Parc naturel régional de Millevaches en Limousin

Description:

The Parc naturel régional de Millevaches en Limousin was the last of 45 such areas to be designated as a Regional National Park by the French government, in May 2004.  The status of RNP is given by the Prime Minister, and lasts for a duration of 12 years. 

The designated area of the naturel régional de Millevaches touches all three Limousin departments, and is located on the foothills of the Massif Central.  This sparsely populated area contains few towns of note, with the larger ones being Eyemoutiers in the north west, Meymac in the south east and Felletin in the north east.  The major Limousin towns of Tulle, Ussel and Aubusson are located close-by around the perimeter of the area.

The major lakes of Vassivière, Monédières and the Lac de la Vaud-Gelade are within its boundary, as are the sources of the Creuse, Vienne and Vezere rivers.  Many of the smaller rivers sourced from within the area also supply both the main Dordogne and Loire rivers. 

Its position on the western side of the Massif Central means that it is subject to high rainfall (as the first elevated land mass met by Atlantic weather systems).  Being semi-mountainous, it can also be affected by sudden changes in the weather, with storms being commonplace.

Landscapes consist mainly of peat bogs, meadows, heathers, and forests, with the latter occupying half of its surface area.  The park is said to be one of the best preserved environments of its type in France, with the natural resources of wood and stone contributing to a rich architectural heritage.  There are 15,000ha of forests, 6,500ha of peat bogs and 2,300ha of dry moors that make up the area.  It is home to 32 remarkable species of fauna, 42 remarkable species of insects and 113 remarkable species of flora.

The area is popular for its lakes and rivers, which provide numerous opportunities for outdoor pursuits, especially fishing and water sports, and in winter, Millevaches offers cross-country skiing.

The name Millevaches refers as much to legend as it does to the historical word ‘vacca', which refers to water (springs or sources).  The legend has it that a shepherdess keeping her herd of cows on the peat bog of Longeyroux was caught out by a terrible storm.  Her animals were petrified by the violence of the storm and remained fixed on the spot, not able to make it to the cattle shed.  The poor shepherdess was suddenly beseeched by the devil, and saw the cows transforming themselves into stones, with the moor soon covered with a thousand stones or "Millevaches."