An Introduction to Limousin
Limousin is a popular destination for British holidaymakers and it's not hard to see why. Boasting areas of stunning natural beauty, the region is an excellent choice for those wanting to take full advantage of the French countryside. The three Limousin departments are Creuse, Haute-Vienne and Corrèze and each has its own unique set of attractions.
Creuse is located in the Massif Central and the River Creuse runs through the region. The landscape is characterised by gentle rolling hills and dramatic valleys. The weather here is a little cooler and wetter than in other nearby regions but it can still get very hot in the summer. Creuse is home to a lot of farmland and some of the most charming rustic gites in Limousin can be found here. The dense woodlands are excellent for escaping from the summer heat and there are many interesting and varied walks in the area.
The department of Haute-Vienne is named after the river that runs through the area. Much of the land is given over the agricultural industry but there are several towns in Haute-Vienne offering a wide range of attractions and diversions for visitors.
The vibrant city of Limoges is located in these departments and boasts an impressive cultural calendar. Those wanting to stay in one of the gites in Limousin with easy access to market towns and villages will find Haute-Vienne a great holiday destination.
The many chateaux scattered around the department offer the chance to spend a day in the countryside, combining nature with history and culture. Corrèze is one of the most beautiful departments in this part of France and will satisfy nature-lovers, active types and anyone wanting to spend time in the impressive French countryside.
Boasting pretty medieval villages, such as Ségur le Château and Tulle, Corrèze is full of things to see and do. Many of the villages and towns have annual festivals so if you can time your holiday to coincide with a few of these, you'll be guaranteed a full insight into traditional Corrèze culture and traditions.
The department is ideal for outdoors types, with all manner of physical pursuits on offer, from casual hiking to golfing and windsurfing to mountain-biking. The famous waterfalls at Gimel-les-cascades are a must-see for anyone staying in or near Corrèze and are easily accessible by car. The Corrèze countryside is dotted with chateaux, making it a great area to explore.