Top 5 tourist hotspots in Limousin

Often described as a 'hidden treasure', Limousin remains a popular tourist destination not just amongst the Brits.  Dutch, German and Belgian tourists also seem to love the area, appreciating a different kind of holiday to the traditional seaside clamour.

 

But what are the best places to go, and the most satisfying things to see and do?  We've come up with our top 5 tourist hotspots to give you a headstart:

 

5. Millevaches Natural Park

Designated a regional natural park in 2004, some would say that this place is the essence of what a Limousin holiday is all about.  With rugged landscapes, meandering rivers, picturesque lakes, ancient villages and terrific facilities for outdoor pursuits, this place has all the ingredients for a totally different kind of holiday.  With an area of around 3,300 square kilometres, there's more than enough to explore!

 

4. Guéret

An ideal base to explore the wondrous Creuse landscape, the departmental 'capital' has plenty to offer visitors, such as the Musée de la Sénatorerie,  as well as local markets and facilities such as a swimming pool and cinema and many restaurants.  Nearby is the Lac de Courtille, a 12ha leisure lake, and towards the Monts de Guéret is Les Loups de Chabrières, a forest animal park where visitors can see wolves in a natural environment.  At 650m altitude, the Monts de Guéret are ideal for walking and cycling.

 

3. Limoges

No visit to the region would be complete without experiencing the historic and beautiful regional capital.  The imposing St Etienne Cathedral situated in the beautiful Jardins l'Eveche is a must, with a museum of fine arts sited in the nearby Bishops Palace.  Explore the historic butchers quarter of town, the many porcelain museums and visitor centres, or venture to the outskirts of the city where you will find the Parc Bellevue outdoor amusement park or the Parc Reynou zoological park.

 

2. Beaulieu sur Dordogne

Situated on the Dordogne River, Beaulieu has to be one of the most beautiful villages in the region.  A trip on a traditional 'gabare' flat-bottomed river boat along the Dordogne is a must, and is an ideal way to learn more about the important part these boats played in the past.  The town is close to numerous outdoor centres offering canoe hire, climbing, archery and a host of other active pursuits.  There is plenty of medieval architecture to see here, and time your visit to coincide with the towns key event, the Strawberry Fair, on the second Sunday in May.

 

1. Lac de Vassiviere

An antidote for those who crave a beach in the land-locked region of Limousin, and one of the largest lakes in all of France.  This thousand hectare man-made lake straddles all three departments, and offers around 30 miles of shoreline.  It has four fully equipped harbours, and provides beach lovers with a choice of five sandy strips.  On the Isle de Vassivière you will find the centre for contemporary art, with a lighthouse and outdoor sculpture park.  The Isle is accessible via a causeway and is dominated by the Château.  Offering beaches, outdoor activities, culture and access to pretty villages such as Eymoutiers, the lac is our number one attraction!

 

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Posted by: Richard Stewart on 25 April 2009