Guided tours in Haut-Limousin | Limousin

A quick of a view

1. Mortemart

One of France's most beautiful villages

In the Limousin region, the charming, flower-filled village of Mortemart is the only commune in the Haute-Vienne department to be classified as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, rich in the vestiges of its glorious past, such as the Château des Ducs, built in the 10th century by Abon Drut, Lord of Mortemart, but destroyed by order of Cardinal de Richelieu. All that remains today is the keep tower and a number of exhibition halls.

Mortemart is an imposing architectural ensemble of great purity of line. It was also known for its convents, such as the Carmelite and Augustinian Convent, the latter two of which illustrate the religious past of this magnificent village. The old market hall and the houses of notables are reminders that Mortemart was also a prosperous trading center.

Guided tours for groups of 10 or more by appointment only.

Length of tour: 1 hour 30 minutes
Rates: €6.00/person (12 years and over)
School package: €25.00/class
Information and reservations: 05 55 68 12 79 or info@tourisme-hautlimousin.com

See the village

2. Montrol-Sénard

Rural Nostalgia" tour

Come and discover a typical Limousin village that evokes rural life in the early 20th century in 18 authentic settings, including the “Chabatz d’entrar” house and its cowshed, the farm bakehouse, the washhouse, the village school, the pig and chicken shed, the bread oven, the woodshed, the attic, the watering hole, the clogmaker’s workshop, the shoemaker’s workshop and many other treasures to discover…

Guided tours for groups of 10 or more by appointment only. Open from the spring vacations to the end of the All Saints’ Day vacations (for groups wishing to visit the village on their own, please let us know in advance).

Length of visit : 2 hours
Rates: €6.00/person (6 years and over)
School package: €25.00/class
Information and reservations: 05 55 68 12 79 or info@tourisme-hautlimousin.com

NB: Not suitable for people with reduced mobility or walking difficulties (numerous staircases).

See the village

3. Bellac

Centuries of influence

Come and discover the history of Bellac, as told through its monuments and picturesque streets, such as Notre-Dame church, home to the oldest 12th-century reliquary shrine in the world. Bellac has nevertheless preserved traces of its past through its perched houses and picturesque alleyways. You’ll discover a particularly interesting religious and craft heritage. Along the way, you’ll come across the old Pont de la Pierre, one of the oldest medieval bridges in France, spanning the Vincou river. On the way back up to the church, a slope through the old town is said to have inspired Jean de la Fontaine to write his fable “Le Coche et la Mouche”. Bellac is also the birthplace of Jean Giraudoux, whose house is open to the public and can be visited during opening periods. If you take the time to visit his house, you’ll discover many documents and souvenirs of the writer.

Guided tours for groups of 10 or more by appointment only.

Length of visit: 1 hour 30 minutes
Rates: €6.00/person (6 years and over)
School package: €25.00/class
Information and bookings on 05 55 68 12 79 or info@tourisme-hautlimousin.com

NB: Not suitable for people with reduced mobility or walking difficulties (numerous staircases).

See the city

4. Le Dorat

Little City of Character

Le Dorat is a classified “Petites Cités de Caractère®” capital of the former province of Basse-Marche, and its heritage is exceptional. Along streets steeped in history, discover the importance of this religious and intellectual city fortified in the XVᵉ century.

Don’t miss
The Collégiale Saint-Pierre (XII-XIIIᵉ centuries), fortified in the XVᵉ century, is one of the most imposing in central France. It is surmounted by a gilded angel (XIIᵉ century) and
houses the relics of saints Israël and Théobald, protectors of the town.
The Porte Bergère, the only fortified gate in the Haute-Vienne region.
The Jardin Santillana del Mar (Garden of the ramparts).
Characteristic gates carved in granite.
Mansions from the 17th and 18th centuries.
The Robert Lapayrière fountain.
Every seven years, Le Dorat celebrates the Ostensions Limousines.

Guided tours for groups of 10 or more by appointment only.
by appointment only.

Length of visit: 2 hours
Rates: €6.00/person (6 years and over)
School package: €25.00/class

OR

Length of visit: 1 hour (without the Collegiate Church)
Price: €6.00/person (6 years and over)
School package: €25.00/class
Information and reservations: 05 55 68 12 79 or info@tourisme-hautlimousin.com

For tours of less than 10 people, please contact the “Le Dorat Tourisme et Patrimoine” association on 05 44 25 46 77.

See the city

5. Saint Peter's Collegiate Church

du Dorat

The Collégiale Saint-Pierre du Dorat was built at the beginning of the second millennium and completed before the end of the XIIᵉ century. In the XVᵉ century, defensive fortifications were built. Unfortunately, these were demolished in the XIXᵉ century between 1860 and 1865, with the exception of certain elements preserved at the chevet and north-east of the building.

Once inside this edifice, you’ll marvel at its grandeur, its length and the wonders that adorn its walls, from floor to ceiling, you’ll see a “Benedictine” style. Its heart and radiating chapel are built on a crypt, which you’ll also be able to explore on this tour. The transept crossing is dominated by a majestic octagonal lantern tower, topped by a gilded Angel.
Our guides will be delighted to show you all the treasures this collegiate church has to offer.

Guided tours for groups of 10 or more by appointment only.

Length of visit: 45 minutes
Rates: €6.00/person (6 years and over)
School package: €25.00/class
Information and reservations on 05 55 68 12 79 or info@tourisme-hautlimousin.com

For tours of less than 10 people, please contact the “Le Dorat Tourisme et Patrimoine” association on 05 44 25 46 77.