Plateau de Millevache, Pigerolles

Lac de Vassivière: 1000 Ha water

Porcelaine de Limoges

Tapisserie d'Aubusson

The Château de Villemonteix

Domaine de Banizette

Oradour sur Glane WW II monument

Paul Rebeyrolle Museum Eymoutiers

Below you will find, in arbitrary order, a short summery of  the major attractions. Please also check the page activities.

Le Plateau de Millevaches (Regional Park)

 is an elevated granite plateau with low, rounded mountain tops carved out of the ancient rock of the tectonic plates. Quite a number of rivers arise here. The plateau is an important water shed. Half of the water flows north and ends up, mainly through the river Loire, in the sea. The other half flows south where the Dordogne and the Garonne, among others, take it out to the sea.

By the way, the name Millevaches has no relation to cows; it is derived from the original Celtic word for spring (batz).

During the winter, if there is enough snow, cross country skiing (ski de fond) is possible on the plateau (height 1000m). About 90 km track is prepared.

Lake Vassivière

 is a 1000 ha manmade reservoir that was created by the dam in the Maulde. It is surrounded by unspoilt nature in the form of wooded, dark green hills. On a yearly basis various water sport events are organised here. The water sports centre Auphelle, located south of the dam is the departure point for boat trips on the lake.

The southern coastal strip offers many small sandy beaches with toilet facilities and small vendors. In the middle of  the lake there is an island with château and sculpture park. You will also find a museum of modern art designed by the Italian architect Aldo Rossi.

Cascade des Jarrauds

Near the village of St.Martin le Château is the spectacular Cascade des Jarrauds. The scenery is beautiful there and despite the constant rushing of falling water, you are in an oasis of peace and quiet.  Upstream, above the cascade, you will come to a canal that will lead you to the oldest water turbine of France.

Porcelain

Limoges has earned its fame mainly from the porcelain that has been produced here since the end of the 18^th century. Not only crockery is produced, but also art and decorative items. In and around Limoges you can visit a number of porcelain factories and the National Museum Adrien-Dubouché in Limoges is a true paradise for porcelain lovers.

Tapestry

Aubusson and Felletin are towns in which tapestry weaving has been practised for 6 centuries. At first only landscapes were depicted, later mythological figures were added. In the 20^th century a close cooperation arose between the weavers and artists such as Picasso and Le Corbusier.

In Aubusson you can visit several art studios and a beautiful Museum of tapestries.

Castles, churches and citadels

The Creuse region has an abundance of castles and citadels. Some of them are open to the public, such as Château de Boussac and Château de Villemonteix in Chénérailles. Moutier d’Ahun has a church the interior of which has been completey sculpted from wood..

Besides that, the landscape offers many remains that date back to Roman times, such as bridges and roads.

Domaine de Banizette

This private property, consisting of a manor, several additional buildings and a farm that is still in use, dates back to the 15^th and 17^th centuries.  The buildings are surrounded by a historic garden with authentic flowers and herbs. Some tools are also original from that period. This Domain has recently received several tourist awards .

Oradour sur Glane

In Oradour sur Glane the ruins are found of a true ‘martyrs’ village. In 1944 66 SS-members slaughtered almost the complete village population. Only a handful of people survived. A very impressive monument reminds us of this mass murder. The burnt down village is open for visits and has become an open-air museum. Since 1944 nothing has changed.

Espace Paul Rebeyrolle

Eymoutiers boasts a museum dedicated exclusively to the work of the –deceased- artist Paul Rebeyrolle. Born in 1926, he has taken up an important position among the great 20^th century French artists.

Tuilerie de Pauligny

in Chéniers. A studio/museum on earth, fire and ceramics.  Multi-media presentations and workshops are given.