3 weekend breaks less than 3 hours from Bordeauxin Haute-Vienne

3 weekends break less than 3 hours from Bordeaux

We tend to think we have to travel right across France to get away from it all. Yet, less than three hours from Bordeaux, the Haute-Vienne has some hidden gems that are perfect for a proper break: large lakes, charming villages, mysterious forests and unusual family experiences. Ideas for getaways where you can really switch off… without spending the whole day on the motorway.

At a glance

1. Le Dorat

a small town with a big personality

2 hours 37 minutes by train from Bordeaux (1 change) and 2 hours 40 minutes by car: an enchanting getaway to Le Dorat, a “Petite Cité de Caractère” that certainly lives up to its name.

The weekend’s itinerary:

Saturday: A journey back in time. We’ll start by strolling through the medieval alleyways. A must-see is the monumental Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens Collegiate Church (a granite colossus!) and the Porte Bergère, the only fortified gate to have survived the test of time to guard the town. A little gem just waiting for you: the cloister of the former Carmelite convent, a haven of absolute peace.
Sunday: Let’s stretch our legs. Le Dorat is also all about nature. Lace up your trainers for one of the walks around the town.

Where to eat? (because that’s part of the fun too): For lunch, there are two options:

The cosy option at La Marmite, a generous eatery where local produce is cooked with love. 🥘
The “freestyle” option: head to Au Délice Gourmand to put together a picnic featuring local flavours. Don’t forget to pick up a box (or two – we won’t judge) of the famous Macarons du Dorat, the historic speciality that crunches delightfully on the tongue 🍪

Where to stay? To stay in the peaceful and colourful spirit of your break, settle in at Maison Pistache. A charming holiday cottage where the décor is as welcoming as the hosts, perfect for waking up to birdsong before setting off on a new day!

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Voie Verte Magnac Laval Dorat
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@visitlimousin

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Le Macaron Du Dorat Une Specialite Gourmande Du Limousin A Deguster Au Detour Dune Balade
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Corot Saint Junien site
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@itineramagica - @foehn photographie

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Walking tour in Limousin - Remarkable trees on the Peyrassoulat site near Saint Junien and Oradour sur Glane
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OT POL

2. Saint-Junien

Leather City

A 2-hour 20-minute drive from Bordeaux: head for Saint-Junien and the banks of the Vienne to slow the pace down a bit… without ever running out of things to do.

The itinerary:

Saturday: ‘Fashion Week’ mode and historic buildings. We’ll start with a stroll through the town’s historic alleyways. Don’t miss the superb Pont Notre-Dame, before climbing (I promise, it’s worth it) up to the terraces of the former Saint-Amand Abbey. From up there, the view over the valley is simply magnificent. Next, head to the Cité du Cuir. Because yes, the Haute-Vienne region dresses and shoes the world’s elite! Saint-Junien is the historic capital of luxury gloves. Here you’ll discover how, for decades, local artisans have been transforming the material to supply international haute couture houses 🧤

Sunday: Off to the Site Corot. This green oasis on the banks of the Glane is so beautiful that it inspired the famous painter Camille Corot; you literally feel as though you’re walking through a life-size Impressionist painting. If you’ve brought your bikes (or if you hire some there), treat yourself to a lovely ride along the River Vienne via the Vélidéale (a major 680-km cycle route linking the ‘ Limousin ’ to the Atlantic). After all that effort, it’s time for a treat. You simply can’t leave without popping into Pâtisserie Faure to try the ‘Arena’ – it’s THE local speciality.

On the way back to Bordeaux: Some remarkable trees you simply must see before heading back into town! At the Peyrassoulat site, a real treasure lies hidden: immense plane trees, one of which is a listed tree, with a wingspan of 40 metres and a circumference of 6 metres.

Where to eat?
For dinner, pull out all the stops at the Castel de Glane. Nestled in a lush estate, this restaurant offers refined cuisine that showcases the best of the local region.

Where to stay?
To stay completely disconnected right to the very end, check into the Cottage Limousin. This holiday cottage on the banks of the Vienne has everything you could want in an ideal hideaway: a large garden, a terrace for your morning coffee, and a swimming pool to unwind in when the weather’s fine. How much do you want to bet that, as soon as you arrive, you’ll be looking into taking a day off to stay an extra night? ✨

3. Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche

medieval town

If you love History with a capital H and the rolling landscapes of the Limousin, you’re in for a treat: head for the south of Haute-Vienne (less than 2 hours 40 minutes from Bordeaux)

The itinerary:

Saturday: We’ll start by walking the length and breadth of the historic centre of Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche. You simply can’t miss the monumental Collegiate Church Saint-Yrieix. Right next door, climb to the top of the Tour du Plô, the local keep offering the finest view of the town 🏰 A must-visit after climbing the tower’s steps: the patisserie and chocolate shop “Le Croquembouche”. It’s the best place to sample the authentic Madeleine de Saint-Yrieix and pick up a souvenir (which won’t last long in the car). In the afternoon, head for the spectacular Château de Bonneval. Straight out of a fairy tale, it has the unique distinction of having been home to the same family for nearly 1,000 years.

Sunday: We cross the department’s invisible border to treat ourselves to a coffee in Ségur-le-Château, listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”. Half-timbered houses reflected in the river, fortress ruins watching over the valley…

Where to eat?
Head straight to Aqui é Aura. For lunch or dinner, head to Aqui é Aura, a superb contemporary tavern situated on the banks of a charming pond. This spot perfectly blends modern design with a traditional feel. The chef serves bistronomic, seasonal cuisine that showcases local produce (such as the ‘cochon-cul noir’ pig).

Where to stay?
At the Gîte de la Brunerie. A lovely building, nestled in the heart of the countryside. Here, there’s no sound of car horns, just the silence of nature and the gentle lapping of the pool water, far, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life.