Getting started on the GRP

Voted fourth in the French people's favorite GR, this fabulous way to discover the region and its inhabitants, hiking takes on its full cultural dimension here, combining physical effort (on the first foothills of the Massif Central) and pleasure for the mind.

©G. Bernard

The Pays Val de Creuse Long-Range Hiking Trail (GRP©) is a 116 km route between Saint Marcel and Fresselines. Divided into 6 loops marked by the various crossings of the Creuse River, it is very easy to create your own itinerary, for 1, 2, 3 or even 4 days of hiking, in order to take your time and enjoy the natural and heritage riches that mark the route. 

 From 16 to 34 km, while being an integral part of the GR de Pays, these 6 successive loops each have their own theme of which the Valley remains the common thread: 

  • The historic Argentomagus Valley (St Marcel) in Argenton
  • The Romantic Valley and the Pine Loop
  • The Artistic Valley with George Sand and Gargilesse
  • The Energy Valley with the Dam 
  • The dynamic Valley and Lake Eguzon
  • The Valley of Painters between Crozant and Fresselines

The digital file can be found here “ My GR de Pays Val de Creuse ”.

Useful Information

The GR de Pays Val de Creuse long-distance hiking trail is accessible year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly popular for their mild temperatures and colorful landscapes. Information panels and maps are available along the route, and a variety of accommodations (gîtes, bed and breakfasts, campsites) await you for a well-deserved break.

 

Equip

Before setting off, remember to equip yourself properly: good hiking boots, appropriate clothing, and provisions for the trail. Visit mongr.fr for practical advice and information on must-see points of interest along the GR. Contact the tourist office to ensure you don't miss any of the points of interest on your route. If you would like a printed copy of the guidebook, it is available for purchase at our four tourist offices. One thing is certain: whether you plan to hike for a few hours or several days, the GR de Pays Val de Creuse promises an unforgettable adventure.