Haute-Vienne in the Limousin is a department where traditions are still very much a part of daily life. For holiday-makers, a particular attraction lies in the variety of its landscapes, which range from the wooded slopes of the Basse-Marche to the rugged peaks of the Puys and Grands Monts, from the rich green chestnut forests of the Pays des Feuillardiers to the lush valleys, lakes and rivers of Monts and Barrages and the Monts de Blond steeped in legend.
Here you can savour the beauties of nature at a leisurely pace on foot, on horseback or by bicycle. And along the way discover the picturesque charm of little-known villages such as Mortemart, Blond, Le Chalard, Jabreilles-les-Bordes, Nedde, Saint Léger-la-Montagne, Montrol-Sénard and many more.
Lovers of architecture will be captivated by the sober elegance of abbeys and monastery churches at Le Dorat, Solignac, Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat, Eymoutiers, Saint Yrieix-la-Perche and Saint-Junien. They will be surprised, too, by the number of romanesque chapels, fortified churches, châteaux, rich country retreats and sturdy castles. Not to mention the warm hospitality of the region's many family-owned inns. Watersport enthusiasts will find all they need at Lake Vassivière or Saint-Pardoux, while twenty fully-equipped resorts offer ideal holiday venues to simply relax in the sun and get a tan, or spend ail your time on a sailboard, in a kayak or a canoe.
Limoges
A stay in Haute-Vienne will naturally include a visit to Limoges, capital of the Limousin region. In the course of two thousand years of history, the city has grown up around two different centres. In the Cité around the Cathedral of St-Etienne, terraced gardens and a magnificent botanical collection overlook the Vienne river, and cobble-stoned lanes are lined with gothic arcades and half-timbered houses. And on the site of what was once Saint Martial castle, now the main shopping centre and prime site for public services, visitors can admire such vestiges of the past as the crypt of Saint-Martial and the superb churches of Saint-Pierre du Queyroix and Saint-Michel des Lions or simply stroll through the bustling and colorful old squares.
A major metalworking centre, Limoges has been famed since the Middle Ages for the quality of its enamels which in earlier times were prized throughout the Christian world. Today this tradition of quality is continued by a number of prestigious Master Enamellers.
Since the nineteenth century, Limoges has also been famous worldwide for its fine and unique porcelain. Today porcelain is a thriving industry, yet it has never ceased to be an art.
Marne
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Discovery of Epernay in the Champagne Region
A charming journey in epernay. This pretty town is located between the Marne river and the hills, at the junction of the 'Tourist Routes of Champagne' which traverse these famous vineyards. Epernay is surrounded by these sloping vineyards and is the heart of the 30, 000 hectares...
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Destination:
Haute Vienne
