Close By

Fishing, walking, cycling both on and off road, golf and horse riding may all be found within easy reach of us. Lakes and rivers abound in the surrounding countryside. Lac Mondon, Chaillac and Lac d’Eguzon are all close by and have their own sandy beaches. The impressive Lac d’Eguzon has a variety of outdoor activities, including water-sports and rock climbing. Slightly further a field are Lac de St Paradour and Lac Vassivere with it’s extensive water sports complex.There are many fine castles and chateaux in the area. Gargilesse, nestles in the hollow of a small valley following the river of the same name just before it joins the Creuse.

The countryside in this region provides a spectacularly picturesque scene all the year round. So much so that many landscape painters have chosen to live and create here alongside musicians and craftsman who all seem to draw inspiration from the countryside. Fresseline is a pretty village where the confluence of the two rivers of the Creuse can be seen and where Monet stayed and painted during 1889.

Walking routes and paths can be found crossing the countryside everywhere to provide hours of exploration for walkers and naturalists, with routes that are often marked by coloured strips on trees or fences.

Saint Benoit de Sault

Built on a granite spur, this medieval town still has many reminders of times when fortified walls and gate houses were needed for protection from invading enemies. The town was surrounded by a double line of ramparts. The first, the most ancient, protected the priory, the church and the fort, the second established in the XVth century, encircled the commercial part.   It is said that when St Benedictine monks established themselves there, they changed the name of the town into that of its owner, Saint-Benoît, the “Sault” was added, probably because of thick wood, saltus, which surrounded it.

Argenton-sur-Creuse

Argenton-sur-Creuse is a small town in a scenic setting on the Creuse river, to the south of the ‘Centre’ region of France in the Indre department.It is the houses that line the river that are the most scenic highlight in Argenton – many have balconies that further overhang the slow moving water, and the Church of Saint-Benoit and an old stone bridge adding interest to the backdrop.

La Souterraine 

The quaint old town of La Souterraine is a 20-minute drive with its cobbled streets and narrow alleys that lead to a small tree lined square with cafes, bars and a number of estate agents. It also has two large supermarkets, an indoor swimming pool and sports centre. La Souterraine main line railway station provides direct and fast access to Paris to the north, Limoges and the South coast and is an excellent opportunity to take your travels a little further afield.

Chateauponsac

The beautiful hilltop town of Chateauponsac dates back to the Gallo-Roman period and many antiquities can be visited. A market is held every Wednesday and is a typical old-fashioned farmers’ produce and other local products necessary for everyday life. A variety of specialist local foods can be purchased and the regional cuisine is based on meat and dairy dishes unique to the area.

Bellac

Bellac is a small market town with a long history based around the leather tanning industry, that was important here during the Middle Ages. The 13th century stone arched bridge across the tranquil River Vincou has a view across the town. Heading into Bellac itself you will see, among other things, numerous ancient houses. Most of these date from the 15th to 17th centuries. Market days in Bellac are Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday