Local Attractions - Days Out
Lakes
The Limousin region of France is often referred to as "The French Lake District". Lakes are literally dotted across the area in varying sizes. Many have sandy beaches and offer a wide range of water sports and other activities.
The nearby lake at Chatelus Malvaleix is ideal for swimming, fishing or simply soaking up the sun.
A short drive away lies the impressive Lac De Vassiviere which is the largest lake in the Limousin. The lake is over 1000 Hectares in size and has over 45km’s of bank; it also hosts six beaches, 3 marinas and some of the finest fishing in Europe. You can even take a relaxing train journey across the the lake to visit the Chateaux which is in the middle. A great day out for all.
Hot Air Ballooning
This is a must for visitors who are seeking something a little special.
With each flight able to take a maximum of 4 passengers, you can chose from either a 30 minute or 1 hour flight; this is the perfect way to see the gorgeous countryside for miles around. You can even roll up your sleeves and help to inflate the balloon.
If you are wanting to arrange this as a special surprise for someone, let us know and we can look into arranging this for you prior to your arrival. We can also drive you to and from your amazing trip. Please see www.montgolfiere.fr for more information.
Le Labyrinthe- Gueret
Set in the forest just outside Gueret, this is the largest maze in the world covering over 2 hectares. There are numbered trails which hold clues in several languages which lead you on to the next destination. This is a great day out for all the family. Aside from the maze itself, there is also a picnic area and lots of other games and activities including a giant chess board, tobogganing, boules and much more. Please see www.labyrinthe-gueret.com for more information.
Les Loupes de Chabrieres – Gueret
Home of the Wolves, this is a wildlife park with a difference. Many species of wolf are being bred in their natural environment. You can see them all here from purpose built observation towers where you can get up close to this fascinating species.
This park also hosts an interesting planetarium. Open from April to September, please visit www.loups-chabrieres.com for more information.
Les Pierres Jaumatres
Situated just a ‘stones throw away’ from us, this is a display of 40 rocks scattered on the top of Mont Barlot. This interesting and unusual formation of granite stone is somewhat of a mystery as nobody is quite sure how they arrived here and why they are such a strange shape.
Legend tells us that the stones are a work of ‘Matres’ who were Gallo-Roman Goddesses. Visit www.lespierresjaumatres.fr for more information. There is also a café and an adventure centre here which hosts an Ariel assault course suitable for all ages.
Steam Train Journeys
With a variety of routes from Limoges to Eyemoutiers and Ussel, this is a great day out travelling back in time to the days of 'real trains'.
Travelling through some stunning scenery, it’s a truly relaxing way of appreciating the beauty of the region. Visit www.trainvapeur.com for more information on journeys and routes.
Centre De La Memoire – Oradour Sur Glane
This martyred village was destroyed during the Second World War and has been left in its original state as a memorial to the 642 Men, Women & Children massacred there by a German 'SS Panzer' division.
The new Centre De Memoir museum was opened in 1999 and is a must for all historians.
Walking around the original village and the memorial is a unique and sobering experience. Everyone should visit this village once during their lifetime. Open throughout the year, visit www.oradour-sur-glane.fr for more information.
