Tourist Information

There is plenty to see and do in the area. With such beautiful surrounding landscape, it is an ideal place for photography, painting, walking, cycling or even just sitting in the garden by the pool with a good book!

The local wild life is amazing; there is an array of birds, from tiny finches to large powerful buzzards. The beautiful red squirrel, deer, pine marten, hare and wild boar all roam freely.

Our nearest town is the quaint and medieval tapestry town of Felletin, which is about 6 km away (ten minute drive). Every Friday throughout the year a bustling lively fresh produce market is held. Small supermarkets, bakers, butchers, banks, chemists and restaurants are also located in the town.

During the summer months, the Eglise Notre-Dame du Château, built in 1478, has an exhibition of ancient and contemporary tapestries.

For one week during August each year, Felletin hosts a world music and dance festival, (Danses et Musiques du Monde de Felletin - (www.portesdumonde.net) with performers from around the world, it is well worth a visit.

For those who wish to be a little more active, guided walks are available through the tourist information office in Felletin.

The historic town of Aubusson, also famed for its tapestry and carpets, since the 14th century, is a 20 minute drive away. Aubusson is one of the larger towns in the Creuse, with a greater range of shops, restaurants and a small market on Saturday mornings.

Visit ‘le Musée Départemental de la Tapisserie’ in Aubusson with its fine collection of tapestries. Perhaps stroll around the old part of Aubusson, with its ancient buildings and watchtower (tour de l’Horloge), the ruins of the 11th century chateau (Esplande du Chapitre) and the 13th century Eglise Sainte-Croix.

The tapestry industry still thrives today in both Felletin and Aubusson, preserving a range of traditional crafts and skills.

Lac de Vassivière (www.vassiviere.com) is about 40 km away and well worth the drive. The lake, which is in fact a reservoir, contains approximately 100 million m³ of fresh water and has miles of beaches and lakeside. A host of water sports and outdoor leisure activities are available at and near the lake including windsurfing and sailing. Two areas are reserved for motor boating and water skiing. Boat trips around the lake are available, as is boat hire. During the holiday season, bathing beaches are supervised. With amazing scenery and excellent facilities, who needs the sea!

Near to Lac de Vassivière is the Parc d'Arbre en Arbre, (www.arbreenarbrevassiviere.com) an aerial rope course suitable for adults and children over 4 years. The course is made up of 7 circuits of differing levels of difficulty.

For those who wish to walk on the wild side, why not visit the wolf sanctuary (www.loups-chabrieres.com) in Guéret. Also in Guéret is, reputedly, the world's largest maze, “le Labyrinthe Géant des Monts de Guéret” (www.labyrinthe-gueret.fr).

Gouzon is the place to head for golf fans, (Le Golf de La Jonchère is about 45 km away) it has both 9 and 18 hole courses. Alternatively, there is a smaller 9 hole course at Bourganeuf (www.golf-bourganeuf.com), about 50 km away.

If you wish to stay a little closer to the gîte there is plenty to explore nearby. About 5 km way at Gioux are the remains of a Gallo-Roman villa. At Saint-Georges-Nigremont, about 20 km away, is the church of St.Georges, dating from the 15th century, with its great views across to the mountain range of the Massif Central.

The privately owned 15th century Château de Villemonteix (www.chateau-villemonteix.cla.fr), near Chénérailles, is about 40 km away. The interior has been restored and gives visitors an idea of what life would have been like during the 16th century. The château also exhibits many ancient Aubusson and Felletin tapestries.

About 25 km away, is the Domaine de Banizette at La Nouaille (www.banizette.com), a Private Historical Monument and a living memory of the past; it is a rural complex dating from the 15th and 17th centuries. It is unique in the Limousin area, and represents a typical large old farm and the rural activity of centuries past.

For a day out visit the Puy de Sancy (www.sancy.com), it is the highest mountain in the Massif Central at, 1,886 m the peak is usually snow capped until late spring. A 20-minute cable-car ride takes you near to the summit, where the views are breathtaking. The Puy de Sancy is popular all year round with both skiers and hikers. The nearby spa town of Mont-Dore is also worth a visit.

Near to Mont Dore is the city of Clermont-Ferrand and the extinct volcanoes of the Auvergne, including the Puy de Dôme one of the most visited sites in the region. The Puy de Dôme is a well-known centre for paragliding and the summit offers expansive views of the Chaîne des Puys and Clermont-Ferrand.

Close to the Puy de Dome is Vulcania, (www.vulcania.com) the world's only volcano theme park.

For winter visitors cross country skiing is available (subject to snow fall) at Pigerolle (about 15 km away), with some 90 km of tracks (www.pigerolleski.free.fr).

Depending on the chosen route, you may be able to catch le Tour de France as it passes through one of the local towns or villages (www.letour.fr). And, do not forget the Tour du Limousin, a four day road race, which takes place in August each year (www.tourdulimousin.com).

For those who like to try the local brew, there are two micro breweries nearby, La Brasserie du Plateau de Millevaches at La Gare, Croze (2 km away) (www.brasserieduplateau.fr) and La Brasserie de la Creuse at Rue des Ateliers, Felletin (6 km).