If you really want to get off the beaten track then the area of little populated region of Perigord Limousin National Park has a variety of treats to restore the senses. Medieval hilltop villages, imposing chateaus and swathes of stunning scenery.
Just 5 minutes away is the fabulous Espace Hermeline – zip wires, woodland & lake walks, fishing, mini golf and velorail. espace-hermeline.com
WALKING BREAKS
With 200km of walking trails in the area there are walks to suit everyone. Just two minutes walk from the house will bring you to the woodland opposite with tracks and trails, hidden lakes, wildlife, flora and fauna.
The Greenway of Hauts de Tardoire spans 13 kms between Chalus and Oradour Sur Vayres where walkers, rollers, cyclists and people with reduced mobility can enjoy the varied landscape and heritage buildings along the way.
We can supply you with maps or alternatively go to the local Tourist Information Office where there are dozens of maps to inspire your adventure. tourisme-nexon-chalus.fr
CYCLING
The Haute Vienne has more than 2000 km of marked paths enabling cyclists of all abilities to enjoy the beauty of the region whilst cycling along largely traffic free routes. Cycling is a major pastime in the Haute Vienne for both the amateur or professional there is something to suit everyone.
Bikes can be hired locally or can be delivered to the property by booking with Bike Hire Direct who have a whole host of bike trails ready to download on the following link.www.bikehiredirect.com/cycling-in-haute-vienne.php
We have secure storage for your bike whether you choose to hire or bring your own.
In August there is a Tour du Limousin starting and ending in Limoges which attracts some of the biggest names in the sport. www.tourdulimousin.com
FISHING
There is an abundant amount of prime fishing spots in the area, whether for the coarse fisherman or for fly fishing. Why not come for a few days and your partner can relax by the pool, discover the area, shop or book a local pamper package.
The municipal fishing lakes of Bussiere-Galant, Les Cars, Ladignac le Long, Nexon are all a few minutes away and favourite local haunts. Licences can be purchased locally or online for either day, weekly or longer. The following links gives information on the different categories of licence, dates and rules www.flyfishinginfrance.com federation-peche87.com
There are many private fishing lakes in the area also – the Three Oaks Lake is just a few minutes away and offers fishing for just a few hours or daily with no licence required at very reasonable rates and tackle available to hire three-oaks-lake.webs.com
KAYAK & CANOE
There are many places along the Vienne for you to discover the joy of paddling along the river. Whether a seasoned professional, keen amateur or just wanting to try it out local Aixe Sur Vienne has everything to offer including a paddle pool for new beginners and great descents for the more daring. Aixe is also a lovely small town to discover and has many places to eat by the river or you can continue on into Limoges for a bite to eat. www.aixeck.fr
GO KARTING
RMT Karting in Limoges offers 550 m of track with fast high tech cars to try your skills – lots of fun for amateurs or seasoned professionals with fast speed adventure along the way. https://www.rmt-karting.fr/
LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS
Parc Reynou, Limoges is a delightful place to spend a few hours and see over 600 animals in a natural park setting around the grounds of the historic Château du Reynou. www.parczooreynou.com
Limoges City – why not take the train from Bussiere-Galant into Limoges for a lovely relaxed journey into the magnificent Art Deco Gare de Limoges-Bénédictins and enjoy a stroll around the cobbled streets of the old town with its medieval timber frame buildings, shop in the modern shopping areas, visit the many different museums including the museum of porcelain. Visit the Jardin Botanique and see the stunning Gothic Cathedral.
A lovely way to stroll around the streets of Limoges is to visit on the 2nd Sunday of the month when the Puces de la Cite is held – 200 – 300 stalls set in the Old Town quarter selling brocante. https://lespucesdelacité.fr/
If brocante is your thing then there are 100’s of different places to purchase a bargain, fall in love with a stunning piece of craftsmanship or simply cherish a piece of porcelain. We can help with shipping if you would like to get things home.
Markets are held most days somewhere in the region showcasing local produce and artisan products, a great way to sit back with a coffee and people watch in a convivial atmosphere.
A great way to see the local countryside, villages and chateaux is to follow the Richard the Lionheart route, you are sure to find something of interest along the way and see hidden parts of the Limousin. www.tourisme-ouestlimousin.com
Brantome is an attractive town near the northern edge of the Dordogne department, sometimes known as the Venice of the Dordogne is a nice day out and only just under an hour away. Lunch alongside the river watching the kayakers negotiating the weirs on the river.
Also just under an hour away is Lake Saint Paradoux with its 3 managed beaches – all very different, water ski, horse riding, archery, hiking, cycling and electric bike hire. www.lacsaintpardoux.fr
A sombre, moving but interesting visit is to go to the tragic village of Oradour-Sur-Glane, a French ghost town that was destroyed on 10 June 1944. the village of Oradour-sur-Glane in Haute-Vienne in Nazi-occupied France was destroyed, when 642 of its inhabitants, including women and children, were massacred by a German Waffen-SS company. www.oradour.info
Les Cars – which is our next village has two lovely lakes to walk around, a pretty church and the chateau is of great historical interest as home of the Pérusse, great servants of the “royal administration” of the 14th and 17th century, the castle of Les Cars presents a unique profile in the land of the Monts de Châlus. Indeed, archaeological discoveries reveal the splendor of the site during the Renaissance while the ruins show the adaptation of architecture to the use of firearms during the wars of religion. despite the revolutionary destruction, a set of remains formed mainly of two towers, pavilions, and magnificent stables decorated with frescoes, remains accessible today. An exhibition combining model plans, archaeological furniture and a lapidary collection allows you to grasp the site at the height of its splendor.
There are also some great walks around the area to suit all ages and abilities.
When in Les Cars you should try and visit Broussaud Textiles for some great bargains on socks, underwear and tights in their factory shop, established in 1938 they produce 100% french sock manufacturer https://www.broussaud.com/
DINING OUT
There are many different places to eat in the local vicinity. Here are just a few, we would be happy to make reservations for you.
Bussiere-Galant – 5 minutes by car
The Californian – Bar Restaurant serving traditional and English food (fish & chips Friday). Open daily apart from Saturday & Monday for coffee & lunch. Dinner Friday evening only. 05 55 53 43 23
Le Galant – Cuisine tradional – very good restaurant specialising in local produce. Open every
day for lunch. Friday and Saturday night – reservations 24hr in advance during peak season. 05 55 71 20 72
Pageas – 7 minutes by car
Le Saberik restaurant – local cuisine, open Monday to Thursday for lunch and also Friday and Saturday for dinner. 05 55 78 89 77
Chalus – 9 minutes by car
Le Saxo – French Restaurant. Open daily apart from Monday and Sunday evening for coffee, lunch and dinner. 05 55 78 50 29
Hotel du Centre – English owned and locally known as Dave’s bar. Small menu with daily specials. Good steak and chips. 05 55 78 41 61
La Coquille – 20 minutes by car
Les Voyageurs – Nice varied menu with different cuisines. Open daily apart from Monday. Dinner every night except Monday. 05 53 52 80 13