Overview of the Limousin
There are three departments in the Limousin; the Haute Vienne, Creuse and Correze. In January 2016 the Limousin became part of the new region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
Although we are all located in the Haute Vienne we are close the the Creuse and, with easy access to the A20 motorway, the Correze is not too far away. However, it is likely that the blog focuses on activities located in and around the Haute Vienne.
The Limousin is one of the least densely populated areas in France, apart from Limoges which is the largest city in the area with a population of approximately 134,000 (about the size of Sale, slightly bigger than Watford). Rural Limousin is an area of unspoiled natural beauty comprising deciduous woods and fields in the west and northwest, of sheep grazing land in the north, and an upland area of spruce forests and grazing land on the Plateau de Millevaches (the plateau of the thousand springs) in the east. It is well know for sweet chestnuts and... the famous Limousin cattle.
Our area is almost one third forests of chestnut, oak and pine with soft rolling hills through to the more mountainous area of the Monts d’Ambazac. However, despite being land-locked, there are large lakes in the area which offer watersports, cycle tracks, and beaches. As an off-the-beaten-track tourist destination, the Haute Vienne, our area of the Limousin is the perfect place for a peaceful, relaxing holiday. This idyllic countryside of green rolling hills and lush forests surprises visitors with its magnificent medieval castles and picturesque villages, many of which are listed as "Plus Beaux Villages de France" (Most Beautiful Villages of France)
More details will be added below on a regular basis. And, we hope that you will also come to like the area as much as we do.
Although we are all located in the Haute Vienne we are close the the Creuse and, with easy access to the A20 motorway, the Correze is not too far away. However, it is likely that the blog focuses on activities located in and around the Haute Vienne.
The Limousin is one of the least densely populated areas in France, apart from Limoges which is the largest city in the area with a population of approximately 134,000 (about the size of Sale, slightly bigger than Watford). Rural Limousin is an area of unspoiled natural beauty comprising deciduous woods and fields in the west and northwest, of sheep grazing land in the north, and an upland area of spruce forests and grazing land on the Plateau de Millevaches (the plateau of the thousand springs) in the east. It is well know for sweet chestnuts and... the famous Limousin cattle.
Our area is almost one third forests of chestnut, oak and pine with soft rolling hills through to the more mountainous area of the Monts d’Ambazac. However, despite being land-locked, there are large lakes in the area which offer watersports, cycle tracks, and beaches. As an off-the-beaten-track tourist destination, the Haute Vienne, our area of the Limousin is the perfect place for a peaceful, relaxing holiday. This idyllic countryside of green rolling hills and lush forests surprises visitors with its magnificent medieval castles and picturesque villages, many of which are listed as "Plus Beaux Villages de France" (Most Beautiful Villages of France)
More details will be added below on a regular basis. And, we hope that you will also come to like the area as much as we do.
Walks in and around the Haute Vienne
Circuit des Seigneurs
A lovely walk starting by the church in Bessines-sur-Gartempe and taking you cross country to the Lac de Sagnat and back again.
Chemin de la Gartempe
After parking the car in the car park near the Hotel Rive Gauche, this is an interesting walk along roads, through small villages and woods and along the river Gartempe.
Etang du cheix & surrounding area
The walk goes around the lake and through the woods below the castle and across the round and around Old Bridiers Village. Returning back through the woods. Follow the orange SOS Trail markers (photo below). It's about 7km and not too steep and you can always finish the walk with lunch at the Restaurant overlooking the lake (we recommend you book a table).
Click for more details on the SOS Trail
Click for more details on the SOS Trail
Chateau de Boussac, Creuse
Boussac is a small town situated by the banks of the Petite Creuse river, about 25 miles (40 km) northeast of Gueret. Places to visit while there include:-
* The church of St. Anne, dating from the fifteenth century
* The twelfth-century castle
* The remains of the old town ramparts
* Several ancient houses and the river bridge, all from the fifteenth century
On a Thursday, in early June, Emma and I (Caroline) joined a trip to visit the Chateau in Boussac. We arrived at a really busy time as the market was in full swing. Although we would have loved to have spent time looking at the many stalls, we had to rendezvous with the rest of the group outside the church of St Anne.
From here we walked to the Chateau which is placed on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Creuse valley. The Chateau was built in the 12th century, ruined during the Hundred Years War, then rebuilt, fortified and embellished before being wrecked again during the Revolution.
Click here for more information or to book your visit
From here we walked to the Chateau which is placed on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Creuse valley. The Chateau was built in the 12th century, ruined during the Hundred Years War, then rebuilt, fortified and embellished before being wrecked again during the Revolution.
Click here for more information or to book your visit
Fruit PickingEarlier this year I went fruit picking at Vergers de l'Aumaillerie located not far from Tersannes, between Brenne Regional Park and Monts de Blond.
They grow many different fruits for picking - strawberries, raspberries, pears, apples and more. From May through to October you can visit and pick whichever fruit is in season. With a creperie on site, it makes for a good day out As you can see, it was strawberry season. They were easy to pick as they are grown undercover and in troughs about chest height. The fruits hang down and, according to the blurb, get more light to improve the taste. They were certainly both large and tasty perfect for eating! Or, making jam! Caroline
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Lac Saint PardouxWalk, cycle, swim, relax!
Situated about 25 kilometres to the north of Limoges, the Lake of Saint-Pardoux is one of the most visited destinations in the Haute-Vienne department of Limousin. The lake is substantial in size, with a surface area covering more than 300 hectares (750 acres), and offers a wide range of facilities and activities to summer visitors including a restaurant and cafes. There is a good choice of outdoor activities, from quiet walks around the edges of the lake (the longest being 22km) to boating on the water, and from beaches around the edges of the lake to acrobatic tree adventure parks. There are also routes for fitness enthusiasts that include various balancing exercises, climbing walls and other challenges. In 2018 the new Aqua Centre was opened, designed to make the most of its setting by the lake and a popular choice for families. |
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