Leisure bike route The Cars Ruins

Before setting off on the route from Pérols-sur-Vézère, take a little time to feed your curiosity… The commune is home to some gems! Starting with a visit to its parish church, which was rebuilt in neo-Romanesque style on the site of a medieval church. In addition, some elements of the old church remain, such as the capital dating from 1502. Not far from the commune, the 12th-century church of Barsanges also deserves your attention. It indeed houses a remarkable Gallo-Roman basin from the Cars site, now used as a baptismal font.

In a very different vein, at the gates of Pérols-sur-Vézère is a village that still resists the invader... As you have surely guessed, a village of indomitable Gauls is nearby. Named Varieras, the charming small hamlet welcomes you. A most disorienting setting, for a timeless village distinguished especially by its beautiful thatched houses. It was in 1963 that Maurice Gorsse began the first renovation projects with the surprising aim of reviving the village of Varieras... Today the village has about fifty inhabitants, 70 thatched roofs, and several subdivisions with varied characteristics.

If you come across Idéfix’s path, it might lead you to the Varieras Bridge! From the Carolingian era, the beautiful structure features a single lowered arch, three water passages on the left side, and a small cutwater made of carved granite blocks. After returning to the Pérols-sur-Vézère village, it is now time for you to take the road!

Before passing through St-Merd-Les-Oussines, you will need to leave the route to visit the Gallo-Roman ruins of the Cars, an unmissable visit. Discover the remains of a funerary complex and an important villa. The site dates from the first half of the 2nd century A.D. Among the mass of granite blocks, there is also a huge basin, the most remarkable element present on the site. Measuring 1.75 m high and weighing about 8 tons, this basin was the reservoir that supplied hot water to the building. For everyone's pleasure, a discovery trail allows you to learn a little more about construction methods and building architecture through informative panels along the route.

After this new journey through time, enjoy your visit to St-Merd-Les-Oussines by going to the Oussines Pond (18 hectares). It stands out for the great diversity of its ecosystem: the European otter, the hobby falcon, the omnipresent water lilies... The Oussines Pond is a remarkable place that invites visitors to escape through a magnificent setting... between heath and typical Millevaches plateau woods, offering perspectives of splendid landscapes to photograph.

Your return to Pérols-sur-Vézère is now only a matter of time, but how about a final excursion to close this beautiful day in style?

Located 4.8 km from Pérols-sur-Vézère, the Razel mills site offers you an unusual visit… All set in a landscape between meadows and forests. The three mills on the site were used to grind buckwheat, as the acidity of the granite soils did not allow wheat cultivation. The central mill was still operational until the 1970s. Trails allow you to explore this curiously fascinating site.