We are based in the Haute-Vienne region of the Limousin, which is made up of three regions, namely The Haute-Vienne, The Creuse and The Correze. www.tourismelimousin.com/fr

The area is part of an unspoilt national park known as the Parc naturel du Perigord.
www.parc-naturel-perigord-limousin.fr

This is the land of wild deer, truffles, cepe mushrooms, chestnuts, foie gras, world famous Limoges Pottery and of course the Limousin cattle which provide the region with its succulent steaks.

Just 10 kilometres away lies the town of Chalus, one of Richard the Lionhearts favourite haunts. Indeed he had a chateau there which still stands. There are routes that you can drive following in his footsteps throughout the area.

Throughout the year there are various fetes and markets with varied themes ranging from chestnuts, mushrooms, pig and cider, to woodcarving- with chainsaws!!!!

Champagnac-La-Riviere has many events throughout the year and in summer you are never faraway from fetes in the neighbouring towns and villages. For information on local events and some photos

There are walks galore through woodland and along riverbanks. The Limousin is known as the land of 1000 lakes, they are not wrong there are lakes everywhere, some with artificial beaches and lake side restaurants.

We border both the Charente and Dordogne regions making us ideally placed if you are house hunting in the those regions as well as ours. You will find so many things to do within an hours drive that you will be able to fill a week or two with excursions, visits and entertainment.

Although we are in a rural area you are never too far from the shops. Indeed our nearest supermarket is just 4 kilometres away with our village Champagnac-La-Riviere boasting a boulangerie, post office, mairie and our local bar/restaurant Dinos. Dinos serve value for money dishes most of the week apart from Wednesdays. It is a vibrant bar with a mix of French and English clientele, a great place to practice your french language skills. The owners are both bi-lingual so no problems ordering the right thing :-)

Of course you could just relax in our orchard or on the terrace, shoot some archery or play boules.

Please take a browse through the pictures and information below.

LIMOGES is the capital of the Limousin, famous the world over for its fine porcelain
The city large and vibrant with many shops, coffee bars, cafes, restaurants and you could spend a day wandering. The architecture is superb as can be seen by the photo opposite which is the railway station Benedictin.
Just off the main A20 which runs past Limoges there are many Zone Industrielle, which offer the opportunity to discover some huge retail outlets with tempting prices to match. We are just 35 mins from Limoges.www.tourismelimoges.com. www.welcome-en-limousin.com

PERIGUEUX, the capital city of the Dordogne, attractive city with beautiful small shops and river walks. There are some wonderful old parts of the town to meander around and take in the atmosphere. There is a weekly market which sprawls throughout the street. Again plenty of small and large eating places, and numerous coffee bars from which to sit and watch life.
We are about an hours drive from Perigueux.

CHATEAU MONTBRUN, situated in a forested area just 10 mins from our farmhouse. Tours are available all year around between the hours of 2.00 and 6.00. 10 euros for adults and 5.00 euros for children. The chateau is stunning, set in its own grounds with beautiful lake. Just opposite is La Taverne restaurant and bar.
A more tranquil place to enjoy a coffee or indeed a lunch or evening meal is difficult to find. There is usually live music one evening a week too.

CHATEAU DE BRIE.
Situated just minutes away from your gite. An Castle built at the end of the 15th century at the border of park naturel regional Périgord-Limousin and Périgord Vert, is calm and surrounded by a flowered park and 800 acres of woods. Part of the route once taken by Richard the Lionheart, whose own chateau is 10 mins away from us at Chalus.
www.templarhistory.com/richard.html

PIEGUT PLUVIERS. The best market locally every Wednesday with wonderful local produce, livestock, clothing, gifts etc. etc. Also in Piegut you will find Credit Agricole bank, restaurants, bars and hotels. There is an Ecomarche supermarket just on the outskirts of the town. A mere 20 mins from us.
For all market days in Haute-Vienne, Dordogne and Charente.Click the links below.
Haute-Vienne| Dordogne| Charente

ROCHECHOUART. The area of Rochechouart was the site of a meteorite landing centuries ago. The impact created the crater which the town now sits around. Indeed much of the meteorite material has been used in local buildings. Rochechouart is a small market town with pretty shops and a superb chateau with stunning views. The lake at Rochechouart is pictured opposite. Great local market.
www.ville-rochechouart.fr

AIXE SUR VIENNE. Beautiful river walks, good market, shops and cafes. Fantastic pottery factory and retail outlet. Just 25mins away. www.ot-valdevienne.com

CHAMPAGNAC-LA-RIVIERE. Just 4 mins walk from your gite we have the river Tardoire which flows gently through a purpose built picnic area. The breeze rustles through the trees, the river burbles and there is some lovely shady areas to relax in with picnic tables. Around Champagnac-La-Riviere there are many lovely walks ,indeed the GR4 footpath runs through the village. There is gentle cycling to be found as we have a disused railway track with runs for over 12 km from Chalus - Oradour-Sur Vayres. This has a superb surface for walking or cycling. We offer guests the use of two bikes if you wish. There is a tennis court here too. Our local tourist office is www.ot-oradour-sur-vayres.fr

BRANTOME. A famous town about 1 hours drive away from us into the Dordogne.
Picturesque doesn't get much better than this. Known as the Venice of the Perigord. River walks, great restaurants and coffee bars. Street market on Fridays. See www.ville-brantome.fr for full details.

JUMILHAC LA GRAND. Just 30 mins drive into the Dordogne countryside and you can discover the fairytale chateau here. Guided tours are available which take an hour or so and cost around 7 euros. The setting is stunning. There are of course coffee bars and a great Boulangerie
For full details of tours etc and a map see Jumhilac La Grand

BUSSIERE GALLANT. A beautiful lake complex offering supervised swimming, fishing and a buvette offering coffees and snacks etc. Picnic tables are provided in the peaceful shady surroundings. Just a 20 min drive from us.

ORADOUR SUR GLANE. The original village still stands here as a memorial to the day, Sat 10th June 1944, that german troops marched into the village and brutally murdered over 600 men, women and children before destroying much of the village.It is a sobering trip, but we think worthwhile. There is also an exhibition centre here. Entry to the village is free. also see www.oradour.info

ST JUNIEN. Sitting on the banks of the River Vienne which flows slowly past this town, famous for its glovemakers. Large hypermarkets on the outskirts. This is a pretty town with many smaller shops and coffee bars on winding streets, a lot of which are now pedestrianised. We are just 25mins away.

ST MATHIEU LAKE. Just 10 minutes drive from us you will find the lake of St Mathieu, a 14 hectare lake with artificial beach, swimming, fishing and pedalo rental. You will also find the "Grange de Lac" restaurant and bar on the banks of the lake. Open from 10.00 am - 10.00 pm. Superb value for money meals at lunchtime - Menu de Jour" and evening meals too.

LAC DE VASSIVIERE. A stunningly beautiful and vast lake of over 1200 hectares, surrounded by forests. The lake offers walking, fishing, kayaking, swimming all in peaceful surroundings. There is a cruise available which will take you on a 2 hour trip around the lake also offering you a 7 course meal. The boat normally leaves at 12.15 p.m. It is a drive of about an hour from us.

ST JEAN DE COLE. Situated midway between Villars and Thiviers, St-Jean-de-Cole is one of the loveliest villages in the Dordogne. Its main square is surrounded by half-timbered houses, a covered marketplace, a 12th-century church and the Chateau de la Marthonie. You will also find the famous Grottes De Villars here with cave paintings dating back into prehistory. Just a 35 min drive from here.www.ville-saint-jean-de-cole.fr