In Cubjac, riverside scenery, historic buildings and walking loops come together. You can get to know the village through its riverbanks and the history of the Auvézère, or include one of the loops in your plans. The routes differ in more than just length: some pass through the village, while others draw your attention to the riverbank or the Forge d’Ans.
The Auvézère and protected landscapes
The Causse de Cubjac is designated as a Type 2 continental ZNIEFF protected area. Its administrative area includes the municipality of Cubjac-Auvézère-Val d’Ans, among others. The area was designated for its botanical and landscape interest.
Even on arrival in Cubjac, you can enjoy a lovely view of the banks of the Auvézère, which are ideal for a leisurely stroll. Along the river there are green riverbanks and a pebble beach. As these riverside areas can change with the seasons and maintenance, it is best to check their current condition before your visit. The bridge also shapes the view of the village: it was renovated recently; if its condition matters to your plans, it is advisable to check for the latest information.
The bridge at Cubjac was originally made of wood. Historically, it connected Limousin, Angoumois and Saintonge on one side with Quercy, Auvergne and Languedoc on the other. The story of this crossing adds a broader regional perspective to today’s views of the river and its banks. Along a trip on the Auvézère, Cubjac is one of the river destinations to discover.
Walking loops with different highlights
For an easy walk, you can choose from routes such as the Boucle de Lambaudie and the Boucle du col de Lagrange. Lambaudie is 8.5 kilometres long, with an estimated duration of about three hours. It starts in Cubjac-Auvézère-Val d’Ans. The Boucle du col de Lagrange is also rated as an easy walking route and is eight kilometres long; it too starts in the municipality. Based on the stated distances, Lagrange is slightly shorter, while an approximate duration is also given for Lambaudie.
The Boucle de Lambaudie starts at Place du Foirail. Cross the bridge towards Place de la mairie; the route then passes through the village. The Boucle de Grattelouve runs from the square in front of the town hall towards the Forge d’Ans, then crosses a bridge and follows the riverbank. These directions make it easier to understand how each route runs through the village, but they are no substitute for checking the current route and trail markers. Check both before setting out.
Another route, the Boucle des quatres paroisses, starts at the signpost on Place du Foirail. After 250 metres along the road towards Thenon, it turns onto a path with a few steps. When choosing a route, you can therefore consider which description is relevant to the outing you have planned, rather than comparing only the distances.
Industrial history and buildings
The Forge d’Ans operated from 1691 to 1830 and cast cannons for the Royal Navy. The protected complex includes the master blacksmith’s house, the foundry, the park with its hydraulic valves and former blast furnaces, as well as the former power station. The blast furnaces are undergoing extensive restoration. Visits are possible on specific open days organised by the association « La route des canons »; check the dates before your trip.
The Château de Cubjac also tells the story of another era: it preserves a 15th-century ensemble that includes a residential building flanked by three towers. The château once housed a collection of drawings by Constantin Guys. Palaeolithic remains were discovered in 1969 at the Roc de la Belle site, between the centre of Cubjac and the hamlet of La Côte. Another visible trace of past use is the former costume jewellery factory at the weir on the Auvézère.
More activities
Explo Nature Evasion offers supervised outdoor activities, including archery, climbing, mountain biking, canoeing, Nordic walking and orienteering. If you would like to include one of these activities in your plans, check the current offerings in advance. This lets you choose how much to focus on the riverside scenery, the village’s history and possible activities according to your interests, without turning these different themes into a fixed itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Issigeac, Cendrieux, Lusignac, Saint-Cyr-les-Champagnes, Berbiguières, Coursac, Thiviers, Monsac.
For the broader travel guide: Dordogne.
