4.3
(77)
2,358
runners
111
runs
Jogging around Lac De Saint Pardoux offers diverse landscapes and an extensive network of trails. This substantial artificial lake, spanning over 300 hectares, is surrounded by a protected natural site, providing a refreshing blend of water and woodlands. The paths often wind through dense forests, offering picturesque views of the lake and the Limousin countryside. The region's varied terrain includes both flat sections along the water and gentle ascents through wooded areas.
Last updated: July 4, 2026
4.0
(5)
217
runners
17.4km
02:04
130m
120m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(5)
272
runners
18.8km
02:13
130m
130m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.2
(5)
74
runners
11.7km
01:23
120m
120m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.5
(2)
60
runners
6.23km
00:42
60m
60m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.2
(9)
40
runners
5.09km
00:34
80m
80m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Most people don't realize that this lake is actually made up of three different basins, each with its own unique character: Santrop, Chabannes, and Fréaudour. This makes it feel like you're passing through multiple landscapes along the way: beaches, cliffs, forests, hidden coves… An interesting detail: when the lake was created in the 1970s, some villages were afraid it would become "too big" and swallow up the valley. Now, it's precisely that expansive, winding landscape that makes it such a perfect hiking spot.
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Beautiful place. Tour of the lake in August. Pleasant undergrowth. Calm and beautiful.
0
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Magnificent undergrowth, some roots present difficulties.
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Lac de Saint-Pardoux is a popular mountain biking destination, offering scenic routes through lush forest trails and along the lakeshore. The lake, located in the heart of the Limousin region, covers over 330 hectares and is surrounded by wooded hills, making it ideal for exploring the diverse terrain.
1
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magnificent view of the lake! keep your cap on, in clear weather
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This off-the-beaten-track viewpoint is a quiet place to enjoy the lakeside.
2
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This platform is the perfect place to admire the lake framed by the trees.
2
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There are over 10 dedicated running routes around Lac De Saint Pardoux, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels. These trails are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 40 reviews.
The running trails at Lac De Saint Pardoux offer a diverse landscape. You'll find paths winding through dense forests, providing ample shade and a serene environment, as well as sections with picturesque views of the lake and the surrounding Limousin countryside. The terrain includes both flat sections along the water and gentle ascents through wooded areas.
Yes, for those seeking longer distances, the area features a comprehensive network of paths, including the 'Tour du Lac' which stretches for 24 kilometers around the lake. A notable route is the Tour of Béthines – Pond viewpoint loop from L'Île aux Enfants, a challenging 15.6 km trail that leads through varied Limousin countryside and along the lake.
Absolutely. Besides longer routes, there are well-marked loops of 4, 6, or 8 kilometers. The 'Parcours de Santé' at the Site de Santrop also offers marked routes between 700 meters and 1.3 kilometers, incorporating various exercises to diversify your workout. A good moderate option is the Enchanted forest – Lake Footbridge loop from L'Île aux Enfants, a 5.3 km path through shaded forest.
Lac De Saint Pardoux offers a unique blend of water and woodlands, set within a protected natural site. The trails provide continuous views of the expansive lake and the tranquil Limousin countryside. The natural, wooded setting ensures a sense of immersion in nature, with vibrant autumn colors reflecting in the calm waters, making for a truly scenic running experience.
The komoot community highly rates the running experience at Lac De Saint Pardoux, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Runners often praise the continuous views of the lake, the tranquility of the shaded forest paths, and the varied terrain that keeps each run engaging. The well-maintained trails and the natural beauty are frequently highlighted.
Yes, many of the running routes around Lac De Saint Pardoux are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the popular Lake Saint-Pardoux – Pond viewpoint loop from L'Île aux Enfants is a 11.7 km circular trail offering continuous lake views.
While the region is generally dog-friendly for outdoor activities, specific leash rules for running trails are not universally posted. It's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash, especially in protected natural areas and near other visitors, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Yes, the trails offer views of the expansive lake itself, along with several scenic beaches at Santrop, Chabannes, and Fréaudour. You'll also run through dense forests, providing a tranquil backdrop. For a unique experience, the 'Terra Aventura' geocaching adventure, 'Le Crocodile du Lac,' can turn a run into a treasure hunt, particularly appealing to families.
The three main sites around the lake—Santrop, Chabannes, and Fréaudour—offer various amenities and access points to the trails, including parking. Santrop is often considered the main hub with an information center, making it a convenient starting point with parking facilities.
The region is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly pleasant for running. In spring, the nature awakens with fresh greenery, while autumn offers vibrant colors in the surrounding forests, reflected beautifully in the lake. The wooded trails provide ample shade during warmer months, making summer runs enjoyable too.
For families, the shorter, well-marked loops of 4, 6, or 8 kilometers are ideal. The 'Parcours de Santé' at the Site de Santrop also offers a fun, interactive experience with balancing exercises. The Lake Saint-Pardoux loop from L'Île aux Enfants, at 6.4 km, is a moderate option that provides beautiful lake views without being overly strenuous.


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