Sanctuaire Notre Dame de la Paix - Saint Auvent
Our must-havesNuggets from the Ouest Limousin
Sanctuaire Notre Dame de la Paix - Saint Auvent1. Le Petit Lourdes
Shrine of Our Lady of Peace at Saint-AuventA veritable treasure trove hidden away in the Gorre valley, the Notre Dame de la Paix site is a breath of fresh air just a stone’s throw from the village, as if out of time. It’s the ideal place for a quiet stroll, a moment of relaxation or méditation🧘♀️, or simply to cool off in summer.
Steeped in a rich religious history, with a rock reminiscent of the grotto at Lourdes, this area is dotted with small monuments and statues and is the site of major annual pilgrimages. Signs provide cultural information.
As you cross the charming little bridge and listen to the gentle sound of the water in the rocks 😌, you’ll discover a chapel unlike any other: the charm of its architecture will not leave you indifferent!
Take pleasure in discovering this place with the “History and Nature” walking trail, the Terra Aventura course “the new challenge of the perinqueta”, trail training on the Way of the Cross, a moment of quiet fishing… to each his own discovery!
2. Brie castle
in Champagnac-la-RivièreA Sunday in the countryside… is an excellent excuse to go to Champagnac la Rivière, to discover the Château de Brie. On the Richard the Lionheart tourist trail, this 15th-century fortified house is also a family residence: the family who own the château welcome you into their home! 🤗
During the visit you’ll appreciate the charm of its flamboyant Gothic staircase made of 100% Limousin granite. You’ll also be able to project yourself back to that era and imagine yourself in the shoes of a knight or damsel.
Cultural and festive events are regularly organised at the Domaine de Brie, giving you the opportunity to discover this castle and enjoy its lush parkland on the edge of the Périgord Vert region.
L'Incontournable Chateau De Brie Sur La Route Richard Coeur De Lion En Haute Vienne C Maxime Authier
Voie verte en Limousin d'Oradour sur Vayres à Châlus3. The green route in Limousin
from Oradour-sur-Vayres to ChâlusThis greenway is a former railway line that has been converted into a 13km walking trail. From Oradour sur Vayres to Châlus, passing through Champagnac la Rivière and Champsac, you’ll come across cyclists, hikers, rock climbers, etc.
Green energy will be your only fuel as you walk, run or cycle along one of the few flat routes in the Limousin 😉 (OK, we admit, it’s not flat from time to time, but we’ve tested it: it’s easy!)
It’s the perfect place to gently stretch your legs and enjoy the surrounding countryside. The path is lined with trees, and dotted with pretty things: old gatekeeper’s houses, wild orchids, views over the countryside and fields of wheat… There’s no doubt that you’ll enjoy taking a stroll along it to clear your mind and body!
4. Lake Saint-Mathieu
in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional Périgord-LimousinCome and discover the bucolic charm of this corner of the countryside in the heart of the Périgord-Limousin. Take advantage of the many activities on offer at Lac de Saint Mathieu: in summer, of course, there’s swimming, paddle-boarding, pedal-boating, mini-golf, volleyball, pétanque and games on the beach, not to mention fishing and country picnics.
Whatever the season, you can enjoy the beauty of the site and its surroundings on one of the 6 hiking trails, ranging from 13 to 45 km, starting from the lake, or go fishing in peace and quiet. 🎣
Lac de Saint-Mathieu
Musee du chanvre et de la ganterie5. The Hemp and Glove Museum
in Cognac-la-ForêtA small museum in the heart of a Limousin village is well worth a visit. This former workshop dedicated to the art of glove-making houses a permanent exhibition on the know-how of the hemp and glove-making trades. A must-see during the summer season, you can discover :
- the different stages in glove-making (tools, machines, skin processing, etc.)
- hemp, from its agricultural origins to its use in clothing and housing
- high-quality temporary exhibitions on the environment, raising awareness of flora and fauna, etc.
A passion for nature and the preservation of local heritage make this somewhat unusual place a place to discover the Limousin authentic.
6. The Pouge pond
in Saint-AuventThis is the place to be for nature lovers! Observe the birds and flora, and learn new things on the interpretation trail… 28 hectares of unspoilt nature to breathe in and enjoy.
Take a 6km walk around the pond, explore the hilly and slightly wild surrounding countryside, go fishing or see the purple heron on the water… You’ll be amazed at what this haven of peace in the Haute-Vienne has to offer!🍃
The best thing for all the family: a fun trail called “Take flight at the Etang de la Pouge” with the Haute-Vienne Explor Games® app.
Héron cendré
Château de Cromières sur la route Richard Coeur de Lion7. The Richard the Lionheart Road
west of the LimousinThe medieval imprint in and around Ouest Limousin is the Richard the Lionheart Route.
With remains being restored in the heart of the countryside, castles and fortified houses🏰, we’re sure you’ll enjoy stepping back in time during your visits, or stopping to contemplate a site during your walk (or mountain bike ride 🚵) along the Cussac paths.
Take the time to discover all that our old stones in the Haute-Vienne have to tell you.
8. The Maquis caches
the Boubon forest at CussacIn the heart of the Boubon forest, the caches of the maquisards offer a poignant journey through the history of the Resistance. Carefully reconstructed by the Oradour-sur-Vayres and Cussac veterans’ association, these “gourbis” are a reminder of the courage of those who fought in the shadows. Today, this place of remembrance, just 200 metres from the hiking trail, with its explanatory panels, will tell you all about this very special period in the history of Oradour-sur-Vayres and Cussac.
To prolong this immersion, the “Boubon forest” hiking trail takes you along paths that combine wild beauty and traces of history. Don’t miss a short break under the leafcutter’s hut! A wonderful walk combining nature and memory, and for the younger ones (or geocaching addicts), a Terra Aventura trail!
Download the map, also available on the hiking apps, to make the most of this unique experience.
