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| The
Limousin region is renowned for its stunning scenery of lush green fields, where
the Limousin cattle graze, with regional parks, chateaux, lakes, markets, potteries,
caves, golf courses and pretty hill top towns.
Limoges
airport is only 45 minutes away, with its low cost air fares from the UK via RyanAir
and FlyBe, or from Ireland via Jet2 and AerLingus.
| | | The
Limousin makes a wonderful holiday destination for those seeking space, peace
and tranquillity, with plenty of added attractions and excellent food. This is
one of the least populated areas of France. |
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| The
Limousin has been likened to the English Lake District due to its number of natural
lakes and waterways. The
surrounding woodlands are excellent to explore, many with rambling trails. There
are a number of equestrian centres where you can go pony trekking or horse riding. Many
of the larger lakes offer water sport facilities and have man made beaches of
soft white sand, making them an ideal place to spend the day reading, sunbathing
or swimming. |  |
There are
also a number of canoeing centres in the region, the nearest at Uzerche, where
you can hire equipment and explore the river. |
| There
are many wonderful villages and cities to explore in this region with stunning
architecture, cathedrals and churches, excellent restaurants, and during the summer
months a wealth of art exhibitions and markets. Many villages are situated high
on hill tops, offering magnificent views across the countryside.
Limoges,
the capital for the Limousin, is a fascinating historic city, famous for its fine
porcelain and enamels, with ancient buildings, quaint streets, smart shops, squares
to sit and relax with a drink and food, old market, museums, gardens, galleries
and porcelain museums, where you can learn more about this famous pottery. |  |
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| The
area is steeped in history from the time of the Crusades. You
can follow in the footsteps of Richard the Lionheart
visiting chapels and
ruins from Etagnac to Arnac Pompadour where he pillaged the wealthy to raise funds
for his campaigns. It
is believed that part of his remains are buried in the
chapel near Châlus,
where he was shot and killed with a
bolt from a longbow in 1199. |  |
Martel, a medieval town,
dating back to the time of the Saracens also features in Richard's history.
It was here that Richard's father once imprisoned his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine,
causing his son's to rebel against their father. | |
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Rocamadour is an
incredible town set into the cliff rising 492ft/150m above the Alzou valley, and
is one of France's most visited sites. In
summer the town is bustling with visitors but is never over crowded. The
mass of houses, oratories and towers are topped by the Chapel of the Virgin and
visitors can either climb the 233 steps to the top or take the lift.
The main street
is home to souvenir shops, leather goods, local produce, restaurants and bars,
with views over the valley. In the summer hot air balloons fly over the town and
along the valley. | The
neighbouring area also has some impressive caves and visitors are guided through
the caverns by experienced guides. Some caves are accessed by train and some have
boats that take you through part of the tour. |
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