Limousin is a département of central France situated in the western foothills of the Massif Central. The main towns in the area are Limoges and Brive la Gaillarde, a delightful medieval town packed with grand architecture and history. With undulating hills and a bounty of home produced foods, gites in Limousin make the perfect base from which to enjoy this peaceful, rural paradise. The area has lent its name to the reddish-brown breed of cattle which graze the landscape and provide exceptional beef.
The area is noted for its arts and crafts which make beautiful souvenirs of a holiday spent in this lovely area of France. Limoges is world-famous for its tasteful porcelain and enamelware, usually decorated with a charming rural scene. The town of Tulle gave its name to “tulle” fine lace and Aubusson is an historic centre for tapestries and weaving.
A self-catering holiday in Limousin will suit those looking for a quiet escape in this hidden gem, with many delightful places to visit and some local gastronomic indulgences to enjoy.
A comfortable gite in Limousin puts visitors in the heart of the area’s attractions. The unspoilt countryside is just waiting to be explored and is ideal for walking, cycling and horse riding. Local tourist offices can provide trails for mountain-biking and hiking. The numerous lakes offer safe beaches for sunbathing and quiet waters for windsurfing, kayaking, fishing and swimming. Canoeists on the small rivers will be challenged by small rapids with kingfishers and buzzards providing fleeting companionship. In the winter, the higher mountain areas offer cross-country skiing from your villa rental front door.
Must-see highlights include the Plateau de Millevaches, the “place of a thousand springs” where otters and wildlife reside undisturbed. It can easily be reached by steam train which runs on Sundays in the summer between Limoges and Ussel.
Craft lovers should make time to visit the Tapestry Museum in Aubusson and the sculpture park beside Lake Vassivière.
The picturesque villages around the Corrèze, such as the red sandstone village of Collonges-la-Rouge and the medieval town of St-Robert add to the charm of this idyllic area.
Spring and autumn are lovely times to visit the Limousin and summers are long and hot. Due to the hilly terrain the Limousin does have regular showers, so have a list of indoor attractions, museums and churches ready for those inclement days.
Most villages hold summer fetes and festivals which are an excellent opportunity to enjoy the local culture.
Finally, be prepared to try some of the local cider and Limousin cuisine as part of your French holiday experience. Truffles, duck, goose and chestnuts are the local delicacies. Fresh trout, pike and perch come from the local rivers and the black cherry calfoutis dessert is quite divine.
The easiest way to get to your gite in Limousin is by flying to Limoges and picking up a car rental to allow you to fully explore the area. Alternatively, the high-speed TGV train from Paris makes the journey fast and easy.