You leave La Souterraine behind via the edge of town, and before long the open landscape of the Creuse swallows you up. Pastures, cows, hedgerows and small patches of woodland. It’s a quiet day with no real highlights, but the hills keep coming back. There’s over 300 metres of climbing, spread across the whole route.
Expect around six hours of walking, mostly on quiet roads and paths. Not much happens, and that’s exactly the charm. It gives you the space to settle into your own rhythm. Bénévent-l’Abbaye announces itself with its large Romanesque abbey church, which marks the village from far away. A lovely spot to take your boots off. Don’t rush: the Creuse won’t be hurried.