In Limousin you will find amazing natural corners. Forests of heather and chestnut groves, smooth lakes and high cliffs. And also a lot of old towns and villages. Here are some of the attractions of this region of France.
The Chateau de Chalucet, ruins on the top of a cliff dating back to the 12th century, was once a symbol of the power of the bishops and viscounts of Limoges. And during the Hundred Years’ War, bandits nested here, taking advantage of the troubled times and robbing everyone.
Chateau de Boussac, where the famous “Lady and the Unicorn” tapestry was discovered. At the top of the mountain was found chaos of granite yellowish stones, which is probably not just chaos, but the remains of an ancient dolmen.
The Chateau de Ventadour stands in ruins on a rock above the Liuzege River. It was once the residence of the viscounts of Vantadour, whose capital was Jussel. Sieged by Richard the Lionheart. In 1965, restoration work began, but the castle is still closed to the public.
Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne is a 12th-century church of Saint-Pierre with a sculptural group of Christ with “dancing apostles” above the entrance. The Dordogne River, flowing here, is quite suitable for swimming and paddling.
Uzerche (Uzerche) – back in the 8th century, its townsfolk became famous for their cunning behavior in dealing with the vicious Arabs who had just been defeated at Poitou – shared bread and beef with them. The Saracens were discouraged and forgave the city. Today it is very profitable to buy real estate here: the prices are low, and the air and nature are great.
Treignac is the so-called “stone of the druids. The laws of physics don’t seem to apply to him. Located on two other rocks, this huge boulder has almost no point of support, but it has been standing for many, many years. Of course, ancient people, interested in such mystical power of the stone, could not help but worship it.
Ussel is a town on the border with the Auvergne, on the road to Clermont-Ferrand. There is a palace of the local dukes, houses from the 16th and 17th centuries and a free local history museum. At the exit of the city stands a granite eagle (monument of Roman times almost two meters high and weighing 800 kg). The town is connected to Limoges by the railroad passing through the Milvas plateau, and in the summer it runs a tourist train with a steam locomotive (33 € for the full route).
Among the stops along the way is Meymac, a Romanesque church with pink columns.
Bugeat, the heart of the Milvache plateau, the remains of a 2nd century Roman villa, and Eymoutiers, a village of narrow stone buildings at the head of the Vienne.
Arnacpompadour is a gray chateau built in 1745, given by Louis XV to his mistress Madame de Pompadour. It had been idle for a long time because the Metress never bothered to come here. Thanks to the excellent pastures, horses are bred here. A visit to the farm is possible for 4 €.
