If you don’t know the Limousin area in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region you are in for a treat. It is an unspoilt region that is largely under populated, leading to quiet winding roads, picturesque villages and easy to navigate cities. However quiet does not equate to boring as there are a wealth of places to visit and activities to try. The whole region stretches from the sea on the west coast to skiing in the east.
Luckily your hosts Sharon and David are on hand to assist you in navigating the region and locating the sights and activities you want to experience.
Haute-Vienne (87)
The region boasts Limoges as its capital city but has a lot more to offer with its large lac de Saint-Pardoux and its open green countryside you can relax and breath in the fresh air.
For historical enthusiasts there are gems such as the martyr village of Oradour Sur Glane, the Châlucet Fortress and Mont Gargan.
For families there is a wealth of open spaces and parks as well as Zoo Reynou and the Feeriland theme park. Also for golf enthusiasts there are four courses including the renowned Golf Porcelain, on the doorstep of Chateau Les Villettes.
There are more than 3200km of walking trails with 190 marked trails including the Santiago de Compostela route. You can take a little tour of the local villages or go mountain biking, horse riding, take a cycling tour or a car tour. With the addition of the multiple events and festivities in the region there really is something for everyone here.
Limoges
Limoges, dating back to the middle ages, is world-renowned for its decorated porcelain. With its timber-framed houses on the Rue de la Boucherie, its gothic Saint-Etienne cathedral and its fine arts museum, it has preserved beautiful evidence of its over 2,000-year-old history. The Benedictine station, the porcelain museum and the museum of the resistance are all worth a visit. As is the Jardin d’Orsay, the oldest green space in the city, and the gardens of the Bishop’s palace overlooking the River Vienne.
CORREZE (19)
Tulle is the capital city of this region, although it is more of a market town. Despite its size it is still worth a visit with its large cathedral and cloisters. The nearby Cascades de Gimel and la vallée de Brezou are popular for walkers. Whilst the pretty towns of Uzerches and Argentat-sur-Dordogne attract tourists and locals enjoying the river.
Water lovers can also enjoy the upper Dordogne valley reservoir. With history enthusiasts enthralled by the unique historic slate mines at les Pans de Travassac and the many chateaux in the area.
Brive-la-Gaillarde
Brive-la-Gaillarde is the regions second and most popular city. It boasts a large, covered food market held three times a week. It hosts a wartime museum and an art and history museum displaying a number of tapestries. The nearby Grottes de Saint Antoine is popular as a tourist and religious destination.
Creuse (23)
Guéret is this regions capital city situated close to the Creuse river. The region contains many quaint French towns and villages with narrow streets, abbeys, chateaux, museums and markets. It is a fantastic region to emmerse yourself in the history of France with such crafts as tapestry, stone masonry and stained glasswork.
Outside of the towns there is the large lac de Vassivière, which spans the departments of Creuse and the Haute-Vienne. There are four animal parcs in the area as well as multiple natural sites and cultivated parks and gardens. There is even a giant maze.
Guéret
Guéret is situated close to the Monts de Guéret, and the Chabrières forest. Home to the wolf sanctuary Les Loups des Chabrières. Guéret has a multitude of shops and restaurants and hosts a large museum of art and archeology as well as the Centre Culterel la Fabrique.
FURTHER AFIELD
The Nouvelle-Aquitaine stretches to the coastline from the Chateau, and down the Atlantic Coast. This ‘super’ region encompasses the old Aquitaine, Poitou-Charente and Limousin regions.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a 3-hour drive from the chateau. Offering gastronomy, the Bordeaux wine region, a Wine Museum and stunning Garonne River views.
Angoulême
Angoulême is the birthplace of comic strips. Visit the Comic Strip Museum, the cute walled old town, and take the street art trail. Angoulême is 2 hours from the chateau.
Head out to the coast
The coast is around 3 hours from the Chateau. Cognac is on the way to the coast, so if you choose to visit, make sure you visit one of the many distilleries. Then make your way to La Rochelle, Ile de Ré or Ile d’Oléron, or further down the coast to the Dune du Pilat.
ON THE DOORSTEP
GOLF – The chateau is situated on the 9th hole of the local golf course, so golf-lovers will find it an ideal location.
HIKING & BIKING – With trails and country roads all around, hiking and biking through the Haute-Vienne countryside is bliss.
CITY & SHOPPING – Limoges is only a 20 minute drive away.