Holidays in Haute-Vienne, Limousin, France

Haute-Vienne is a department in the central French region of Limousin. Named after the River Vienne that runs through the area, the Haute-Vienne is a rural region with many historic towns and with the ancient town of Limoges as its capital.

Limoges

The historic town of Limoges is now famous as a centre for porcelain production, a process that began in the 18th century and still continues today. There is even a museum dedicated to the art in the town, with examples of porcelain created over the generations as well as an explanation of how it is produced. On weekends, they sometimes hold porcelain-painting sessions, so the artists in your family can have a go at creating a masterpiece. The rest of the town boasts many beautiful buildings, such as the Gothic cathedral of St Etienne with its octagonal bell tower. You can also visit the remains of a 10th century crypt and a Roman amphitheatre.

Outdoor Pursuits

The countryside in the Haute-Vienne region is ideal for walking and horseback riding and has over 2,000 kilometres for marked paths to enjoy. There are also mountain bike trails through the woods at Chateauneuf-la-Foret and Vaulry. In an area that is dominated by its rivers there are plenty of canoeing centres, which run organised day trips on the water. More active water sports, like water skiing, are available at the lakes of Vassiviere and Bujaleuf, where there are also sandy beaches for those who prefer to relax.

Abbeys and Castles

There are a number of historic abbeys and castles, dotted throughout the Haute-Vienne countryside. One of the most famous, and most popular with visitors, is the abbey at Solignac. There has been an abbey on this site since 652, though the current building dates only from the 12th century, with more added in the last few hundred years. It’s a major stopping point on the pilgrim’s route to Santiago de Compostela and is an impressive building filled with religious artwork and artefacts. The Rochechouart castle is located on a high rocky promontory, overlooking two rivers and giving a great view of the Haute-Vienne countryside. It’s an interesting combination of the medieval – complete with working drawbridge – and the Renaissance, also featuring a museum dedicated to contemporary art.

The ruined village of Oradur-sur-Glane may not sound like much of a tourist attraction, but is a deeply moving place to visit. The village was destroyed by German forces at the end of World War II who murdered the 600 residents as they withdrew from the region. The village has never been rebuilt and stands as a permanent memorial. There is a visitor’s centre nearby which not only details the events leading up to the massacre but the presence of Nazi forces throughout France as a whole.


The Author writes for Holiday Home Rentals who have a selection of Villas in Haute-Vienne and Villas in France which can be rented direct from their owners.