millevaches Monédières Raidlight Trail will start in Bugeat and finish in Treignac. - Program : - 53 km D + 2200 Start 9:30 am This is THE emblematic MMT course, with climbs up Puy de la Monédière, Suc au May and the Plateau de Millevaches. - 25 km D + 800 Trail and Nordic Walking (departure from Pradines at 12 noon) - 13 km D + 300 Trail + Nordic Walking + Challenge Entreprises (departure Treignac at 11am) - 13 km D + 200 Hiking (departure from Treignac at 9am) - Pick-up of race numbers in Bugeat from 2pm on Friday April 19 at the Bugeat foyer rural. - No on-site registration, registration closed on Thursday 18th
Raid in France
- From 29 june to 6 july 2024
- Destination Bugeat for the 12th Raid in France, the annual gathering of the world ? S greatest adventure racing teams. - Departure and arrival from Bugeat for an edition in the heart of territories overflowing with rivers and lakes promising a "100% back to nature" adventure. - On the program : over 400 km to cover and almost 12,000 m of positive altitude difference, along 13 sections to be linked in orientation, between mountain biking, trekking, kayaking, canyoning and packraft. - To date, 10 nations are represented, with teams from Europe, North America and South Africa. Among the French teams, the most emblematic : 400Team, is at the top of the world rankings. - At the end of 4 days of non-stop racing for the front-runners (6 for the runners-up), the winning team will earn its ticket to the Adventure Race World Championship, scheduled for Ecuador.
