The Limousin is a region rich in history, much of which is still there to witness today.
Limoges, the famous porcelain centre with its towering cathedral, historic Butchers Quarter and history dating back before Roman times.
Bourganeuf was a historically important centre for the Knights Templar.
At La Souterraine the remains of the city gate are still intact. It’s also an important stopover on the pilgrim route of St. Jacques de Compostella.
Chalus is where Richard the Lionheart was fatally wounded.
St. Leonard de Noblat has its collegiate church. Aubusson, famous for its beautiful tapestries.
Crozant and Fresslines were a favourite haunt of artists including Monet.
Dotted everywhere in the region you will find 12th Century churches, chateaux, cathedrals and awe inspiring architecture – a legacy of the mason farmers of the region, who were renowned throughout France.
Amongst all of this you will find more recent and sobering history at Oradour sur Glane, an entire town preserved in memory of its destruction and the execution of its inhabitants by a German panzer division in WWII.
Yet most of this area is open countryside, with one of France’s lowest regional populations. One third of it covered by forests of chestnut, oak and pine. From the soft, rolling, hills of the Haute Vienne, to the wild, mountainous terrain of the Monts d' Ambazac and La Creuse, and the gorges of the Correze, the landscape changes around every corner.
The culture of the region remains largely intact, as does the traditional warmth of its people, who are welcoming to visitors and retain old fashioned courtesy and values. Village fetes abound, many dating back centuries.
A visit to the Limousin is a little like walking back in time. It is sure to resurrect memories of what life used to be like in a less frantic world.