Local Information

Limousin Region: The Limousin region is a largely undiscovered area of France, with stunning natural beauty, rich in tradition.

Known as the French Lake District, the countryside filled with valleys, ravines and forests has everything for the nature enthusiast, the lakes and rivers are not only beautiful, but also they provide for those who enjoy walking, fishing, riding and water sports. Golf is also very popular here.

In the Limousin, you won’t encounter the usual tourist crowds found in other regions, but you will enjoy yourself more and see a glimpse of the “real” France. There are many picturesque towns to explore, with there traditional markets to enjoy. They include some of the most beautiful towns in France. There is a strong agriculture tradition and a real feeling of community, which extends to the warm welcome visitors receive

The City of Limoges: Limoges is a lively city with plenty going on and lots to see, the very impressive Cathedral is a must, with its well planted gardens and water fountains. There is a Antique market held every second Sunday of the month in the streets surrounding the Cathedral, with its friendly atmosphere you can wander though the stalls of antiques, furniture, bric-a-brac and collectable's.

The old town has now spread along both banks of the River Vienne, the most interesting part is the Quatier de la Boucherie a series of narrow cobbled alleys and streets lined with half-timbered houses.

Lake Vassiviere:  One of the largest lakes in France at over 1,000 hectares, 300km of walking trails, with many water sports and beaches. There are lake cruises and boat hire available.

Oradour-sur-Glane: During World War 11, the village of Oradour-sur-Glane, on the outsides of Limoges, was destroyed and its people were massacred by Nazis SS troops.

Site of one of the most horrific massacres of the Second World War, Oradour-sur-Glane is now a memorial to the events of June 10th 1944. On that day Nazi troops killed virtually the entire village population, only 6 people out of 648 inhabitants survived.

To tell this crucial piece of history, part of the village remains the same as it was after it was destroyed, with everything left in place just as it was on that day.

The cars are still on the street exactly where they were left, furniture still in place in the houses that survived the fires.

Oradour-sur-Glane is truly a unique memorial and one that genuinely evokes the meaning of one of the awful events of that time.